Northern Ireland is meeting the energy challenge

Northern Ireland’s energy sector is at the forefront of Europe and has a key role to play in the region’s future economic growth.

That was the message from Energy Minister Nigel Dodds, in his foreword in the 2008 Energy Institute Yearbook for Northern Ireland, which was launched today at a Biomass Energy Seminar in the Dunadry Hotel, Antrim.

The Institute is a chartered professional body for the international energy industry. The yearbook is widely read by professionals and academics working across the energy sector in Northern Ireland.

Commenting in the foreword, Minister Dodds said: “The creation of the Single Electricity Market (SEM) in November last year was a major step forward in the development of a robust local energy infrastructure.

“With up to 10% of electricity in the Irish Republic being imported from Northern Ireland or from Scotland, plans are underway to build a second north – south transmission interconnector by 2012. This will form a major part of our transmission grid, doubling trading capacity and enhancing competition and reliability of electricity supply.

“Such developments are key drivers of growth for the Northern Ireland economy, helping to build a more productive and prosperous society here.

“Sustainable energy development is another area of significance, not least because of our considerable renewable energy potential. There are huge opportunities to use sustainable development to encourage innovation and local economic activity, to help tackle climate change and to address fuel poverty.”

The Minister believes that Northern Ireland must continue to work with its counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Irish Republic, as well as with professional bodies such as the Energy Institute, in order to ensure continued security of supply and the provision of a robust and sustainable energy infrastructure.

He continued: “As the worldwide race for fossil fuel supplies continues and the relatively new renewable energy sector emerges, we must continue to work with our counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Irish Republic to meet and overcome the energy challenges. The Electricity Grid Study published last week illustrated not only the scale of our renewable energy potential but also the implications, not least in terms of cost.

“Government must respond quickly to the changing energy environment and the Energy Institute has a key role to play in this. It can shape an industry which can help provide a robust and sustainable infrastructure to support a dynamic and innovative local economy and meet the needs of all the people living and working here.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading chartered professional membership body for those working in energy, supporting almost 13,500 professionals internationally
2. EI promotes the safe, environmentally responsible and efficient supply and use of energy in all its forms and applications. In doing so it addresses the depth and breadth of energy and the energy system, from upstream and downstream hydrocarbons and other primary fuels and renewables, to power generation, transmission and distribution to sustainable development, demand side management and energy efficiency
3. EI has a number of branches across the UK, and internationally can be found in Hong Kong, Houston (USA), India, the Irish Republic and the Netherlands.
4. Press queries on Northern Ireland’s energy policy to DETI Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 9510. For further information on the Energy Institute please contact Katie Pilkington, Honorary Secretary, Tel: 028 9026 5997
5. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.