NI And Scotland 'Shared Thinking' On Energy Pressures

Northern Ireland Energy Minister Arlene Foster has said she will engage in 'shared thinking' with the Scottish Parliament to tackle climate change and ensure better energy provision.

Meeting with her MSP counterpart, Jim Mather, in Belfast last week, Ms Foster said a global approach to securing energy must be taken, amid the threat of climate change.

"We need to maximise the opportunities for cooperation, regionally, nationally and in Europe in the face of external political and economic pressures on energy supplies," she said.


Ms Foster said she and Minister Mather would meet on a regular basis to 'share thinking' and to "work on projects that can help deliver sustainable, secure and affordable energy for consumers".

"A key focus will be on practical measures to maximise the opportunities from our off shore renewable energy resources," added the DUP Minister.

Scottish counterpart Jim Mather said both governments had already collaborated on a feasibility study for better grid connections and the potential for energy from marine biomass.

"We will continue to regularly progress ways of securing a sustainable and economically viable energy sector for the benefit of both our economies and our environments."

Earlier last week, Ms Foster launched a scoping paper for a new strategic energy framework for Northern Ireland.

The paper asks questions about the energy challenges facing Northern Ireland now and in the future. This will lead the way to further consultation in early 2009 on a new strategy for energy policy.

(PR/JM)