Economy Minister Dr has today launched a
consultation as a first step towards identifying areas for
potential development of offshore renewable energy.
The ‘Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP): Consultation
on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental
Report and Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment (RIAA)' is
open now.
A key action of the OREAP is to update the SEA and Habitats
Regulation Assessment (HRA) of offshore renewable energy in
Northern Ireland's marine area.
Minister Archibald explained: “In order to meet our
Climate Change Act targets, we must diversify our energy mix to
include sources of local, sustainable and clean energy. The
potential development of offshore renewable energy could have
significant environmental benefits through increased renewable
electricity production. It also has the potential to enhance our
local economy and boost productivity across the north.
“Offshore renewable energy in our marine area is a key
deliverable of the Executive's Energy Strategy. It could be the
north's most ambitious energy infrastructure plan in a
generation, which could supply our homes and businesses with
clean and affordable electricity.”
The SEA and RIAA assessments that are being consulted on enable
the Department and its delivery partners to identify suitable
marine areas across Northern Ireland which maximise the potential
of offshore renewable energy whilst minimising disruption to the
seabed and to those who live and work in coastal
areas.
Dr Archibald said: “My Department is committed to
ensuring this Action Plan identifies areas for offshore renewable
energy which are sustainable. The development of this sector must
be in unison with local citizens, businesses and communities and
I would encourage everyone to have their say. This is your
opportunity to shape renewable energy policy that meets our
demand for greener energy now and for future
generations.”
The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks until 23:59 on 22
May 2025.
