Economy Minister, Dr. , has welcomed the
Executive's agreement to introduce legislation which will
permanently end petroleum exploration and licensing here.
The Executive has endorsed the introduction of the Petroleum
Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill, which will remove the
Department for the Economy's statutory powers to issue licences
for petroleum exploration or extraction.
Minister Archibald said: “The Executive's approval of this Bill
marks a significant milestone in my commitment to
decarbonisation, as a key pillar of my economic vision for the
north.
“The evidence is clear: petroleum development will not deliver
meaningful economic benefit for our region, carries significant
environmental and community risks, and is incompatible with the
Executive's commitments on climate action and energy transition.”
In December 2024, the Executive agreed to a temporary moratorium
on petroleum licensing, following independent research, public
consultation, and detailed assessment of the economic,
environmental and social impacts.
Those assessments concluded that petroleum extraction would be
inconsistent with the North's obligations to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and transition to a low‑carbon energy system.
The Minister added: “Ending petroleum licensing allows us to
focus our efforts on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the
emerging green technologies that will deliver real economic
opportunity and support energy security.”
The Department for the Economy will now move to introduce the
Bill to the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Public Consultation Report can be viewed at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/onshore-petroleum-licensing-policy-public-consultation-analysis
