\n Date published:
\n 27 February 2025<\/p>\n
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has today launched a consultation as a first step towards identifying areas for
potential development of offshore renewable energy.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP): Consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment (RIAA)\u2019 is open now.<\/p>\n
A key action of the OREAP is to update the SEA and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) of offshore renewable energy in Northern Ireland\u2019s marine area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nMinister Archibald explained: \u201cIn 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffshore renewable energy in our marine area is a key deliverable of the Executive\u2019s Energy Strategy. It could be the north\u2019s most ambitious energy infrastructure plan in a generation, which could supply our homes and businesses with clean and affordable electricity.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\nDr Archibald said: \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks until 23:59 on 22 May 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n