Northern Ireland's offshore renewable energy potential has moved another step closer to realisation, according to NI Energy Minister, Arlene Foster.

Minister Foster made the claim as she announced the launch of the draft DETI Strategic Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan 2009-2020 and its associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

A SEA assesses environmental issues that must be taken into early consideration when developing plans and programmes, with a view to promoting sustainable development.

"Increasing renewables is imperative for Northern Ireland," said Minister Foster.

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"To date, onshore wind has provided us with most of our renewable electricity and, while we will continue to develop this resource, we need to develop more of our natural assets to contribute to the challenging 40% renewable electricity 2020 targets I proposed in the draft Strategic Energy Framework earlier this year.

"Our proposals to develop offshore wind and marine renewables have been subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment. That assessment considers that a substantial capacity could be developed, without significant adverse effects on the environment or other marine users.

"It has also identified a range of mitigating actions which will be taken forward as we make progress with the plans."

Rob Hastings, Head of the Marine Estate at The Crown Estate, added: "The marine renewable sector is a growth industry with an exciting future.

"The Crown Estate is very keen to play our part in enabling offshore renewables in Northern Ireland. We look forward to working with DETI over the coming months to develop the programme for commercial projects later in 2010-2011."

(NS/BMcc)