Minister Darragh O'Brien is today (12 February) attending the British-Irish Council (BIC) Energy Ministerial, hosted by the UK Government in London.

Energy ministers from the eight BIC member administrations are assessing the Energy Work Sector 2022–2025 policy report and activity across decarbonising heat, offshore renewables, new and emerging technologies, and local and community energy.

Ministers are also endorsing a fresh Work Plan for the sector, with priority actions on public acceptance, a just transition, supply chains, skills and peer reviews.

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Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister O'Brien said: "I welcome this opportunity to meet colleagues at this British Irish Council Energy Ministerial. Decarbonisation, energy security, and affordability are shared challenges across these islands, and close cooperation can help all of us move faster and more effectively towards a low-carbon future. Ireland sees real value in using the BIC to share experiences and to align approaches where possible, as we respond collectively to these challenges and seize the opportunities of a low-carbon future across our islands."

Alongside the Ministerial, Minister O'Brien is holding bilateral discussions with the UK's Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, and Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power. Minister O'Brien and Secretary Miliband underlined the importance of the UK–Ireland energy relationship and committed to develop a new suite of actions for adoption at the forthcoming UK–Ireland Summit in March.