Stormont Energy Minister Arlene Foster has met Lord Mogg, President of the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) in Brussels as part of her work to secure a sustainable energy future for Northern Ireland.

The minister discussed the role of the council in meeting the European Union’s (EU) goal of an internal energy market.

She welcomed the council's emphasis on bringing competitive prices and improved security of supply for industry and domestic consumers throughout the EU.

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This comes at a time when the European Parliament has agreed a third package of measures to re-invigorate delivery of EU-wide markets in electricity and gas.

Ms Foster said she believes the success of the Internal Market is dependent on how European cooperation on energy can bring practical and sustainable benefits to the local economy and consumers.

The minister said it is especially important to ensure secure and reliable supplies of natural gas and electricity.

"Harnessing the benefits of renewable energy will play a key role in creating a sustainable and secure energy future for Northern Ireland," she said.

"A key strand of the new Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland will be setting an ambitious target for electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The Framework is currently out for consultation on a proposed 40% target."

(PR/GK)