Minister's speech - NI Energy Forum 2026 - 9 September 2026

Note: this publication may not reflect verbatim delivery by Minister Archibald

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to be speaking to so many people who are shaping the future of our energy system.

The theme of today’s conference, ‘Energy in an Uncertain World’, is fitting.

Over recent years, households, businesses and governments have all been reminded that energy security cannot be taken for granted.

Since 1973, we have experienced seven major oil price crises. They have become more frequent and, in many cases, more severe.

We cannot control global energy markets.

But we can determine how exposed we are to them.

In an uncertain world, government can provide certainty — through clear policy, credible delivery plans and a stable framework for investment.

The Executive’s Energy Strategy sets out our pathway to self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy.

Greater use of our own renewable resources.

Less reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Greater protection from international price shocks for consumers and businesses.

And a transition that creates the conditions for investment, innovation and long-term prosperity.

Last week it was announced that we have reached a record high of 53% of our electricity generated from local renewables.

Consumers are already seeing the benefits.

Earlier this summer, the Utility Regulator indicated that, had this region been wholly dependent on gas-fired generation, electricity prices could have risen by around 60 per cent. Instead, the increases experienced were in the region of 10 and 20 per cent.

That is a clear demonstration of the value of renewable electricity and the work we have collectively delivered to date.

But it also points to the bigger opportunity ahead.

By 2030, we will see a power system where renewables provide the vast majority of the electricity we consume, supported by a more resilient network, greater levels of storage and more flexible system operation.

Consumers will have more information, more choice and more control over how they use energy, supported by smart technologies, innovative tariffs and access to new services that help reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Businesses will have confidence that our energy infrastructure can support investment, expansion and growth.

And energy will be seen not as a constraint on economic development, but as one of its key enablers.

This future will require action across the whole system.

It will require leadership from government, investment from industry, delivery from infrastructure providers, innovation from businesses and researchers, and continued collaboration across the energy sector.

That work is underway.

Yesterday the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill had its second reading in the Assembly, to support further investment in renewable electricity generation and help position this region as a competitive and attractive location for clean energy development.

We are preparing for the rollout of smart meters from 2028, which will provide the foundation for a smarter, more flexible and more consumer-focused electricity system.

Smart meters will give consumers better information about their energy use. They will support new tariffs, new services and new opportunities for households and businesses to reduce costs and take a more active role in the energy system.

We recently published an Interconnection Policy Statement, setting out a clear framework for future East-West electricity interconnection and ensuring that future projects support decarbonisation, strengthen energy security and deliver lasting value for consumers and the wider economy.

Fairer grid connections are now in place. This will reduce delays, give developers more certainty, and help more renewable projects connect to the grid.

Later this year, I will publish an Energy Storage Policy Statement, supporting investment in the storage and flexibility technologies that will be essential to a modern power system.

NIE Networks is progressing the largest programme of investment ever undertaken in the electricity grid, refurbishing the infrastructure to provide more resilience, better security of supply, support renewable generation, wider electrification of our energy needs in transport and heat and catalyse economic growth.

SONI is delivering the operational and technical transformation needed to integrate increasing levels of renewable electricity, while maintaining a secure and reliable power system, lowering costs for businesses and homes.

If we are to remove the use of fossil fuels by 2050, we must also address how we heat our homes, businesses and public buildings.

Since 2021, investment in the Energy Invest to Save Fund for public sector buildings has driven annual energy cost savings of over £10 million to the public purse.

This year, we will consult on scheme design and funding options for a new energy efficiency low-carbon heat support scheme for homes.

The scheme will support warmer, more efficient homes, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and contribute to green skills, jobs and investment.

We are also making real progress with proposals for dedicated frameworks for both producing geothermal energy and delivering heat networks to provide certainty, protect consumers and support future investment.

In addition, my Department is working closely with partners across government, industry and the regulator to develop biomethane policy that can help unlock its potential and I expect to launch the policy consultation next month that is a joint development with colleagues in DAERA.

Taken together, these are the building blocks of the energy system we need for 2030 and beyond to 2050.

The Energy Strategy established the pathway and the challenge is to accelerate our progress. I hear that message loud and clear.

That is the purpose of my forthcoming Energy Policy Position Statement.

The Statement will look ahead to 2030 and set out the energy system we are seeking to build, why it matters, and the practical steps required to deliver it.

It will be built around three core themes:

Ambition, investment and innovation.

Ambition, because the scale of change required over the next four years is significant, and we need to be clear about the future that we are creating.

Investment, because the energy transition requires modern infrastructure, stronger networks, new technologies and long-term confidence from both the public and private sectors.

And innovation, because we need to make better use of our resources, empower and protect consumers, unlock new technologies and create new opportunities for businesses and communities.

It will set out how we continue to move from ambition to action, from investment to delivery, and from innovation to real-world benefits for consumers and businesses.

The next four years are critical.

My Department will continue to set direction, establish the policy framework and help create the conditions for investment and innovation.

But delivery will depend on industry, infrastructure providers, regulators, consumers and many of the organisations represented in this room today.

We have a clear strategy and a clear plan.

We have made significant progress.

The task now is to accelerate that progress.

I look forward to working with you to deliver that.

Thank you.