Minister's speech - RSPBNI: Embedding Nature's Recovery in Offshore Development - 9 June 2025

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

Good afternoon, everyone.

Thank you, Joanne and Erin, and all the RSPB team, for inviting me to speak with you today, and for organising this event. 

It’s a pleasure to be among so many who are committed to protecting our natural environment, while advancing our renewable energy ambitions.

Offshore development will play a key part in delivering my four economic my priorities; by creating more good jobs, by increasing productivity, by helping to achieve regional balance, and of course, by driving decarbonisation.

The transition to a decarbonised energy system represents a huge economic opportunity for the North.

By striving for self-sufficiency in affordable, renewable energy, we can ensure that local people and businesses benefit from fairer - and critically - more stable energy prices.

To meet the ambitious targets set out in the Climate Change Act and Energy Strategy, we must diversify our energy mix and harness more indigenous, clean energy sources.

Offshore wind is pivotal in this transformation.

It will not only increase our renewable energy capacity, it will also strengthen energy security, stimulate innovation, and support high-quality employment across our communities.

Looking towards 2030 and beyond, my department is working closely with important organisations, including the RSPB, to ensure the right policy, regulatory, and market frameworks are in place to support the responsible growth of this sector; one that delivers benefits for our people, our climate, and our natural world.

I am particularly pleased to see the strong and constructive relationship that has developed between my department and the RSPB.

As members of the Offshore Renewable Energy Forum, your expertise and continued engagement are invaluable as we work together to shape a future where offshore renewable energy and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

The establishment of this Forum has been a significant milestone.

It brings together a diverse and vital group, including coastal communities, the fishing industry, maritime safety experts, and environmental protection bodies, to name but a few.

Importantly, it has ensured that the widest possible spectrum of views are considered, in the ongoing development and delivery of the Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan.

This inclusive approach reflects my commitment; that Offshore renewable energy must be delivered in a way which is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

This principle is at the heart of the Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan.

As part of this work, my Department carried out a public consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment, and Report to Inform the Appropriate Assessment for offshore renewable energy in our marine area.

These are critical tools in helping us to understand the potential impacts of development and ensure that nature is protected at every stage of the process.

Thank you to all those who have contributed to that consultation which will support how policy is shaped to meet our growing demand for clean, sustainable energy, while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

But of course, the work doesn’t stop here.

The Energy Strategy Action Plan 2025 outlines a number of key actions for completion this year.

Among them are two particularly significant developments, including the introduction of a draft bill on Offshore Renewable Energy Installations.

And the confirmation of connection arrangements for offshore developments

These will ensure we are ready to keep pace with the ambition and scale of our offshore renewable energy goals.

The path ahead will require more collaboration and closer working.

But together we can seize the opportunity of offshore renewable energy while ensuring we look after our marine environment responsibly.

Thank you again to the RSPB for inviting me to be with you today, and for your continued support as we move ahead on this journey.

Thank you.