30/10/2008

Minister Opens Renewable Energy Conference

Northern Ireland Rural Affairs Minister Michelle Gildernew has opened the first ever AFBI International Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition in Newcastle.

Addressing at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) organised event, the Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between industry and government in the renewable energy field.

Ms Gildernew said: "Today's theme of global challenges/community solutions is certainly topical and I consider it crucial that workable solutions are found that promote the future viability of rural communities and the wider society.

"This conference offers an excellent forum for the exchange of ideas and the reporting of latest developments and is a credit to AFBI. I wish to thank them for all their hard work in organising this event and am very impressed by the wide variety of both speakers and attendees that are present.

"The wide-ranging content of the exhibition leaves me in no doubt that by the conference’s conclusion each of you will be much better informed in the field of renewable energy. The stage is now hopefully set for much greater collaboration in the future," added the minister.

(PR/JM)

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