Starting today Northern Ireland householders will be able to obtain support towards the costs of installing a renewable energy heating system in their homes.

Launching the scheme, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the move will offer local people real choice when it comes to heating their homes.

Arlene Foster said: "Although many householders have had the option of natural gas for a number of years not all can avail of this low carbon fossil fuel. This new scheme will allow all private sector domestic energy consumers to obtain generous financial support towards installing biomass boilers, heat pumps and thermal solar panels in place of existing fossil fuel heating systems.

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"Northern Ireland homes account for 60% of our heat load which means they are vital in helping to achieve our target of 10% market share for renewable heat across Northern Ireland by 2020. So I would urge all those who are interested to make contact with my Department without delay."

Concluding, the Minister said she hoped to make further announcements shortly regarding support for non domestic installations and longer term incentives.

"My Department is committed to the development of the renewable heat market and making sure that Northern Ireland's heat market is more diverse, secure and sustainable. This Premium Payment scheme is the first of a number of initiatives which will demonstrate my Department’s long term commitment to this sector."

(CD)