Northern Ireland's renewable heat target of 4% has been exceeded with an estimated 6% of heat now being provided from renewable sources.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell hailed renewables in Northern Ireland as a "success story".

He said: "The Executive's Programme for Government targets for renewable electricity and renewable heat have both been exceeded. More than a quarter of our electricity now comes from renewables compared to 3% a decade ago."

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The Minister confirmed that while schemes were closing for new applications, support for existing installations will continue for up to 20 years. He said: "This was a massive achievement for a region this size. It has reduced polluting carbon emissions, contributed to increased air quality and brought investment, jobs and skills to Northern Ireland."

(CD/LM)