A call has been launched for evidence in the development of a new energy strategy.

The Department for the Economy published the Call for Evidence as a next step in tackling the climate emergency across Northern Ireland.

Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, said: "The context for energy has changed substantially since the 2010 Strategic Energy Framework (SEF) was published. Earlier this year, the UK became the first major economy to commit to a 100% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050. Any new strategic direction for energy in Northern Ireland must take account of emissions from energy used for heat, power and transport.

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"There are undoubtedly challenges ahead with formulating and delivering a new strategic direction for energy. It will only be achieved through widespread collaboration across government, energy industry representatives and wider society."

This Call for Evidence, which will run until 20 March 2020, has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald who sees it as an "important step" in sustainably meeting energy needs in the future.

"It is important to identify and commit to ambitious targets to achieving net zero carbon," the L'Derry MLA added.

"We need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre industrial temperatures to prevent catastrophic consequences for the planet.

"The science is clear, to do this requires radically reducing emissions, particularly of carbon dioxide.

"We need a strategy that will urgently end our dependence on fossil fuels, provide the investment and infrastructure for renewables and storage technologies, alongside other actions including investment and promotion of public and active transport and planting more trees to offset the emissions as we target ambitious reductions.

"Sinn Féin believes that climate legislation is necessary to place emission targets and other actions on a statutory basis."

(CM/JG)