NI Energy Minister Arlene Foster is encouraging Northern Ireland to have its say in the debate about renewable energy.

The Minister spoke today, as the UK Government published a Renewable Energy Strategy for consultation.

"I am encouraging the people of Northern Ireland, and in particular those working in the energy industry and the sector’s key stakeholders, to have their say in this consultation," Mrs Foster said.

"Northern Ireland has some of the best conditions in Europe for renewable electricity production and we want to hear your views on how we can maximise this potential – and how we can start to increase levels of renewable heat consumption.

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"We are almost wholly dependent on the import of fossil fuels. As the prices of these continue to increase, Northern Ireland must ensure it has access to secure, competitively priced and sustainable energy supplies.

"Boosting the production and consumption of renewable energy is a key part of my strategy to achieve this."

Commenting on the consultation, the Minister continued: "This consultation covers the full range of issues surrounding renewable energy."

She also said she wanted to hear new ideas that would make a positive impact on local renewable energy consumption and reiterated that we should make the most of our natural resources "to cut carbon emissions and to ensure a sustainable future for Northern Ireland".

Mrs Foster added: "The views of people in Northern Ireland will be vital to inform both the wider UK debate and a revised Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland later in 2008/09."

(JM)