Renewable energy consumption in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in the last three years, according to the Energy Minister.

The largest growth was seen within the wind farming sector - a sign that the Province is entering a 'New Energy Era', Arlene Foster has claimed.

Minister Foster, speaking at the Irish Wind Energy Association's (IWEA) autumn Conference in Belfast, said renewable energy development continues to be at the forefront of her agenda.

The Minister outlined the progress to date in Northern Ireland, to increase the levels of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.

Minister Foster said: "With 99% dependence on imports to meet our energy needs, renewable energy is an imperative for Northern Ireland, to enhance security of supply, help protect against the price volatility of imported fossil fuels and to meet EU targets.

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"The good news is that Northern Ireland has some enviable natural resources, in particular wind, and it is encouraging that we now have 19 windfarms across Northern Ireland.

"As a result of this development, around 6% of our electricity consumption is from renewable sources, a growth of some 60% since 2005."

The theme of last week's conference was 'Actions for Economic Prosperity in a New Energy Era'.

Ms Foster said: "The speed at which wind farms are being developed presents potential commercial opportunities for local engineering companies.

"We have seen some evidence of this to date in the work that Harland & Wolff has been doing for offshore wind farm developments in Great Britain and for the Marine Current Turbine project at Strangford Lough."

The Minister added: "We also need industry to take advantage of the opportunities available and address the challenges so together we can help provide for a more sustainable Northern Ireland in this New Energy Era."

(PR/JM)