Northern Ireland must shore-up other energy resources to avert threats posed by foreign fuel supplies, the Stormont Energy Minister has said.

Arlene Foster, speaking to industrialists at an international energy conference in Belgium, said the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine highlighted the vulnerability of Western economies when external fuel supplies are cut off.

"We must ensure that energy, the life blood of modern economies, continues to flow," she said.

The Minister has commissioned a full review of Northern Ireland's energy policy.

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"We are blessed with an abundance of energy sources. These include wind, wave and tidal sources as well as opportunities for the agricultural sector to contribute to renewable energy, for example from bioenergy," said Ms Foster.

The Minister called for a complete overhaul of the province's electricity grid.

"In order for Northern Ireland to benefit from a substantial increase in wind powered generation, our electricity grid will need a major overhaul. This will require significant investment," she said.

Ms Foster highlighted the success of the SeaGen tidal project at Strangford Lough, which is expected to generate sufficient, clean renewable electricity for some 1,000 homes here.

She added: "We are entering a new energy era, an era that will bring as many opportunities as it does challenges.

"If we are to combat climate change and achieve a sustainable energy future for our children, it will be important to work not only in partnership with our regional neighbours but with those across Europe," added the Minister.

(PR/JM)