He was speaking following the publication of a report from the Department for the Economy detailing NI’s electricity and renewable energy consumption for the last year. There, it was reported that 47.4% of our electricity consumption came from renewable sources (down 1.6% from last year), and that 83.8% of renewable electricity came from wind (down 1.1% from last year), for example.

The East Antrim MLA has said: “To see this slight dip in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources is incredibly disappointing. Especially at a time when we should be dramatically upscaling our production of clean energy to ensure that we can meet our mandated climate change targets.

“The renewable energy sector here in NI is full of potential, but is sadly shackled by unstable political institutions which make NI unattractive for investment. If we’re to make the real progress that is needed, this must change.

“If Stormont cannot be restored or those with the power to do so simply refuse, we must look towards reforming the institutions so no one party can hold up this kind of progress ever again. We need a functioning Executive in place urgently to address the barriers to increasing renewable energy generation rates in NI.”