Image copyright Reuters Image caption Northern Ireland hit record heights in 2013

Northern Ireland hit record heights in terms of wind energy in 2013.

Last December, power generated by turbines regularly contributed upwards of 40% of the local electricity demand, according to the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group (NIRIG).

It said local wind farms now had the capacity to power 345,410 homes.

The highest levels of wind energy ever recorded here were on 17 December at 18:30 GMT.

"This is a significant milestone as it is the first time that wind has contributed more than 500MW to energy needs in Northern Ireland and represented 36% of total electricity needs at that moment," said Gary Connolly of NIRIG.

The renewables industry is holding a conference in Belfast on Thursday.

About 750 people are now employed in the sector In Northern Ireland.