Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew launched Phase Two of the Switched on Schools initiative at Moat Primary School in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh.

Over £1.3 million is being invested in installing the renewable technologies at a total of 35 rural schools and 16 schools have already benefited from Phase One which was completed in September 2007.

An online educational resource will also be developed, designed to teach the next generation of young people about sustainable energy issues.

Launching the initiative, Ms Gildernew said: "This is a landmark initiative which places renewable energy at the heart of rural schools. Schools are vital in shaping the thinking and behaviour of the next generation, and these young people have their whole lives ahead of them as energy consumers.

"Schoolchildren will learn about renewable energy and issues such as climate change in their classrooms and will then see how they can contribute to a more sustainable world.

"Educating children to be aware of environmental issues will not only benefit the rural community, but also the world around them. Even little changes made by children can make a big difference to global issues."

Laurence MacKenzie, managing director of NIE, said: "We are delighted the Switched on Schools project has completed the first phase, installing over 100kWp of renewable generation at schools across Northern Ireland.

School principal Felicity Humphreys said: "It is the responsibility of everyone and education has an important role to play."