The new targets proposed by the EU for the level of renewable energy the member states must reach by 2020 will require a massive increase in the use of alternatives to fossil fuels such as wind and tidal power in the UK.

Wind farm developments which could power every house in Belfast are being delayed by planning application decisions which take up to three years, it emerged today.

The wind industry is expanding rapidly and has enjoyed a record year for investment in the UK, a new report showed today.