Targets have become an essential tool in measuring success at many levels of Government and business, but can they count for anything if no one is held accountable?

In 2003, the UK Government signed up to a target of 10 per cent of electricity to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2010 and established the Renewables Obligation in April 2002 as the financial mechanism designed to incentivise investment in renewable technologies and help the UK reach its target.

There have been successes:

Onshore wind is delivering at a remarkable rate having increased generating capacity by almost 50 per cent in less than eight months. 511 new megawatts (MW) have been commissioned to date in 2006, taking the total onshore wind capacity to 1,632 MW and increasing the total UK electricity contribution from renewables to nearly 5per cent.

Almost 10,000 MW of onshore wind capacity has been submitted into the planning system since the Renewables Obligation came into force in April 2002

The UK is nearly half way to achieving the 2010 target and with only four years left in which to deliver, is the target still achievable, are there going to be shortfalls and what can be done? A smaller combined contribution from offshore wind, biomass, landfill gas and small hydro will play a part, but the deciding factor lies in how Government and industry can work together in delivering onshore wind.

The most comprehensive analysis of onshore wind delivery ever conducted demonstrates that the industry is capable of delivering a further 4,500 MW of capacity by 2010, equating to around 3.4 per cent of UK electricity supply. However, planning decision delays will determine whether or not this can be achieved:. The current hiatus in decision-making means the target is less likely to be met with each passing day. The industry does not expect approvals for all applications but targets designed to meet 10 per cent of our electricity from renewable energy sources must be accompanied by targets for timely decision-making.

In order to build projects by 2010, decisions must be made by December 2007 - at the latest. The Government must lead by example, showing its desire and commitment to meet its renewable energy target by encouraging prompt decision-making. This will allow the flagship onshore wind industry to signal the UK as a buoyant and sustainable renewable energy market, building investor confidence for a long-term renewables future.

Chris Tomlinson director of operations, BWEA