UK: Record year for wind power firms
It has been a record year of investment in the UK wind power industry, with new farms created up three-fold on 2003.
By the end of 2004, a total of 12 new sites will be in operation, the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) says.
The industry has been boosted by a government target to produce 10% of UK energy needs from renewable resources by 2010.
Since the UK's first wind power project opened in Cornwall in 1991, over 90 farms have been set up.
There are currently 18 wind farms under construction.
Windiest nation
The BWEA says an extra £7bn ($13bn) will be invested in wind projects by 2010.
"These are exciting times for the wind industry," said BWEA chairman Marcus Rand.
"At long last we are developing a healthy and vibrant market in the UK, the windiest nation in Europe."
The UK's most powerful wind farm, Crystal Rig in the Lammermuir Hills near Dunbar, Scotland, opened in August.
Its 20 turbines provides energy for 33,000 homes.
