The UK will in all likelihood eke past its target to generate 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010 – a voluntary benchmark meant to act as a guidepost on the way to meeting the EU’s binding 2020 targets.

But the likely success of the UK’s 2010 target masks the worrying performances of England and Wales, which have fallen hopelessly behind on their own regional goals.

Only one of England’s eight economic development regions – London – has already reached its 2010 goal, with most others less than halfway there. Wales, too, is expected to fall far short of its targeted 1,500 megawatts (MW). Only 100MW of onshore wind has been brought online in Wales since 2005.

“Given the short period of time remaining between now and the end of 2010, it must be concluded that most regions will miss their respective targets by a wide margin,” says the progress report published by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA). “This sounds a serious warning signal for delivery of the far more challenging 2020 targets.”

In sharp contrast to the laggard England and Wales, green-energy developments have exploded across Scotland and Northern Ireland. With 25% of its electricity already coming from renewables, Scotland has already blown past its 2010 target of 18%.

Northern Ireland needs only to bring the onshore wind projects it has already consented to completion in order to smash its goal.

The report lumps the heaviest blame for the shortcomings in England and Wales on the stifling planning systems governing the two countries, often brought to a standstill by recalcitrant local councils.

A quirk in the system means that while onshore wind farm applications must go through NIMBYist local authorities, other energy projects head straight to the more development-minded Secretary of State.