Wales will need a large increase in the number of windfarms if it is to meet suggested new targets for renewable energy.

Welsh Assembly members will be asked on Tuesday to support a target of switching 10% of all electricity production to sustainable sources by 2010.

The assembly economic development committee publishes its third and final review of energy policy, which followed consultation on subject of renewable energy.

Christine Gwyther: grateful for responses to report

The report has concluded the assembly should "seek to promote a vision of renewable energy that emphasises safe, clean and secure energy supplies".

Hydro-electric and solar power schemes will play a part in the plans, but the majority of renewable projects will be windfarms.

The big expansion will be in off-shore windfarms.

'Committed'

There are three projects in the pipeline, with two of them off the north Wales coast already approved.

At Rhyl Flats, a 30-turbine scheme which will provide electricity to power 50,000 homes in Denbighshire was given the go-ahead in December.

It followed approval in October of a windfarm at North Hoyle off the coast at Prestatyn.

But a proposed 30-turbine development at Scarweather Sands near Porthcawl in south Wales has provoked opposition among local residents.

Economic development committee chair Christine Gwyther AM said she was grateful for the responses from individuals and organisations.

"What did come across strongly and consistently was the clear message that the people in Wales care strongly about their environment.

"[They] are committed to ensuring a sustainable approach to meeting our energy needs in the future.

"We also received a clear message that Wales welcomed the committee's decision to look into these issues and it is in the light of this positive response that we now put forward our final recommendations."