ONSHORE wind and solar power farms in Bradford could fuel almost 20,000 homes, according to new research.

Estimates from the National Grid suggest the UK must double the amount of renewable electricity it produces over the next six years to replace energy phased out from fossil fuels.

Research conducted by Exeter University's Environmental Intelligence Centre and Friends of the Earth shows there are around 40 hectares of land in Bradford suitable for onshore wind farms.

There are also around 80 hectares capable of hosting solar power sites.

This would generate a total of 52 gigawatt-hours of electricity, which would power around 19,200 homes based on average electricity consumption.

Tony Bosworth, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "Unleashing the UK's immense potential to generate cheap, clean home-grown renewables is essential to bring down our energy bills for good and meet the UK's vital international target to reduce carbon emissions by two thirds by 2030.

"We urgently need our political leaders to pull their heads out of the sand and produce a strong, ambitious and fair new climate plan that lifts the barriers to onshore wind and solar power, and secures investment in the infrastructure needed to support the switch to renewables."