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Renewable energy strategy set for launch

Plans for the UK to meet 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 are expected to be unveiled by the government today.

Anticipated details on how the UK can meet this target include thousands of wind turbines to be built both on and off shore; solar panels for millions of roofs; and a huge uptake of electric cars.

The strategy follows a damning report published last week by the innovation, universities, science and skills (IUSS) committee that claimed the government is set to miss its renewable energy targets as the current framework for the development of renewable technologies is inadequate.

At the weekend energy minister Malcolm Wicks urged confidence in the future of UK renewable energy, promising the UK would undergo a "green revolution".

Speaking on the Today programme, Mr Wicks said the public will see this week "a real determination by the government to move towards 15 per cent of all of our energy from renewables by 2020".

Greenpeace has hailed this target and the anticipated steps to reach this as "visionary".

"If the government actually means it this time then Britain will become a better, safer and more prosperous country," said Greenpeace executive director John Sauven.

Today's strategy consultation has also been welcomed by the Carbon Trust, which said that a 15 per cent energy target for renewables by 2020 will deliver "deep cuts" in the UK's carbon emissions.

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