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Wicks hypes up 'ambitious' green revolution

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks has hyped up the prospects of a green revolution in the UK, suggesting it could be one of the "most ambitious" energy strategies ever implemented in Britain.

He told the BBC one in four homes could be fitted with solar heating panels, adding there was a "huge momentum" in the provision of renewable energy.

He said the government this week will set out plans with "a real determination" to move towards 15 per cent of all of our energy from renewables by 2020.

It is reported the plans will include a 30-fold increase in offshore wind power, with 3,500 new wind turbines to be erected across the UK.

The plans may also include measures to force homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Some analysts have predicted that the cost of the green energy revolution could reach £100 billion.

Robin Webster, energy campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said the plans were a positive step.

"Harnessing the UK's natural abundance of wind and wave power and developing a comprehensive energy efficiency programme will create thriving new industries and generate thousands of jobs," he said.

Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said: "We'll create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and use less gas, and in the long run our power bills will come down. Even if climate change didn't exist these proposals would be sensible."

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