15 July 2009 - The UK government has today announced its strategy for meeting carbon emissions targets that could be seen as setting the standard for other countries to follow.

The Low Carbon Transition Plan, which was announced by Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband, is a comprehensive plan to move the UK onto a permanent low carbon footing and to maximize economic opportunities, growth and jobs.

The Transition Plan sets out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34 per cent on 1990 levels by 2020. According to figures from the government, emissions have already fallen by 22 per cent from 1990.

According to the government, by 2020:
• More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
7 million homes will enjoy pay-as-you-save home energy makeovers, and more than 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
• The UK will be importing half the amount of gas that it otherwise would
40 per cent of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
• The average new car will emit 40 per cent less carbon than now

The government describes the Transition Plan as the most systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy, and sets the standard for others in the run up to crucial global climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

The UK Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, published alongside, sets out a series of active government interventions to support industries critical to tackling climate change, including offshore wind, marine power and carbon capture and storage.

The strategy includes the first investments from the GBP405m ($667m) for low carbon industries and advanced green manufacturing announced in the Budget 2009.

Key investments related to renewables include:
• Up to GBP60m to capitalize on Britain's wave and tidal sector strengths, including investment in Wave Hub – the development of a significant demonstration and testing facility off the Cornish coast – and other funding to make the South West Britain's first Low Carbon Economic Area.
• Up to GBP120m to support the development of a British based offshore wind industry.
Up to GBP10m for the accelerated deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• GBP11.2m to help regions and local authorities prepare for and speed up planning decisions on renewable and low carbon energy whilst protecting legitimate environmental and local concerns.
• Up to GBP6m to start development of a 'smart grid', including a policy road map next spring

Also published today is the Renewable Energy Strategy which maps out the UK Government's strategy for reaching the European Union's target of 15 per cent of the UK's total energy consumption from renewables by 2020, from around two per cent today.

The strategy identifies a range of low carbon sectors with potential for job creation and growth. These include: wave and tidal power; civil nuclear power; offshore wind; and ultra-low carbon vehicles.

It also sets out the government's strategy for removing barriers that are blocking the development of Britain's full potential in these areas.

The strategy follows a year-long consultation process, and recommits the government to a massive increase in renewable electric power generation going up from 5 per cent today to 30 per cent by 2020.

The government low carbon announcement has been met with cautious praise by both industry and environment groups.

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace, said: "If this plan becomes a reality, it will create hundreds of thousands of green jobs and make Britain a safer and more prosperous country. This will be good for the British economy and, in the long-run, save householders money as we reduce our dependence on foreign oil and gas."

While Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust, commented: "Today's announcements are very welcome because they significantly reduce investment risk, make some clear choices on UK technology advantage, and tackle some of the key barriers to deployment. But the true test of this new clean tech industrialism is how this new policy framework drives the action and investment needed from business."