Energy minister: Government strategy includes renewables

Renewable energy has an important role to play in the government's overall energy strategy, Malcolm Wicks has asserted.

The energy minister said this week that renewable energy is set to be a "key priority" for the country and added that funding for green power projects through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme is one of many government steps designed to tackle the UK's commitment to clean energy.

Mr Wicks added that the UK is set to generate ten percent of its total electricity from renewable sources by 2010, with a proposed target of 15 percent by 2020 in accordance with a European Union strategy.

"Since 2002 we have committed around £500 million to develop renewable and low-carbon technology," he said. "That's money for offshore windfarms, biomass technology - generating fuel from plants - and marine renewable technology."

Meanwhile, the Guardian reported today that green campaigners have expressed disbelief and anger about the current energy targets, with Green MEP Caroline Lucas claiming they are "lazy, short-sighted and irresponsible".