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Mr Hutton outlined proposals to enable the UK to meet its proposed 15% renewable energy target by 2020, an increase of 1,000% on current levels. This is likely to include up to a third of electricity coming from renewables as well as significant increases in the use of renewable forms of heat and transport fuels.

Speaking alongside the Prime Minister at the Government's Low Carbon Economy Summit on London's South Bank, Mr Hutton said:
"We are opening a new chapter in Britain's history as a nation of enterprise and innovation, moving from the old, carbon intensive economy of the industrial revolution to the new low carbon technologies of the 21st century.

"This vast expansion of renewable energy marks an important moment in this journey and, alongside our plans for new nuclear and clean coal, will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and reducing our dependency on oil and gas.

"We must make the most rapid progress possible to becoming a cleaner, greener economy and we will strive to make these changes in the most effective way possible, with the least cost to consumers.

"We will also maximise the economic benefit for the UK by creating a new generation of green collar jobs and making the most of our strengths as one of the world's largest manufacturing economies; a world class centre of energy expertise and a leading location for inward investment."

Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Robin Webster said:
"The Government's thinking on renewable energy has been stuck in the slow lane for too long - this consultation indicates they are ready to shift up a gear.

"The Government is asking all the right questions about how to kick start a renewable energy revolution - but there are worrying gaps in their plans to deliver it. We are calling on Ministers to end attempts to wriggle out of European green energy targets and get on with leading Britain to a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.

"Meeting the European targets is a challenge - but it's also a huge opportunity to build a thriving renewable energy industry that will bring billions of pounds, hundreds of thousands of jobs and a clean and secure energy supply to the UK.

"And it is the only route to a secure low carbon future in an era of spiraling oil prices and dangerous climate challenge."

New NOP polling published by the Department for Business today shows broad public support for renewable energy:

• 84% of people favour the use of renewable energy.
• 64% would be happy to live within 5km of a wind power development.

The Renewable Energy Strategy consultation published today covers a wide range of proposals to reach these targets.

More off-shore and on-shore wind power
The Government expects the key growth area to be wind power, both on and offshore. Their analysis on electricity constraints suggests that up to 33GW of offshore wind might be achievable by 2030, compared to less than 1 GW today. This would equate to around 3,000 extra offshore turbines of 5MW. They anticipate that approximately 14GW of onshore wind will be required, compared to 2GW today – equating to around 4,000 new 3MW onshore turbines in addition to the approximately 2,000 turbines already installed.

Heating
Heating accounts for the largest single proportion of the UK’s final energy demand at approximately 49%, and also the largest proportion of its carbon emissions at 47%.

The consultation document says "We would need to develop a completely new approach to renewable heat: providing a substantial incentive to jump-start this new market, developing supply chains and encouraging large numbers of households to find renewable ways of heating their homes. We would also need to develop a new sustainable biomass market."

In many countries, especially Scandanavian countries, they take a holistic approach to heating and electricity, by creating them at the same time in what is known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP).  When the UK's electricty is generated, huge amounts of heat goes to waste because heat cannot be transmitted to our homes like electricity.  With CHP, the power plant is located near to the point of use (homes and offices) meaning that the heat generated can also be used to heat homes and water.

The CHP plant is then powered being biomass: waste wood, straw or biogas.

Responses to the Renewable Energy Strategy consultation is open to everyone and close on 26 September 2008. A final strategy is expected to be in place by spring 2009.  Send your responses to: www.berr.gov.uk/renewableconsultation