£100bn energy 'revolution' welcomed

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The renewable energy strategy, which includes plans for 7,000 new wind turbines on and offshore, was broadly welcomed by environmental campaigners.

But elsewhere concerns were raised over the £5-£6 billion annual cost to the economy the moves would require, with fears much of it would be passed on to consumers and businesses.

The strategy lays out proposals for how ministers intend to meet an EU target to source 15% of all energy from renewables by 2020.

The plans form part of a a £100 billion private investment programme to create a "green revolution", which Prime Minister Gordon Brown said was a huge opportunity to provide jobs and energy security and cut emissions.

Speaking at a low-carbon economy summit in London, Mr Brown said that in the face of an oil shock bigger than that seen in the 1970s, a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and switch to renewables and nuclear was needed.

The PM said the plans to boost renewable power, which he described as "the most drastic change in energy policy since the advent of nuclear power", would provide 160,000 "green collar" jobs.

A change to a low-carbon economy would require new lifestyles in the UK, along with innovation and creativity - and real leadership from Government, he said.

Mr Brown insisted he wanted to ensure the costs for families and businesses remained affordable, with a focus on keeping prices down.

And he said there would be a renewed drive to encourage energy efficiency, for example through schemes to insulate homes, which remained "the simplest and most effective way families and businesses can reduce their energy bills".