Government to map low-carbon road

A huge expansion of wind power, home insulation and "smart" electricity meters are among measures being planned to build the UK's low-carbon future. Ministers hope their Carbon Transition Plan will help them meet 2020 targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy. Campaigners say the plan is a chance for the UK to lead on climate change. The government admits consumers will pay more for energy, but believes that overall the economy can benefit. The plan is due to be published later on Wednesday. Current government figures say emissions have already fallen by 22% from 1990. The Low Carbon Transition Plan and its associated measures will plot a path towards the 34% target by 2020. They will also aim to point the economy towards EU targets for 2020 of a 15% share of energy from renewables and a 20% increase in energy efficiency. Beyond that, the government has set a goal of slashing emissions by 80% by 2050. As well as tackling climate change, the government believes changing to a low-carbon economy will help create jobs and industries. "We think the environmental industries in Britain can generate about an extra 400,000 jobs by 2015," Climate and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told BBC News.

"We think there are big, big opportunities, and actually I think it's something people want to hear - what is the post-recession economy going to look like and where are the jobs going to come from - and we know the world is switching to low carbon, and Britain needs to be at the forefront."

In the wind

In April, Chancellor Alistair Darling formally announced that the UK would live within "carbon budgets" - limits on emissions - just as it attempts to live within financial budgets.

The budgets were recommended by the government's advisory body, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), in December; and the key figure - which the government has accepted - is a 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020.

However, many observers say that the renewables sector is currently growing far too slowly to meet the 15% target, and want ministers to be specific about how they will encourage green businesses.

"We will be looking for hard policy content and rapid delivery timetables from Wednesday's documents," said Gaynor Hartnell, policy director of the Renewable Energy Association (REA)

"The encouraging rhetoric we are now hearing from (Energy and Climate Secretary) Ed Miliband and the Prime Minister on the vital importance of our industry must translate into practical and rapid measures."

The Low Carbon Transition Plan - a white paper - will be accompanied by:

a Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, focussing on "green growth" in industry and business
a Renewable Energy Strategy detailing how the UK will meet its 15% target
Low Carbon Transport: a Greener Future, outlining the transport sector's contribution to greenhouse gas reductions.