Lib Dems to Double the UK's Production of Renewable Energy by 2020

Liberal Democrats have set out plans to double the UK's production of renewable electricity by 2020 and make Britain zero carbon by 2050. This would end the UK's adverse impact on climate change for good.

In government the Liberal Democrats have already more than doubled the amount of electricity from renewables.

We have overseen the single biggest reform of the UK's energy infrastructure since privatisation, created a low-carbon, pro-renewable, and energy secure nation less reliant on unstable regimes for energy needs.

We have also led the way in boosting Europe's energy security through creating a fully functioning European Energy Market.

The Liberal Democrats are prioritising the environment in the next election by putting green issues at the front of our election manifesto.

Under Liberal Democrat plans, the production of renewable electricity will be doubled by the end of the next Parliament.

If in government after the General Election, the party wants to take the fight against climate change further by introducing a Zero Carbon Britain Bill in the next Parliament.

Measures within the Zero Carbon Bill include:

• A new legally binding target for Zero Carbon Britain by 2050.
• A new legally binding decarbonisation target for the power sector by 2030 to support investment in all forms of low carbon electricity.
• Establishing an Office for Accelerated Low Carbon Innovation to fast-track new green tech including tidal power, renewable heat, ultra-low emission vehicles, energy storage and CCS.
• Applying Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) to existing coal plants from 2025 to end use of unabated coal generation
• Full borrowing powers to the Green Investment Bank, to further boost investment in low carbon technology

Commenting on the plans for a Zero Carbon Bill, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said: "It's no exaggeration to say our future, and that of our children, depends upon us tackling climate change head on. The more we delay, the more we are at threat from this ticking time bomb.

"This is why if we are in government again we will set about making Britain zero carbon, securing more home grown renewable energy whilst also reducing our reliance on regimes who use western energy needs as a blunt foreign policy tool."

"Our plans are a bold ambition to end Britain's adverse impact on climate change completely, but I believe it can be done within my lifetime.

Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey added:"Lib Dems in government have already more than doubled the amount of renewable electricity in the UK and last week I publicised a host of green energy projects that had won contracts from Government which together could power the equivalent of all households in Wales. Our plans for the future take this to a whole new level.

"Our Zero Carbon Bill will make a huge contribution to creating a stronger economy and a fairer society. A stronger economy means a quarter of a million new green jobs over the next 5 years, and establishing Britain as a world leader in renewable technology.

"A fairer society means not mortgaging the futures of our children and grandchildren by acting now to end the adverse impact of climate change and protect the British landscape and wildlife."

"The five green laws are nailed to the front page of our manifesto and over the coming days we will flesh our plans to deliver this ambition."