The Government has set out how plans to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions could also support up to 220,000 jobs in green sectors such as industry, transport and buildings.
The plans in the Energy White Paper lay out plans to reduce emissions by 230 million metric tonnes, the equivalent to removing 7.5 million petrol cars from the UK’s roads.
The emissions are being reduced by investing heavily in creating green jobs over the next 10 years to ensure that the country is at net zero by the Government’s target of 2050.
Business and Energy Secretary, Alok Sharma, said:
“Today’s plan establishes a decisive and permanent shift away from our dependence on fossil fuels, towards cleaner energy sources that will put our country at the forefront of the global green industrial revolution.
“Through a major programme of investment and reform, we are determined to both decarbonise our economy in the most cost-effective way, while creating new sunrise industries and revitalising our industrial heartlands that will support new green jobs for generations to come.
“With this long-term plan, we are turning climate ambition into climate action - putting the UK firmly on the course to net zero to end our contribution to climate change as we build back greener.”
The Government also wants to encourage competition in the energy sector to ensure that customers aren’t being pushed by loyalty to one particular provider.
