Government’s carbon plan laid out

The draft Carbon Plan sets out the for the government’s plans to meet the domestic carbon targets.

The public and organisations are being invited to give their views on the document and a final version will be published in the autumn and will be updated annually.

The Carbon Plan focuses on the jobs and economic opportunities a green economy is expected to bring and on the policies to move to a low carbon economy.

In a foreword to the document, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne write:

“This Carbon Plan sets out a vision of a changed Britain, powered by cleaner energy used more efficiently in our homes and businesses, with more secure energy supply and more stable energy prices, and benefiting from the jobs and growth that a low carbon economy will bring.”

The draft Plan highlights some key areas for change: electricity generation from low carbon alternatives and renewables; home insulation and heating; and travel.

The document details deadlines and actions that government departments will have to meet.

A carbon floor price will be set by April 2011 and the Green Investment Bank is to be operational by September 2012.

The plan also sets out a nationwide strategy to install an electric vehicle infrastructure.

Internationally, the plan sets out how the UK will work within the European Union and with other countries to take action on climate change.

To read the Carbon Plan in detail go to the DECC website. To see comments from industry and MPs on the Carbon Plan, go to our discussions board.

Alison Brown