UK is working to increase its use of energy from renewable sources to 15% of all energy by 2020

Energy production is responsible for the majority of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and CO2 is by far the most prevalent of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. In order to tackle climate change, therefore, we have to move to a low-carbon energy supply.  

Low-carbon energy points to the utilisation of nuclear and renewable energy, as well as the use of carbon abatement technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to address the carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

In September 2008 the UK announced that it would increase its use of energy from renewable sources to 15% of all energy (electricity, heating and transport fuel) by 2020. The Government will shortly publish a Renewable Energy Strategy, setting out exactly how that target will be achieved.

On 26 June 2009, the UK formally became a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which aims to promote a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide.