Around 12,000 jobs will be created through renewables investment announced in 2011, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
'Renewable energy is not just helping us increase our energy security and reduce our emissions,' said Energy Secretary Chris Huhne. 'It is supporting jobs and growth across the country, and giving traditional industrial heartlands the opportunity to thrive again.'

Mr Huhne said the UK faced less demanding renewable energy targets than many other EU states, but was still seeing significant growth across the sector.

'Our renewable target is less demanding than other EU member states, but the effect is bringing real jobs and investment,' he said. 'I do not want the UK to be left behind by turning our back on the green economy. The agreement to negotiate a global deal secured at Durban has reinforced major nations' commitment to cutting carbon. We cannot afford to stand alone while the world wises up.'

Meanwhile, the European Commission has revealed that UK increased renewable energy consumption 27 per cent from 42.6TWh in 2008 to 54TWh in 2010.

The performance means renewable energy accounted for 3.3 per cent of total energy consumed in 2010, still well short of the 15 per cent target imposed by the EU for 2020.