London looks to energy future

LONDON, July 28 (UPI) -- A long-term energy and climate change policy outlined by the British government looks for ways to secure a low-carbon future, officials said.

British Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne delivered the first-ever energy policy statement to lawmakers. Through his energy plan, Huhne spelled out a series of measures meant to usher in a secure and low-carbon energy system by 2050.

The plan is meant to find ways to deliver secure and environmentally friendly energy resources that move away from the volatility and risk associated with fossil fuels.

Huhne said his country was on track to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percent by 2020 but energy security plans need to focus beyond the next decade.

"The era of cheap, abundant energy is over," he warned. "We must find smart ways of making energy go further and value it for the costly resource it is, not take it for granted."

The measures outlined by Huhne are meant illustrate how the region can accelerate the transformation of the energy system over the coming decades.

"Our future energy system is too important to rely on crystal ball gazing," he said.