LONDON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Funding for clean-energy programs like electric vehicles and low-carbon electricity will help the British government meet its climate goals, a minister said.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said Britain is on pace to cut its emissions by 34 percent by 2020 because of reforms taken to green up the economy.
He said in a statement the private sector had invested $55.8 billion in low-carbon energy infrastructure since 2010. By 2020, the sector may need another $117 billion.
"We've already had record amounts of planned investment in the energy sector," he said. "We agree that we need to increase the rate of decarbonization which is why we are taking action in a number of areas across the economy."
He said the government was committed to working to attract more investments in low-carbon electricity generation. A combined $850 million would go toward support for plug-in and ultra low emission vehicle technology.
Davey last month announced the government would spend at least $30 million to make it easier for wind developers on three Scottish islands -- Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles -- to build island projects.
