Prime Minister David Cameron has warned the UK has no choice but to prioritise investment in green energy and energy efficiency.
Speaking at the official launch of the Department of Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) new Energy Efficiency Mission - a new programme designed to better promote the government's wide range of energy efficiency policies - he said there was a strong economic argument for accelerating investment in a wide range of clean technologies.
"Make no mistake we are in a global race and the countries that succeed in that race, the economies in Europe that will prosper are those that are the greenest and the most energy efficient," he said. "Energy consumption is set to grow by a third over the next two decades alone. And in a race for limited resources it is the energy efficient that will win that race.
"It is the businesses that are best insulated from energy price shocks who will be the most successful, it is the consumers who are the least vulnerable to energy prices whose household bills will be the lowest and who can be the most confident about their future."
Climate Minister Greg Barker said the government had in place an array of policies for driving energy efficiency investments, such as the Green Deal, the carbon floor price, Climate Change Agreements, Enhanced Capital Allowances, and the Carbon Reduction Commitment, but there was the need for a more "coherent" approach to promoting these initiatives.
The launch of the new "mission" followed a call from the Prime Minister for businesses and government to work closer together to promote the UK's position as a leading hub for clean tech innovation and investment.
"Already today Britain is one of the best places for green energy, green investment, and crucially for green jobs anywhere in the world," he said, highlighting the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, the Green Investment Bank, the Green Deal and many other environmental policies.
"Together we can make Britain a global showcase for green innovation and energy efficiency. Together we can do the right thing for our planet and, just as important, do the right thing for our economy too."
