The government is proposing changes to subsidies for renewable energy sources, aiming to increase production of 'green' electricity.

The proposals formed part of a consultation process announced by trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling on Monday.

He wants to prioritise financial support for emerging technologies above established sources.

Reform of the way 'renewables obligation certificates' are granted will mean there is a greater economic incentive for the sector in offshore wind farms and biomass plants.

The consultation is seeking views from industry, investors and other stakeholders on how to reach the aim set out in the government's energy review of getting 20 per cent of the UK's electricity from renewables by 2020.

The government is also looking to increase the amount of smaller-scale, localised electricity production.

Darling said: "The energy review found that if we want to tackle climate change and ensure the security of our future supplies, there has to be a significant increase in the amount of clean, green electricity we produce from renewable sources.

"There is no doubt that reaching 20 per cent will be tough.

"It means we must get more power from offshore wind farms and other emerging technologies like biomass and wave and tidal, while maximising the contribution from those technologies that are already being deployed."