New nuclear and coal-fired power stations will prove vital in the "international battle for energy security", business secretary John Hutton has said.
Speaking at the Labour conference in Manchester, Hutton said the next decade would mean "a new era for renewable energy in the UK", with a seven-fold increase in clean power from natural sources such as wind.
But warning that Britain was becoming a net importer of energy, he said it was vital to "put the brakes on our growing reliance on imported gas".
"You only have to look at events in Georgia this summer. Or feel the impact of the incredible volatility in crude oil prices," he told delegates.
"So, in response to this new reality abroad, we must set a clear course at home.
"To put UK energy security at the centre of our plans for Britain's economic future. To make it a first thought, not an afterthought.
"Because the battle for energy security will define the fight for Britain's future."
Ending the UK's dependence on imported fuel would require a "renaissance in nuclear power", he said, warning that the government was involved in a "tough fight" to bring billions of pounds of investment into Britain to build new nuclear power stations.
"Billions of pounds that could of course go elsewhere unless we are careful. Unless we ensure the right climate for energy companies to invest here in the UK," he said.
Hutton went on to say that coal remained a "critically important fuel for the UK", arguing that carbon emissions from coal-fired power stations would be offset by reductions elsewhere to keep within EU emissions agreements.
"So there is no sense in turning out backs on coal. Let's keep cleaning it up, not ruling it out," he said.
"No-one can really claim this government doesn't take its climate change responsibilities seriously. We do.
"That's why we are developing the first commercial scale carbon capture and storage project in the world.
"But making Britain fitter and stronger means being prepared to take the difficult choices, not pandering to fashionable causes.
"To meet Britain's energy needs of the future we will need all of the technology and the investment available to us."
