The U.K. government plans to invest almost £150 million into programs to boost the manufacturing industry, including support of low emission vehicles and renewable and nuclear energy.

The country, which is the world's sixth largest manufacturer, has an environmental goods and services sector with annual revenues of £25 billion. The government estimates that could grow to £45 billion by 2015, spurring the creation of 1 million green collar jobs by 2030.

The government aims to create a Low Carbon Industrial Strategy for manufacturing next year, but plans to initially focus on energy and vehicles. The government is putting £20 million aside to spend on low emission and electric vehicles for government fleets.

The strategy also includes support for renewable and nuclear energy. Through the Office of Nuclear Development and Office for Renewable Energy Deployment, the government intends help industry overcome barriers to expanding the use of renewable and nuclear energy, particularly supply chain issues related to creation, assembly, installation, operation and maintenance of energy systems. The government estimates the nuclear and renewable energy sectors could create up to 260,000 jobs in the next decade.

Other green aspects of the new manufacturing strategy include the development of a showcase of standout green technologies and support for an electric car pilot program.

The "New Challenges, New Opportunities" strategy was developed by the Department for Business, industry members and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.