<p><br /> A plan to create almost 250,000 jobs in green industries will offset the economic "drag anchor" of budget cuts, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne has insisted.<br /> </p><p><br /> The "Green Deal" will lead to thousands of workers modernising some 26 million homes to make them more energy efficient as part of the coalition's ambition to be the "greenest Government ever".<br /> </p><p><br /> Speaking at the Liberal Democrat conference in Liverpool, he urged members to back the coalition agreement commitment to new nuclear power even though it went against the party's policy, telling them: "A deal is a deal."<br /> </p><p><br /> The Government expects the energy efficiency sector to employ 246,000 people in installation and supply chain roles by 2030.<br /> </p><p><br /> Setting out the plan, Mr Huhne said: "Since there is no money left, my department is pioneering new ways of turning this Government into the greenest ever."<br /> </p><p><br /> Under the policy, companies will pay upfront to insulate homes, with householders paying back from the energy savings that will result.<br /> </p>
