Solar power 'could fuel 26% of global needs by 2040'

Greenpeace say solar power could provide energy for more than one billion people.

The environmental group says such changes would create more than two million jobs by 2020 and provide 26% of global energy needs by 2040.

Greenpeace has launched the document in Berlin with the backing of a body representing energy and petrochemical firms such as Shell and BP.

The Choose Positive Energy report claims solar photovoltaic systems have the potential to contribute to the future of a secure global electricity supply and help prevent climate change.

Greenpeace energy expert Sven Teske said: "It's a realistic, achievable goal, based on the current state of the industry and opportunities in the market, but it requires clear political support from governments around the world.

"We need to massively boost renewable energy sources if we are to phase out the fossil fuels that threaten our climate.

"Greenpeace is calling on world governments to provide renewable energy to two billion of the world's poorest people in the next decade.

"Even using conservative estimates, this report shows solar energy is able to fulfill a large part of this demand and create millions of jobs globally."

Greenpeace UK estimates, using the scenario outlined in the report, showed around 2.5 million UK homes could be being fitted with solar photovoltaics, creating 150,000 jobs.

The British Government is currently carrying out a review of the UK's energy supply for the next 50 years.