"At the All Energy Conference in Aberdeen, the Minister emphasised that the new administration's energy policies were a 'vital part' of the overall strategy for boosting Scottish economic growth."

He made clear:

• His desire to work closely with the industry and stakeholders to develop a consensus on the way forward
• The new Scottish government's commitment to both promoting green energy and energy efficiency
• And the potential for Scotland to benefit from power supplied by new technologies such as carbon capture and clean coal

Mr Jim Mather said:
"One of the main priorities of the new Scottish Government is on sustainable growth - two words that are inseparable in relation to our energy policy.

"Scotland's energy sector has long been a key driver of our economy and the aim of Scotland's new Government is to make sure it continues to make this vital contribution to our economic growth. Energy must contribute to both economic development and our environmental objectives.

"Our energy policy must both reduce energy consumption alongside supporting low carbon technologies. It is abundantly clear that Scotland has vast potential to generate electricity from renewable energy. We will press on urgently with giving new technologies for generating green energy the support they need. That will include the whole renewable mix – from biomass to the energy we can generate from waves and tides.

"And the First Minister's visit to Longannet last week also demonstrated the contribution that can be made through clean coal technologies and carbon capture. The announcement by Scottish Power last week demonstrated that these technologies can not only reduce carbon emissions, but also extend the life of the Scottish coal field, protect jobs and boost our economy.

"Another central point of our energy policy must also be to promote energy efficiency and reduce demand wherever possible. That's the agenda we are determined to push ahead with, but we are clear that we must develop our policy both with the industry and stakeholders. Together I want to identify barriers in our way and work to remove them.

"We have an opportunity in Scotland to build a broader energy sector, again integrated into the global economy through export, investment and skills. Working together I am sure we will not let this chance pass."

The All Energy 07 is the UK's largest renewable energy exhibition and conference, bringing together over 200 international delegates and 350 exhibitors to discuss developments in energy.