Renewable and clean energy enjoys a 'significant comparative advantage' in Scotland according to an independent report published today.

A study carried out for the Scottish government highlights Scotland's location, natural resources, research and development and manufacturing bases as key advantages for developing Scotland's clean energy resource.

The report shows one additional gigawatt of onshore or offshore wind capacity could reduce Scotland's current total carbon emissions by around 3%.

It shows electricity grid infrastructure will be a fundamental influence on Scotland's ability to accommodate growth in renewables.

If carbon capture and storage (CCS) is proven to be a commercial and technical success at full scale, a network in the Firth of Forth could capture around one third of Scotland's onshore carbon emissions (from Longannet and Cockenzie power stations, the Grangemouth refinery and the cement works near Dunbar).

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Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "This report demonstrates that Scotland's energy advantage lies in securing low carbon electricity from renewables and clean fossil fuels. We enjoy a vast array of potentially cheap, renewable energy sources and harnessing that potential will create thousands of long term jobs while reducing emissions.

"The study shows the impact that renewables can have in reducing emissions and shows that carbon capture could have huge, positive impact for Scotland when it is fully operational. Scotland is taking a global lead on the fight against climate change and we are working hard with our partners in the UK and across Europe to become an international leader in alternative energy technologies and develop new economic opportunities for Scotland."

The Scottish government commissioned Wood Mackenzie in July 2009 to undertake an independent study to examine the scope, benefits and attractiveness of the various generation technologies available to Scotland. It seeked to identify which sources are likely to benefit from a comparative advantage and therefore highlight those technologies that will be vital to the achievement of our energy and climate change commitments.

(GK/KMcA)