A government taskforce has been formed to help develop offshore renewable energy sites in Scotland.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing revealed the taskforce should help ensure offshore renewable energy developers progress more efficiently through the licensing and consenting system.

Scotland's target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity needs coming from renewables by 2020 will ensure the creation of jobs and investment as well as ensure the continued effectiveness of the application process.

The taskforce will help companies planning offshore wind and marine projects speed up their application process, while maintaining vital checks and balances on their environmental impact.

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It will also help developers to share best practice and data, and improve communication between developers and key stakeholders.

The taskforce are set to meet this month to produce a plan of action to help offshore renewable energy developers.

Chairman Mr Ewing said: "Scotland has massive clean green energy potential that is delivering jobs and investment across the country. We therefore have an ambitious, but achievable, target for Scotland of meeting the equivalent of all our electricity needs from renewables by 2020.

"We need to ensure that companies who want to invest in our renewable energy industry and build the projects that would deliver the target can do so efficiently and quickly.

"This should not be at the expense of the concerns of communities. I want to help companies take local viewpoints and concerns into account and satisfy them, as well as helping them meet the technical requirements of the planning system quickly and thoroughly.

(JG/BMcC)