Scotland is pushing ahead in its drive to become the green energy capital of Europe, Energy Minister Jim Mather said today.

He told an international gathering that the Government would continue to create the right conditions for the renewables industry to boost economic growth and contribute to a low carbon economy.

Speaking at the All Energy 08 conference in Aberdeen, Jim Mather said: "In our first year of government, we have put renewable energy at the heart of our vision of increasing Scotland's sustainable economic growth.

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The Scottish Government has set new, ambitious targets for renewable electricity, and determined 13 energy project proposals.

"We are looking at offshore grid links across the North Sea and with Ireland to export the electricity we generate. And along with industry, we have challenged the regressive electricity charging regime which acts against the development of renewable energy in remoter areas."

The minister said emerging technologies will have a pivotal role to play especially wave and tidal power.

The biggest wave energy project in the world has been approved for Orkney, and over the coming months details of the £10m Saltire Prize to stimulate innovation in marine energy will be finalised.

"With the support of the EU Commission and now the UK Government, Scottish based industry and research will be at the forefront of European and world developments in clean, green energy. That is the way we will become Europe's green energy capital, a vision this Government is determined to realise," Mr Mather concluded.

(GK/JM)