The Scottish Government is pursuing closer energy links with Norway and Russia, with Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Minister Jim Mather travelling to both countries this week.

He will meet representatives of Norwegian energy companies and the Norwegian Government to discuss energy research and development, including working together on developing the North Sea grid and renewables, and learning from Norway on carbon capture.

Mather will then travel to Moscow to encourage Russians to travel to Scotland, including promoting the Homecoming 2009 celebrations.

"Four decades ago, the discovery of oil in the North Sea laid the foundations for Scotland and Norway to play a global role in world energy markets. Now in the 21st century we are both at the forefront of developing renewables and advancing green energy solutions to tackle climate change," he said.

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"A long-term, secure energy future built on clean energy is one of the fundamental building blocks of creating sustainable economic growth in Scotland. In difficult economic times, if we are to boost our economy, harness our huge renewable energy potential and make Scotland the green energy capital of Europe, we need to build international links and capitalise on our undoubted strengths."

Mather will also be discussing how Norway could be involved with the European Green Energy Centre in Aberdeen, which has EU backing.

"I also want to identify new opportunities for Scotland and Norway to share knowledge in sustainable energy research, demonstration and deployment. In areas such as carbon capture and storage, Norway has real strengths that we can learn from," he added

"We also want to develop joint working on renewables and on North Sea grid development - crucial if we are to find the means for large scale and economically rewarding energy exports in the future."

(GK/JM)