A plan to create thousands of green energy jobs by 2020 will aid economic recovery and lead Scotland to a more sustainable future, John Swinney said today.

The Scottish Government will progress action as part of its economic recovery programme - across energy generation, energy efficiency and transport - to create new jobs, tackle climate change and save households and businesses money.

Estimates suggest that there could be 16,000 jobs in energy related opportunities in Scotland over the next decade.

Addressing a RSPB conference on Scotland's Natural Wealth, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "We are in the most difficult economic climate for a generation and need to pursue every possible opportunity we have to create wealth. Our central purpose, to increase sustainable economic growth, commits us to supporting an economy that respects our environment and natural resources."

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Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government were "laying the foundations" for economic success by investing in Scotland's natural capital and world leading skills base for a greener future - a greener deal for Scotland.

UK estimates energy related opportunities presented by the Scottish environment could create 16,000 jobs over the next decade.

"These are jobs for the future - jobs in our rapidly expanding renewables industry, in developing and applying clean fossil fuel technology, in energy efficiency and microgeneration and in new sustainable travel methods."

The Cabinet Secretary said Scotland has a much greater share of the UK's natural green energy potential - in wave, wind and water - and he want to see that figure go even higher.

(GK/JM)