Scotland is ready to strengthen its European lead in both renewable energy and oil and gas by including carbon capture and storage, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.

The FM, who will be making an announcement on carbon capture later this week, said Scotland has the potential, ambition and natural resource to lead the way in capturing and safely storing carbon emissions.

"Europe recognises that through our natural resources we are leading the green, clean energy revolution. Our potential and readiness to capitalise on the capture and safe storage of carbon is the next step.

"Just last week, the Westminster Energy Minister announced that Scottish projects will be able to bid for up to £342.5m of European money for renewable energy and carbon capture projects following the publication of the EU's Economic Recovery Plan," he said.

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The FM said renewable energy and carbon capture are paramount and are the key components in the fight to tackle climate change and rid Scotland's air of carbon emissions. The economic benefits are vast and must be played to the country's strengths to reap these benefits in full, especially in a recession.

Mr Salmond added: "The UK Government's announcement, last week, to establish four carbon capture demonstration projects in the UK is welcome. Scotland is ready now to lead on one or hopefully even two of these projects with Longannet in the front running position in terms of speed of delivery. Scotland will continue to work with the EU and UK Government to the benefit of our economy."

Delivering Carbon Capture and Storage will involve a mix of devolved and reserved powers, and the Scottish Government will be working with the UK to ensure that the proposed funding mechanisms maximise benefit to the power sector in Scotland.

(GK/JM)