Around 12,500 jobs in marine renewables could contribute £2.5 billion to Scotland's economy by 2020, according to a report published today.

The industry-led Marine Energy Group study charts a course for wave and tidal power around Scotland, and highlights actions to build further success in the sector. Its recommendations, for Government and its partners, include:

• A call for the Scottish Government to repeat its Wave and Tidal Energy Support scheme.
• A review of grid infrastructure required to support growth.
• A fresh look at the levels of support available under the renewables obligation
• Calls for the Treasury to do more to help the sector, including the release of the Fossil Fuel Levy surplus funds to help promote renewables in Scotland.

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Mr Swinney said: "The report, put together by industry, highlights the actions it believes we need to deliver a commercial scale industry. It confirms there could be 12,500 Scottish jobs in marine renewables by 2020, a huge boost for the economy and a long term platform for sustainable growth.

"Industry recognises, as this Government has always believed, that the Treasury should unlock Scotland's share of the Fossil Fuel Levy - currently over £150 million - to allow us to give additional support to our renewables industry, the economy and environment."

Swinney said the report is an excellent example of collaboration in the public and private sectors.

He said: "The recommendations are very much industry driven and we will consider their views very carefully as we continue to build a world leading renewables sector."

(GK/BMcC)