Renewables: Clarification needed

A committee of MPs has said coal-burning power stations must be used to meet Scotland's energy needs.

The Commons Scottish affairs committee says the government must show a commitment to the UK coal industry by fitting power stations with equipment to capture carbon dioxide and sulphur.

The recommendations come in a report published on Wednesday which examines how Scotland's future energy needs will be met.

It says nuclear fusion could be a major source of power in the future, but more research is needed. The energy source will not be available for another 40 years, according the report.

The committee recommends the government undertake an audit of energy resources currently available to work out the energy requirements for the future.

And it says the Scottish Executive must clarify its position and state whether its target of "40 per cent renewables" refers to generation or consumption.

The report concludes that the best way of ensuring Scotland’s energy supply is maintained is by conserving energy.

And it welcomes the government’s current Energy Efficiency campaign, particularly the television advertisements which seek to convince people that everyone can make a difference by simply switching off an unused light for example.