Professor Arbon says the problem is private companies can only take on as many people as they can afford.

There needs to be a market for engineers being churned out by universities.

Professor Bell from UK Energy Research Centre says the industry talks about the shortage of skilled engineers.

He says for consumers to share reserve capacity across Europe would save a lot of money, but it relies on countries working together.

SNP MSP Denis Robertson focusses on the flexibility and interdependence on the network.

Mr Robertson asks about the possibility of an EU energy union.

Earlier this year Scottish Power announced plans to close its huge coal-fired power station at Longannet in Fife.

The move comes after the energy firm failed to win a crucial contract from National Grid.

Scottish Power said it was "extremely disappointed" at National Grid's decision.

It had previously indicated Longannet would have to shut if it lost out in a contest to help maintain voltage levels in the nation's electricity supply.

The SSE-operated gas-fired power station at Peterhead won the contract at the expense of Scottish Power and a third bidder.

The Scottish government said it would hold urgent discussions with Scottish Power, Fife Council and unions about Longannet, which employs about 270 people.

Lawrence Slade from Energy UK says we have the most secure energy supply in Europe.

Brian Galloway from Scottish Power says we have the tools to make sure the lights do not go out.

Dr Edward Owens, from Heriot-Watt University says there is a big problem with supplying reliable energy when we need it most.

Michael Rieley from Scottish Renewables says recent reforms to the electricity market must do what they set out to do.

Professor Ian Arbon from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE); dull and old truly tragic thing about Longannet is the wastage in heating up the Firth of Forth over the last forty years.

Dr Alan Walker from the Royal Academy of Engineering, from Heriot-Watt University says he agrees with his colleagues and says there is a need to bring investment through into the energy sector, as a massive investment is required.

There is a statutory responsibility apon the three transmission companies to ensure there is enough generation capacity says Professor Keith Bell from the UK Energy Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde.

Professor Colin McInnes from the University of Glasgow agrees "wholeheartedly" and adds that his concern is that there is no clarity about the responsibility of security of energy supply across the UK.

Professor Gareth Harrison from the University of Edinburgh and the Young Academy of Scotland says Scotland should retain some energy supply flexibility.

Murdo Fraser says that with the loss of Longannet next year and Hunterston and Torness by 2023, and asks should we be concerned about security of energy supply?

Committee convener Murdo Fraser welcomes the witnesses and a delegation from Poland who will observe the session.

The US shale gas boom is disguising serious risks to the security of global energy supplies, according to one of the industry's leading consultancies.

The International Energy Agency's latest World Energy Outlook says the increased market turmoil comes as global energy demand is set to soar.

The US shale boom provided "breathing space" but "little reassurance", the report said.

The Paris-based IEA advises developed nations on energy policy and strategy.

Image source, AFP

The report estimates that energy demand will rise by 37% by 2040. While there are adequate global resources available, it will require political action and significant.

investment to meet the demand, the IEA said.

However, one major concern is that growing conflicts could limit supply, notably in the Middle East and especially Iraq, as well as in Ukraine.

The Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, external will take evidence on the the security of energy supply.

In a rather large round table discussion, MSPs will take evidence from Professor Ian Arbon from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE); Professor Keith Bell from the UK Energy Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde; Professor Colin McInnes from the University of Glasgow; Brian Galloway from Scottish Power and Professor Gareth Harrison from the University of Edinburgh and the Young Academy of Scotland.

Also giving evidence will be Dr Edward Owens, from Heriot-Watt University; Michael Rieley from Scottish Renewables; Lawrence Slade from Energy UK and Dr Alan Walker from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The Economy Committee , externalwill host a round table discussion on the crucial issue of security of energy supply.

Image source, Getty Images

MSPs begin the afternoon grilling social justice, communities and pensioner's rights ministers in portfolio questions.

Then it's the turn for fair work, skills and training ministers to take the hot seat.

The Scottish Labour party will then debate the future of Scotland's economy.

Finally Labour MSP Paul Martin leads a debate looking at how to protect rent-tied pub tenants.

Good morning and welcome to BBC Scotland Democracy Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 20 May 2015.