Scottish Labour MSP Claudia Beamish says Scotland must maximise the opportunities for jobs in renewables.

Ms Beamish says it is particularly disappointing that the Tory government in Westminster cannot seem to grasp the importance of investment.

The Labour MSP says there are great opportunities in pump storage options. 

She says the Labour amendment addresses the jobs issue.

Image source, Getty Images

Wind power output in Scotland rose by more than a third in September compared with the same time last year, according to renewable energy analysts.

WeatherEnergy also estimated it was the first time all of Scotland's electricity needs had been met by wind on two days in a month.

The company said turbines provided the equivalent of 127% of demand on 24 September and 107% on the 29 September.

There were high winds across Scotland on both days, the Met Office said.

Green MSP Andy Wightman says the idea the state cannot provide a complimentary role in an energy company is a strange one.

Mr Wightman was responding to an intervention from Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur who said there were concerns about the establishment of a government-owned energy company.

Scottish Greens MSP Andy Wightman says we have heard much about the need for political and financial support in renewables.

Mr Wightman says Scotland has one of the best renewable energy potential in Europe.

The Scottish Green MSP says the party's co-convener Patrick Harvie argued for local authorities who wanted to invest in the sector in 2012. 

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Ben Macpherson says the renewable energy sector in Scotland is a success story.

Mr Macpherson says he worked as a lawyer on renewables projects.

He says Scotland has the expertise and capacity required to move forward with the sector.

The Edinburgh Northern and Leith says the recent CFD announcement was disappointing.

He calls on Scottish Conservatives to get on the phone to UK government ministers and get them to get behind an absolutely vital sector in Scotland's economy.

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One of Scotland's biggest energy providers has warned onshore wind development will come to a standstill if the UK government does not offer an urgent commitment to its future.

Scottish Power says no new framework has been created for wind farms for when subsidies come to an end in April.

The company is involved in a "wind-rush" to build turbines before the Renewables Obligation is scrapped.

UK ministers said their position on the issue remains unchanged.

Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron says there remains a huge potential for Scotland to lead the world in hydro energy.

Mr Cameron says we are lucky to have the natural resources available for hydro power.

The Tory MSP says it is fair to say that Scotland is rich in rainfall and refers to Labour MSP Jackie Baillie's quip by saying rain is used already for power. 

He says the feed-in tarriff is still in place for renewable energy and will be until 2019. 

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur says he welcomes the government's approach which shows the cross-party approach in this area.

Mr McArthur says there are challenges because, since 2015, the UK government appear to want to stifle the progress that has been made in renewables.

The Lib Dem MSP says the consultation around energy policy "beggars belief". He says this makes it clear the UK government want to "dump agreements"  from the previous coalition.

He says "by all means use Orkney as a test bed."

"Orkney's living laboratory is genuinely pioneering," he says. 

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald says Scotland has the natural resources, the political will and the supply chains for renewables.

Mr Macdonald says the Aberdeen supply chain has been innovative from the outset.

He says it is this innovation that can turn aspiration into reality.

Mr Macdonald says there are still challenges to be faced, however.

SNP MSP Gillian Martin says the ministers' opening speech covered the Scottish government's efforts in the area and why it remains a global leader in renewables.

Ms Martin says there is "massive potential" in renewables both for the environment and in creating jobs. 

The SNP MSP says it is "bitterly disappointing" that the UK government hasn't provided minimum funding for marine energy technology. 

She says there needs to be a more constructive and forward thinking approach from the UK government. 

Image source, bbc

Holyrood's consent is not needed before Brexit negotiations formally get under way, the Supreme Court has heard.

Lord Keen - the UK's government's Advocate General - said triggering Article 50 would not alter the "essential structure" of devolution.

The Scottish government believes Holyrood should be consulted before talks between the UK and EU begin.

But Lord Keen said that was "fatally undermined" by powers over foreign affairs being reserved to Westminster.

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Green MSP Mark Ruskell uses his motion to say the forthcoming energy strategy should set a target to ensure that 50% of all Scotland's energy needs across the heat, electricity and transport sectors are met by renewables by 2030.

Mr Ruskell says there is no room for complacency.

He blames the Westminster government of ideological attacks on future electricity generation plans.

Mr Ruskell says the whole onshore wind sector and solar energy sector has been pushed into the abyss by UK government cuts.

Here is the Scottish Greens amendment. 

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Ms Baillie says it is about maximising economic opportunity and she wants the "lions share" of jobs in Scotland.

The Labour MSP says "if Scotland could source energy from rain it would be quids in."

She says she is disappointed by the Tories' attitude at a UK level.

The UK government have not made any commitment to help these technologies come to market," she says. 

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie says there needs to be a mix of sources in the energy supply.

Ms Baillie says there has been a substantial increase in renewables, which is welcome.

She says Scotland punches its weight in attracting the lion's share of the UK subsidies.

Ms Baillie says the vast majority of wind turbines are constructed abroad.

Here is the Scottish Labour amendment

Image source, Scottish parliament

Mr Burnett says the Scottish Conservatives have always supported Scottish renewables attempt for a new innovation centre.

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He says unfortunately this has been a missed SNP opportunity.

The Tory MSP says the government are charging consumers for heat that they are "effectively pumping into the sky."

He says this increases fuel poverty which is "another problem and another SNP fail."

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Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett says his party strongly supports the Scottish government using its powers to enhance the Scottish renewable energy sector.

Mr Burnett says there is absolute hypocrisy among the SNP ranks today.

He says the SNP have not raised this issue at Westminster.

Mr Burnett says the UK government remains committed to supporting the offshore wind sector.

He says the UK government invest £7billion in renewables.