The Scottish Government has established The Scottish Energy Advisory Board for effective, high-level, open and informed engagement between Ministers, the energy industry and other relevant bodies, on the key issues facing the energy sector in Scotland. It will work to understand and articulate the Scottish industry view on these issues - including potential synergies between the oil and gas and the renewables sectors, delivering a low carbon economy and ensuring the security of Scotland's energy supply.
The first meeting of the Board took place in May and its second meeting in October.
As parts of the energy sector have very different characteristics, technology and issues. First Minister has therefore also created three Ministerial led energy theme groups, led by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism. These will focus on Oil and Gas; Thermal Generation and Carbon Capture and Storage and Renewables.
These groups also advise Ministers and enterprise agencies on key Scottish energy issues, analyse trends, inform policy development and challenges and identify and address opportunities in each part of the sector. These groups are due to hold their first meeting over the summer.