Meeting the challenge of Scotland's energy needs will be the theme of this year's Scottish Renewables annual conference next week (March 19-20).

Hundreds of renewables experts will attend the trade body's fourth annual summit at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh being opened by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney who will also deliver the keynote speech.

The two day event – a highlight in Scotland’s business calendar – will tackle some of the renewables industry’s biggest themes.

Day one sees Marcus Trinick, a leading planning specialist with law firm Bond Pearce, in conversation with Colin Imrie, Head of Energy Consents at the Scottish Government, discussing recent changes in Scotland’s national planning framework, its impact on the renewables industry and progress towards targets.

The politicians take to the floor on day two when David Cairns MP (Minister of State for Scotland) debates with Jim Mather MSP (Minister of Enterprise, Tourism and Industry) and Lord Wallace of Tankerness (Jim Wallace, Lib Dem) on the future of Scotland’s energy supply.

Jason Ormiston, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "The conference's focus will be on how Scotland can maintain the momentum in renewables and achieve 20 per cent of energy generation from renewables by 2050."

For more information about the Scottish Renewables annual conference, visit www.annualconference.co.uk