The head of the Energy Retail Association (ERA) has warned that the Scottish government needs to create a "stable environment" to encourage energy firms to invest in renewable technology, paving the way for economic growth north of the border.
Dr Garry Felgate, the chief executive of the ERA, said that the "decarbonisation" process of Britain's energy production had the potential to become a business opportunity for Scottish firms.
He said: "Climate change is a fantastic business opportunity for Scotland. We are going to need new technologies and new ways of looking at things. All of that means massive business potential, because of Scotland's natural resources."
Felgate warned that issues such as planning delays could hold up development and deter the big energy companies, including Scottish Gas and Scottish Power, from investing money in the new "clean" technologies.
"Things do need to be running faster. There is massive investment needed - the government needs to clearly set the agenda and ensure that businesses have the confidence to get on and do it."
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David Porter, the chief executive of the Association of Electricity Producers, said: "The Scottish government is optimistic that it can create jobs and economic prosperity by attracting investment in renewable energy. But investment in renewables, just as in other forms of electricity generation, depends on clear and durable policy decisions from government and regulators."
Jim Mather, the energy minister, said: "Through our economic recovery programme, we are putting renewables at the top of the agenda and building a greener deal for Scotland, progressing actions across renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and transport to create new jobs and tackle climate change.
"We have set a target of nine months for deciding energy applications while determining as many applications in two years as in the four years of the previous administration."