Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has met Germany’s leading Green Party politician to discuss opportunities the two countries can share in a renewable future.

Speaking after the meeting with Winfried Kretschmann, Mr Salmond said: “With our ambitious energy targets and growing expertise Scotland is well placed to help Germany succeed in their ambitions to phase out the country’s nuclear power plants and reduce their energy emissions.

Mr Salmond said there were significant business openings to be made by working with Germany: “We can develop strong links and maximise opportunities for a shared, green energy future. This represents a great opportunity for Scotland – potentially opening up a considerable export market for both manufacturing and services expertise.”

“Germany is not alone in shunning nuclear power in favour of green and we have been discussing, at UK and EU levels, including improving storage capabilities, strengthening grid connections and delivering a North Sea grid.”