Leading Scottish renewables firm UrbanWind has called on the government to focus on renewable energy after shale gas is called branded only a 'long-term possibility'.

The Government has been urged to focus more on delivering a renewable energy strategy to meet the needs of the nation, following Vince Cable's warning that shale gas is no more than a long-term possibility for the UK.

The Coalition's Business Secretary says that shale gas extraction should not be a key plan of energy police for the next decade.

Paul McCullagh, CEO of leading UK renewable energy expert UrbanWind, says that the Government's focus, in delivering a policy that will keep Britain's lights on, should now turn firmly to the renewable sector.

He said: "The Business Secretary has finally come out and said what many in the energy industry have been declaring for some time now.

"The Government may be saying it's going ‘all out' for shale gas but putting all the focus and emphasis on a technology that won't be with us for at least a decade is not going to address the challenges we face as a nation.

"The answer is staring David Cameron in the face. What is needed is a mix of energy solutions that will start to deliver the security of supply that we urgently need now, whilst also meeting the environmental targets the UK and Europe have set.

"As Mr Cable has pointed out, Shale gas is a long-term possibility – no more than that. Wind energy is already here. It is tried and trusted technology.

"The renewable industry is here. It is powering ahead. What it needs is the support and commitment from the Government that will drive it forward further.

"That, in turn, will help the economy through investment in renewable technology and the jobs that investment creates.

"However, we need the Government to commit to renewable energy and recent pronouncements have not given potential investors the desired level of commitment.

"Mr Cable's declaration that renewable energy offers more immediate opportunities than the dash for shale gas is to be welcomed.

"As he says, some people have got "carried away" with shale gas. Now is the time to focus on what we can deliver, here and now and in the immediate future.

"Shale gas should not be seen as an alternative to proven, renewable technology. It should be part of the mix of energy sources that we need to ensure our security.

"To get that mix, the Government needs to show its support and belief in renewable energy and the benefits it is already bringing to the UK. Let's work together to build a strong, dynamic renewable sector."

Urban Wind, which is based in Glasgow and has an operation in Preston, Lancashire, is one of the UK's leading experts in wind turbine technology and has successfully worked on more than 500 projects across the country.