They call it the �energy gap�. Despite the rapid growth and potential of Scotland�s renewable energy sources, the country�s conventionally generated electricity supply is facing a rundown as plants grow old.

They call it the "energy gap".

Despite the rapid growth and potential of Scotland's renewable energy sources, the country's conventionally generated electricity supply is facing a rundown as plants grow old.

Of the two remaining nuclear power plants in Scotland, Hunterston B is scheduled for shut-down in 2016, but with the potential for a further extension, and Torness in East Lothian should keep running until 2023.

But plans for expansion or the creation of new facilities face objections from the Scottish Government, which has said it will use its planning powers to block proposals for any new nuclear power plant.

Meanwhile, ScottishPower has just two coal-burning plants: Longannet, which is having its life extended with upgraded equipment allowing for cleaner burning, along with an investigation into its carbon capture potential; and Cockenzie in East Lothian, the future of which is under review.

This has provoked a debate over Scotland's reliance for its electricity supply on renewable and fossil-burning sources, while the UK Government presses ahead with a new generation of nuclear at sites in England.

On the face of it, and based on the widespread early support for the scheme, the proposal for a "clean coal" facility at Hunterston in North Ayrshire, combining the use of biomass fuels and the potential to capture 90% of its carbon emissions, ticks the boxes for a sustainable and secure supply of electricity for several generations.

Dong Energy operates similar generating stations to the one proposed for the Hunterston site, including a facility at its Avedore site near Copenhagen, in Denmark.

Even those shackled by future quasi-judicial process such as planning and dealing with objections have found it difficult to contain their optimism for the scheme.

Only environmental lobbyists Friends of the Earth Scotland, the World Development Movement and WWF Scotland have voiced any criticism of the plans, casting doubt about whether the carbon capture technology will ever be installed.

Although the planned plant would sit next to the existing nuclear facility at Hunterston, many of those prepared to lend their support for the venture have done so on the condition that surrounding communities are fully consulted.

David O'Neill, leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: "As yet we have received no details and as a planning authority we have to reserve our position.

"But the prospect of a development at Hunterston on this scale bringing with it a large number of jobs is extremely significant for North Ayrshire."

Local SNP MSP Kenny Gibson said: "I had discussions as far back as a year ago on this and I'm glad its coming to fruition. My only caveat is the size, which would require full consultation with the community and promises over improvements to the road and rail infrastructure.

"We're not talking about a scabby old power station here but something which in 10 years should have the technology for carbon capture and make the need for any further nuclear plants superfluous."

Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, added: "Should any upgrade of the local infrastructure, including the road and rail network, be required, the cost of this will be met by the developer. Grants to encourage seaborne transport network may be made available."

Euan McLeod, the Glasgow Labour councillor heading the Nuclear Free Local Authorities group, added: "If it can be demonstrated that power can be generated in an environmentally sound manner then this certainly will be the final nail in the coffin for nuclear power."

But the environmental lobby was less welcoming.

Duncan McLaren, of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: "The idea of capture readiness' is a dangerous smokescreen, which requires little more than that land be set aside for the kit to be added at a later date, without any guarantee that it will ever actually be installed and operated."

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, said: "It would be madness to waste time and money building new coal-fired power stations."