ENERGY COMPROMISE THE Government's energy review yesterday was not the nuclear explosion critics expected. There was plenty of wind and water thrown in to dampen down the flames of dissent.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling's announcement was the balanced package promised, opening the way not only for more nuclear power stations but signalling a drive to boost renewable energy and cut energy consumption.

In the home, people will find that their stand-by switches on TVs and stereos will quietly be phased out. Few realise they use half as much power in this mode, adding seven per cent to national energy consumption. In future years they won't exist or will switch themselves off as you snooze on the sofa.

But the energy efficiency agenda is far more far reaching - imposing carrots and sticks on the big power companies to increase their use of renewables, cut down on gas fired stations and help customers, business and domestic users, to reduce consumption.

This chimes in with the promise by the Scottish Executive's Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm, to boost green power in all new property developments. Construction companies will have to think green when they build new housing developments or business parks. Items like mini-wind turbines, small-scale hydropower or solar panels will have to be incorporated into all designs. While costs may rise slightly this will produce long-term savings for both home owners and companies and cut greenhouse gases and global warming. Scotland's planning system will also be streamlined to stop protesters objecting to a green schemes, holding up the march of renewables.

Westminster insiders believe this could allow swifter developments at nuclear power stations at Torness and Hunterston to fill the energy gap, despite First Minister Jack McConnell's apparent coolness. Wary of the Liberal Democrats in his coalition and the Greens and Nationalists circling outside of it, his scepticism may be politically wise for the time being. However, in the longer term a combination of new nuclear power stations and a drive on renewables could be a massive boost to the Scottish economy and put the country in the forefront of modern energy technologies.

Scotland has been blessed with North Sea oil and gas for a generation and it could be argued the multinationals and government have not made the best use of it. But in an increasingly energy- conscious and energy-expensive world, there are still reserves there to be effectively managed.

If that is allied with nuclear redevelopment at Torness and Hunterston and a major exploitation of wind and wave power, there is an unparalleled opportunity for the Scottish people, Scottish industry and the Scottish Executive to benefit economically while tackling climate change. It must be grasped with both hands.

Leaving the door open for new generation of nuclear power stations may not please those opposed to them, but it is a compromise position that may have to be embraced.With renewables unlikely to be able to meet our future power needs, it would appear to be an essential element of the mix - bearing in mind that world oil and gas prices are rising swiftly in what is a very volatile market.

As supplies continue to dwindle the market will drive prices even higher and it is essential we become as self-sufficient as possible. To rely on external suppliers would leave future generations at the economic mercy of foreign powers.