He told delegates in Perth that the country's fossil fuel levy and its underspend could be used to boost jobs and investment in Scotland.

BBC: Salmond demands 'Scotland's cash'

In his announcement, Mr Salmond also repeated a call on the UK government to make money available for renewables projects from the Fossil Fuel Levy.

BBC: ?70m Scottish government fund to aid offshore wind

The REIF has been set up following a deal between the UK Treasury and the Scottish government over the release of funds from the fossil fuel levy.

BBC: Alex Salmond launches ?103m renewable energy fund

The Fossil Fuel Levy was introduced in Scotland in 1996.

BBC: Reaching a compromise over fuel levy cash

The Scottish government has been calling for money to be released from the Fossil Fuel Levy, which is held by Ofgem, so investments can be made in onshore and marine renewable projects.

BBC: Osborne unveils ?103m renewables funding for Scotland

Other issues raised included the Fossil Fuel Levy.

BBC: Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee

Their argument seemed to be gaining traction when, in May 2010, the coalition agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats agreed to "review the control and use of accumulated and future revenues from the Fossil Fuel Levy in Scotland".

BBC: Reaching a compromise over fuel levy cash

For arcane accounting reasons, this money does not technically come from the Fossil Fuel Levy account itself but the Treasury is keen to point out that it has been found from existing UK government resources and will not require any additional borrowing.

BBC: Reaching a compromise over fuel levy cash