FIRST Minister Carwyn Jones has hailed energy production as a "golden opportunity" for Wales as he unveiled his vision for the sector.

Today, the Welsh Government published its Energy Wales document - which sets out how ministers intend to maximise the economic potential of power generation.

At the heart of the Government's masterplan is supporting marine and nuclear energy generation - the latter has prompted concerned responses from environmental group Friends Of The Earth.

But Mr Jones argued that in an era of climate change, energy was "a defining issue" that he was determined "Wales will lead" on.

He said: "Our ambition is to create a low-carbon economy that delivers a wealthy future for Wales.

"At every step along the way, we must make sure Wales takes full advantage of the potential for jobs and long-term economic development, an aim which is especially important in the current economic climate.

"There is no escaping the challenges of climate change and energy security.

"However, these challenges are also a golden opportunity for Wales to lay the foundations for a better future."