Subsidies for offshore wind technology could be increased as part of a plan to encourage investment.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing hopes a new targeted incentive could open up the exploitation of deeper, more challenging waters off the coast of Scotland.
The proposal, which will be open to consultation, is part of changes to Scotland's Renewables Obligation, the main support mechanism for renewable electricity projects in the UK.
Other decisions include the retention of support for hydro generation, removal of support for some larger and less efficient wood-fuelled biomass stations and a 10% reduction in support for onshore wind.
Mr Ewing said: "Scotland has huge offshore wind potential but a lot of that resource is in far greater water depths than elsewhere in the UK, which is challenging and costly to exploit. That's why I have announced our intention to consult upon and introduce a new band for innovative ways to deploy offshore wind in Scotland's deeper and more challenging waters.
"Onshore wind is already leading the way for renewable energy and has helped us make the case for the grid upgrades which will be so important as we move forward to offshore wind, wave and tidal. The announced cut in support recognises the success and reduced costs this sector is enjoying. But we have given the industry certainty, unlike the UK Government, by setting our rate until 2017."
For biomass, the removal of support from April next year affects wood-fuelled stations with a capacity greater than 10 MW which do not capture and use the heat produced. The reduction for onshore wind will remain until 2017 unless new evidence on costs emerges.
The Renewables Obligation has helped almost triple output in Scotland and attract about £2.8 billion investment since 2009, Mr Ewing said.
Subsidies add between £15 and £20 a year to household energy bills, rising to £50 a year by 2017. By 2020, bills will be £94 cheaper with renewable energy policies than without, he added.
Dr Richard Dixon, director of environmental group WWF Scotland, said: "This is a good set of decisions which give industry certainty, maintains strong support for marine renewables and makes sure that good hydro schemes can still be developed. This is a sensible package which will make sure we can meet our 100% renewable electricity target and will send a strong message to businesses that Scotland is the place to come to develop renewable energy industries."
