SCOTLAND’S rapidly growing renewables sector has created 15,000 new jobs in just one year, according to new analysis.
A study by the Fraser of Allander Institute says the industry supported 42,000 jobs compared with 27,000 the previous year.
Onshore and offshore wind are the biggest drivers but there’s also been a marked growth of jobs in home heating.
Big developments include the Moray East wind farm, the Kincardine wind farm and Seagreen off Angus.
Professor Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “Our latest report shows the significant contribution that renewables make to Scotland’s economy.
“These opportunities include the potential for technological development, new export markets and prosperity for rural parts of Scotland that may otherwise be left behind in the transition away from fossil fuels.”
The report also shows that the renewable energy industry and its supply chain generated more than £10bn of output in 2021.That’s almost double the previous year’s figure of £5.6billion.
Future years are expected to see even more considerable growth as the growth of offshore wind explodes, according to the BBC.
The most recent leasing round of the seabed from Crown Estates Scotland saw 17 more licences awarded covering 7,000 sq km.
It’s projected that will see offshore wind capacity grow from 1.9GW in 2022 to 25GW.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The renewable energy industry is the biggest economic opportunity we have in Scotland.
“While our members continue to focus on delivering the projects we will need to meet our climate ambitions, as an industry we want to clearly demonstrate how we are benefiting not only Scotland’s but the UK’s economies as we transition to a net-zero future.”
