Renewables sector sustains 22,660 jobs in Scotland

The renewable energy industry supports 22,660 jobs in Scotland, according to a report, announced today by Scottish Renewables.

Onshore wind supports the highest number of jobs -- 8,780 full-time equivalent employment. It is followed by offshore wind with 4,700 and hydropower with 3,290.

Of the overall figure, the sector’s direct full-time equivalent employment amounts to 6,440 jobs.

The renewables business supports jobs in a number of sectors, including almost 3,000 jobs in construction and 2,200 jobs in manufacturing.

The renewable energy industry also supports GBP 5.2 billion (USD 7.4bn/EUR 6bn) of output a year in Scotland, with GBP 2.4 billion coming from onshore wind, GBP 889 million from offshore wind and GBP 915 million from hydropower.

According to the industry body, the figures from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute for the first time illustrate the economic impact of Scotland’s renewable energy sector.

“The renewable energy industry is now recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s economy and is delivering the equivalent of almost all the country’s electricity consumption,” said Scottish Renewable chief executive Claire Mack.

Scotland’s renewable energy sector is poised for rapid growth in the coming years based on the offshore wind deployment ambitions, the reinstatement of onshore wind in the UK government’s energy auctions, and the required expansion of low-carbon heat technologies, the body says.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.416/EUR 1.160)

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