Business · Energy & Commodities · 3 hrs ago
Scotland’s renewable energy industry supported 49,200 jobs in 2024
A study by the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute estimated that Scotland’s renewable energy industry supported 49,200 jobs and £14.9 billion in economic output in 2024.
Offshore wind supported the most jobs, with an estimated 18,800 full-time equivalent jobs across Scotland.
Ahead of the UK Budget, industry group Scottish Renewables urged the UK Government to include Scotland’s project pipeline in its strategic energy plans.
It also called on the UK Government to remove investment barriers and on the Scottish Government to speed up planning decisions.
The group says renewable energy supports jobs and economic growth, and argues that investment can also strengthen energy security and attract more business.
The Budget was due on Wednesday, and the UK Government had been approached for comment.
Scotland’s renewable energy industry supported an estimated 49,200 full-time equivalent jobs in 2024, according to a report by the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute.
The industry generated an estimated £14.9 billion of economic output.
Offshore wind supported the most jobs, with an estimated 18,800, followed by onshore wind with 17,825.
Scottish Renewables urged the UK Government to back Scotland’s renewable energy project pipeline in its strategic energy plans.
The group also called on the Scottish Government to speed up planning decisions.
- Who
- Scotland’s renewable energy industry.
- What
- It supported an estimated 49,200 full-time equivalent jobs and generated £14.9 billion of economic output.
- When
- 2024.
- Where
- Scotland.
- Why
- The report assessed the industry’s economic contribution. Scottish Renewables cited the figures in urging governments to support further growth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
South Kyle Wind Farm opened, and Seagreen became fully operational.
The report considered key developments from this period.
Sumitomo Electric began construction of a £350 million subsea cable factory at Nigg, expected to support around 250 direct jobs.
Coire Glas completed £100 million of exploratory works.
Scotland’s renewable energy industry supported an estimated 49,200 full-time equivalent jobs and generated £14.9 billion of output.
- Total employment
- 49,200 full-time equivalent jobs
- Economic output
- £14.9 billion
- Offshore wind employment
- 18,800 full-time equivalent jobs
- Onshore wind employment
- 17,825 full-time equivalent jobs
- Hydropower employment
- 4,100 full-time equivalent jobs
- Renewable heat employment
- 3,025 full-time equivalent jobs
What people are saying
Scotland’s renewable energy industry is a major engine of economic growth, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs and generating almost £15 billion of output.
The UK Government must back Scotland’s pipeline in its strategic energy plans and ensure projects can compete in future auctions, while the Scottish Government must speed up planning decisions.
Put simply, renewables are good for jobs, the economy, and cutting carbon.
However, the biggest threat to fully realising Scotland’s economic opportunity from renewables is uncertainty and UK policies that undermine the sector.