Nearly 80% of north energy firms expect to grow this year, according to a report launched yesterday.
Trade body Energy North said most oil and gas and renewables firms in the Highlands and islands were optimistic about the current climate after enjoying expansion in the last 12 months.
The organisation, which has more than 150 members, said 67% of businesses it surveyed had experienced growth in 2011 and more than 45 had increased their workforce.
Its inaugural market report was unveiled by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing at the Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference, in Inverness.
The study, sponsored by Scottish law firm Harper Macleod, revealed 79% of respondents anticipated further expansion in 2012 but many businesses highlighted challenges including a lack of skilled employees.
Nearly half of the companies surveyed said they wanted Energy North to lobby for improved transport links to the Highlands and islands, while 42% wanted to see a “local-content policy” introduced which would support businesses in the supply chain and block North Sea work going overseas.
Energy North chief executive Ian Couper said: “While other businesses in Scotland are suffering as a result of the economic climate it seems that our members and the energy industry itself are showing unprecedented growth.
“This report has only reinstated in our minds the importance of the oil and gas and renewables sectors in the north of Scotland.
“Our members are continuing to grow, providing employment and prosperity to the region.
“Although there is still an aspect of uncertainty about the future, it is obvious that there is a great deal of confidence.”
David Bone, head of energy at Harper Macleod, said the sector was vital to Scotland’s economy, adding that “nowhere are there greater opportunities than in the north of Scotland”.
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