New figures released by the UK Government have shown a £5.5billion turnover from Scotland’s renewable energy sector and a 300% jobs increase s in 2016 in certain sectors.
Data from the UK Government report pointed to significant growth in onshore and offshore wind employment, but also a noticeable fall in solar jobs since support was pulled by Westminster.
The number of people employed in Scotland’s offshore wind sector increased by 300%, to 2,000.
The new survey, conducted by the Office for National Statistics, also showed employment in renewable heat increased from fewer than 500 to 2,500 in the same period.
The number of people employed in solar power in Scotland fell by 75%, from 2,000 to 500, for which cuts in UK Government support are being blamed.
Jenny Hogan, deputy chief executive at Scottish Renewables, said: “These new figures clearly show the benefits renewable energy is bringing to Scotland.
“Companies that are developing projects here, as well as supply chain businesses supporting the wider industry, are employing people in skilled jobs and delivering investment from the Borders to Shetland.
“The rise in employment in the offshore wind and renewable heat sectors illustrates the huge boost to jobs and investment that is possible when technologies are given the right backing by Government. For these benefits to continue and grow, the whole industry needs to see that level of political commitment sustained across the board.
“The decline in employment in the solar industry shows clearly the impact of cuts to UK Government support for the sector. We would expect that future editions of this ONS survey will show declines in other areas caused by similar decisions made at Westminster.”
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