Scottish renewables sector sees all time high employment

The Scottish Renewables survey of more than 540 companies suggest 11,695 people are currently in full-time employment, an increase of 5% from the previous year’s study.

This represents a higher rate of growth in employment when compared to the Scottish economy as a whole.

Glasgow, the Lothians, Highlands & Islands and the North East top the list of regions employing the most people. Onshore wind (39%), offshore wind (21%), marine and bioenergy (both 9%) the most notable sources of employment.

Of those companies surveyed more than half (54%) said they would be looking to employ even more people in the next 12 months with a further 42% saying their employment would stay the same and only 1.6% expecting it to decrease.

Joss Blamire, Senior Policy Manager for Scottish Renewables, which represents more than 330 organisations working in the industry, says: “These latest figures show the renewables industry has seen steady growth in the number of people being employed despite an uncertain year.

“The breadth of job opportunities for project managers, ecologists and engineers has led to a wide range of people seeing renewable energy as a sector where they can use their skills and training.”

“Not only are more people employed in renewables than ever before but there is a huge amount of positivity about the future, with a majority of companies looking to expand their operations and take on more employees,” adds Mr Blamire.

He warned, however, that the industry could not afford to become complacent over these new figures. 

“The survey also found that market reforms in the electricity sector, planning issues and connecting projects to the grid were all cited as potential barriers that could get in the way of future growth.

“The renewable energy sector in Scotland will be looking at how it can overcome these barriers to secure even more jobs and further investment as well as reduce emissions from our energy sector over the next 12 months.”