Increase ‘shows that Scotland needs powers
Sthe industry’s growth. There remain calls for more robust official data gathering. The renewables sector is not currently defined in the national accounts, meaning the report carries a “moderately large margin of error”.
COTLAND needs full powers over the energy sector to ensure a just transition, the SNP have insisted, after experts estimated jobs in renewables rocketed in 2021.
Steven Bonnar, the party’s environment spokesperson, said the statistics released by the Fraser of Allander Institute show Scotland is leading the way in tackling climate change.
But he believes a just transition to clean energy can only be achieved if Scotland is handed full powers over the sector by Westminster.
The FAI says the industry supported 42,000 jobs in 2021 compared with 27,000 in the previous year.
Experts estimated the impact of green energy generation using data from the Office for National
Statistics (ONS), finding 13,600 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs are directly employed in the industry, accounting for £6.1 billion in turnover.
The report also found the number of jobs supported in the supply chain of the sector was much higher, sitting at more than 42,000 FTE, as well as producing output of £10.1bn and £4.7bn of gross value added – a measure of worth to the economy.
Bonnar said: “Scotland is leading the way in renewable energy and tackling climate change, as proven by the research published today which shows that the renewable energy industry supported 42,000 jobs and generated more than £10bn of output for the Scottish economy in 2021.
“Scotland is energy rich and has the potential to be a twentyfirst century powerhouse of green
The FAI said: “More robust and timely production of renewables data by the UK and/or Scottish Government would allow for more meaningful between-year and betweentechnology comparisons of these estimates.”
Earlier this year Government figures showed renewables generated a record amount of electricity for the UK in 2022, with Scotland providing around a quarter of the UK’s overall renewable output.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The renewable energy industry is the biggest economic opportunity we have in Scotland.
“While our members continue to focus on delivering the projects we will need to meet our climate ambitions, as an industry we want to clearly demonstrate how we are benefiting not only Scotland’s but the UK’s economies as we transition to a netzero future.”
The largest number of roles are in construction, which relies heavily on the continued growth of renewables projects. The report also shows and renewable technology – but Westminster is undermining any progress by the Scottish Government by withholding funding and deterring investors with damaging decisions.
“The Scottish Government is supporting renewable energy by committing to a £500m Just Transition fund and investing £100m in renewable hydrogen projects but only with full energy powers can Scotland achieve a just transition towards renewable energy, realise a net-zero future and strive towards cheaper energy bills for all.
“Scotland has the energy, we just need the power.”
The Scottish Greens have also called for more robust data to be produced after the FAI said its report carries a “moderately large margin of error” due to the renewables sector that the renewable energy industry and its supply chain generated more than £10 billion of output in 2021 – almost double the previous year’s figure.
Offshore wind is expected to grow even more in the coming years.
The most recent leasing round of the seabed from Crown Estates Scotland saw 17 more licences awarded covering 7000 sq km. Professor Mairi not being defined in the national accounts.
Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: “This report underlines the huge potential we are unlocking in Scotland, with thousands of new and sustainable jobs that are powering us to a cleaner and greener future.
“This is exactly the right kind of growth our economy and our skilled workers need to see happen. We are attracting investment and not just transitioning jobs, but seeing new ones created.
“These jobs are not just supporting our environment, they are also putting money in people’s pockets and supporting thousands of families and communities.
“We are doing all this with one hand tied behind our back by a Westminster government that refuses to see beyond fossil fuels. Just think