Scottish renewables now support 47,000 jobs

More than 47,000 jobs and £15.5 billion of output is supported by Scotland’s renewable energy industry, new annual figures show.

Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute found that offshore wind is the biggest employer with 19,580 full time equivalent roles, followed by onshore wind and renewable heat.

Offshore wind also powered the most activity across the Scottish economy, generating more than £6.8 billion of output, followed by onshore wind with £6.4 billion and hydropower with £1.4 billion.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said the report provided an “important snapshot” of the economic value the industry is creating in the push for a future powered by clean, home-grown renewable energy.