Scotland's renewable energy industry supported an estimated 49,200 full-time equivalent jobs and generated £14.9 billion of economic output in 2024, according to independent research by the University of Strathclyde's Fraser of Allander Institute commissioned by Scottish Renewables. The figures come ahead of the UK Budget on 28 October, with the industry body calling on the government to remove barriers to investment.
Offshore wind was the largest employer within Scotland's renewable sector during 2024, supporting an estimated 18,800 full-time equivalent jobs across the country. Onshore wind followed with 17,825 jobs, hydropower contributed 4,100 positions, and renewable heat supported 3,025, the report found.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Angela Hepworth said the figures demonstrated why renewable energy must be central to growth plans. She called on the UK Government to back Scotland's pipeline in its strategic energy plans and ensure projects could compete in future auctions, while urging the Scottish Government to speed up planning decisions. The industry body highlighted that much of the energy transition relies on private investment, meaning businesses need confidence to commit.
During the period studied, several major developments progressed. South Kyle Wind Farm opened and Seagreen, Scotland's largest offshore wind farm, became fully operational in 2023. Sumitomo Electric began construction in 2024 on a £350 million subsea cable factory at Nigg, expected to support around 250 direct jobs, whilst Coire Glas completed £100 million of exploratory works in 2024.
Environmental groups added their support for continued backing. WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said renewables were good for jobs, the economy and cutting carbon, and called for continued and co-ordinated support from both Scottish and UK governments. Energy Minister Stephen Gethins described the energy transition as presenting a generational opportunity to create high-skilled jobs, but warned that uncertainty and UK policies that undermine the sector posed the biggest threat to realising Scotland's economic opportunity from renewables.
For UK savers, borrowers, businesses and investors, renewable energy employment growth and investment flows in Scotland could affect broader UK energy security, household energy bills, and the attractiveness of the sector for financial commitment.