Last week, the Scottish government released a report detailing how the country could generate £7.1 billion for the economy as well as putting 10.1 gigawatts of renewable energy into the grid. The report produced trade body Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise is entitled ‘Scottish Offshore Wind: Creating an Industry’ and outlines four different scenarios for the development of renewable energy in the country.

The scenarios outline plans that could add 1.3GW to 10.6GW and will create anywhere up to 28,000 jobs and up to 20,000 related industries. Despite the positives, the report warns that the growth will only happen if investment is made in worker skills, port facilities and the grid. Jenny Hogan of Scottish Renewables stated:

“Renewable energy is Scotland’s biggest economic opportunity in a generation, and the development of offshore wind will drive much of the expansion of the sector,”

“While Scotland has fantastic resources and facilities, if we are to attract major inward investors and grow the supply chain, we need to develop key ports and manufacturing facilities, as well as securing necessary grid connections and upgrades,”

It is expected that the Scottish government will begin a consultation on a proposed reform of the the Renewable Obligation, their policy that subsidises development of renewable energy sources. This will allow them to push forward development and begin to move towards a greener future.

Author:  Thomas Davies

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