This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Renewable energy jobs forecast
16/01/2004
Up to 35,000 jobs could be sustained across
theUKin the renewable energy industry by 2020, Deputy
Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald said today.
The Minister was speaking following publication
of the Renewables Supply Chain Gap Analysis, produced
by groups including government and industry.
The study looked at the opportunities to develop
a viable, long-term renewable energy industry, and
predicts that between 17,000 and 35,000 jobs could be
sustained by 2020.
Around 8,000 jobs are currently sustained by the
industry across theUK, withScotlandhaving 1940 of these. The study found that, on
average, 10 full-time jobs can be sustained per new
Megawatt of renewable energy produced.
The report highlights employment opportunities in
manufacturing, the service sector, technology research,
and in the agricultural and forestry industries.
Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald
said:
"Renewable energy is not just about protecting the
environment - as important as this is - it can also create
jobs, not least in some ofScotland's remotest communities, and build on our existing
strengths, as in the experience and expertise of our
offshore oil and gas industry.
"We also have the chance to be a world leader in
renewable technology, with the many opportunities this
will bring. For example, we have already invested £2
million in the Orkney marine wave test centre.
"These jobs will not just happen regardless - they
are there for us to win.Scotlandmust fully embrace renewable energy if it is to enjoy
the immense economic benefits it can bring."
UK Energy Minister Stephen Timms said:
"We believe that the report will provide us all -
industry and the public sector alike - with the information
about what steps must be taken for theUKto become a major player in renewable energy
technology and manufacture supply."
The Executive has set targets of producing 40% of
allScotland's electricity needs from renewable sources by
2020.
The Forum for Renewable Energy Development in
Scotland (FREDS) has been established by the
Executive to consider how best to exploit
Scotland's renewable energy potential. The Forum,
which the Deputy Enterprise Minister chairs, will meet
again this Monday.
The report was commissioned by the Renewables
Advisory Board (RAB), and led by a steering group
comprising the Scottish Executive, RAB, DTI's
Renewables UK, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and
Islands Enterprise.
The renewable energy technologies reviewed
included: wind (onshore and offshore), wave, tidal,
hydro, biomass, biofuels, waste to energy, landfill,
solar thermal, photovoltaics, fuel cells, geothermal,
hydrogen and energy storage. The study identifies the
services, research, design and manufacturing capability
associated with all these technologies.
559 companies currently active in the industry
responded to a questionnaire sent to understand their
activities, skills, needs, plans and perceived
barriers.
The report considered the nature of the current
market and potential size and structure of future
markets, identifying gaps in existing supply chains,
opportunities for theUKand constraints.
The figure "10 full-time jobs can be sustained
per new Megawatt of renewable energy produced" is based
on the jobs required during each phase of the project
e.g. development, construction, operation.