Jobs boost for renewable energy supply chain, report from trade body finds

Scottish Renewables today (April 24) published the latest edition of its  Supply Chain Impact Statement which has found 90% of the companies included in the report hired new recruits to work exclusively in renewable energy in the last 12 months.  

The Supply Chain Impact Statement is an annual showcase of the clean power achievements of businesses and organisations, from the borders to the Highlands and Islands, working across Scotland’s flourishing renewable energy industry.  

Companies featured in this year’s report include: 

• SD Wind Energy – a provider of small-scale wind turbines and hybrid renewable energy systems that has installed turbines across the globe from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle.  
• Napkin Innovation - a company revolutionising non-grouted foundation connections for offshore wind developments. 
• Utility ROV Services – a company specialising in bespoke subsea operations through remote-operated vehicles supporting the offshore wind industry. 
• FES Group – a Stirling based business offering end-to-end services for solar PV, battery storage, hydro power, district heat solutions and more.  

The 40 supply chain companies featured in the Impact Statement employ more than 1,270 employees who work exclusively in renewable energy. 

Emma Harrick, Head of Energy Transition and Supply Chain at Scottish Renewables, said:  

“Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain continues to play a vital role in driving Scotland’s energy future while contributing significantly to the national economy and delivering the major infrastructure projects, such as onshore and offshore wind farms, that are powering our cleaner, greener future.  

“This year’s Supply Chain Impact Statement has given us a clear insight into the major role these businesses and organisations are playing in our industry with 90% of those confirming they have recruited exclusively for renewable energy roles in the last 12 months. 

“The businesses and organisations celebrated in the document represent only a small portion of the complex supplier network we need to deploy net-zero technologies and there will be more and more opportunities for our supply chain to grow further as we continue to build clean power projects across Scotland. 

“The renewable energy industry continues to go from strength to strength, but we can’t rest on our laurels. It is a long road ahead for companies who must conquer challenges such as finding and upskilling employees, securing funding for ambitious facility investments, increasing capabilities and navigating rising costs. To build on the successes highlighted in this year’s report, supporting suppliers of all shapes and sizes to scale up their businesses must be a key priority for both the Scottish and UK Governments. 

“Today, however, we recognise the strength, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the ambitious Scottish businesses who are getting it done, delivering the projects that are supplying green energy to our homes. 

“For our industry, which already supports 42,000 jobs and is worth more than £10 billion to the economy, it's clear that our collective efforts are not just driving us towards a cleaner, greener future but are creating a wealth of sustainable jobs and driving economic growth across the country.” 

A survey of the companies featured in this year’s Supply Chain Impact Statement revealed unanimous optimism about Scotland's renewable energy future. An overwhelming 100% of respondents believe Scotland is a prime location for renewable energy investment and expressed confidence in securing work within the industry for the next five years.  

The survey results confirm Scotland's position as a leader in sustainable economic growth and a creator of green jobs. 

Of the supply chain organisations surveyed: 

• 100% said they believe Scotland is an attractive place to invest. 
• 100% of organisations asked, feel confident in securing work in the renewable energy industry over the next five years. 
• 90% said that they have hired new people as a result of opportunities in renewable energy. 

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Lord Cameron, said:  

"The UK Government is committed to backing the renewables sector. Our investment in the clean energy sector means more than 40% of our electricity comes from renewables compared to just 7% in 2010 and this continues to grow. Our £1 billion Green Industries Growth Accelerator fund is supporting the expansion of strong and sustainable clean energy supply chains across the UK.   

"This new report from Scottish Renewables shows the confidence within the private sector and how bright the future will be for the industry and its supply chains, especially in Scotland." 

 

Scottish Government Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said: 

“Scotland is a renewables powerhouse, with 88% of electricity generation coming from zero or low carbon sources in 2022. Working with industry, we are leading the way on low-carbon, sustainable jobs in the UK ahead of Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions of England. The Strategic Investment Model has identified a strong pipeline of port infrastructure and supply chain projects with a combined total capital expenditure of around £6.5 billion. 

“This survey reinforces our decision to invest up to £500 million over the next five years to provide market certainty and helping to generate thousands of new jobs.” 

Support for the Scottish Renewables’ Supply Chain Impact Statement comes from Document Sponsors BlueFloat Energy | Renantis Partnership, EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, Inch Cape Offshore Wind, Ocean Winds, ORE Catapult and SSEN Transmission.     

Read the Scottish Renewables' Supply Chain Impact Statement 2023/24

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