Almost 50,000 jobs have been supported by Scotland’s renewable energy industry in 2024, a new report reveals.
The report by the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute was commissioned by Scottish Renewables and found that the sector created £14.9 billion of economic output in the same year.
The findings highlighted that offshore wind supported the most employment out of any renewable energy technology, with an estimated 18,800 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
Meanwhile, its onshore counterpart supported only slightly less with 17,825 jobs.
Stuart McIntyre, Professor of Economics at the University of Strathclyde, said: “This latest report highlights that Scotland’s renewable energy sector contributes much more than the energy it generates. Its economic impact extends across a wide range of industries, supporting jobs, businesses and supply chains throughout the country.
“Renewables have an important role to play alongside other technologies in delivering a secure, affordable and increasingly low-carbon energy system. There is also a significant opportunity for Scotland to capture more of the economic benefits associated with investment in the sector, but this will depend on having the right skills, infrastructure and supply chains in place.”
Key developments during 2023 and 2024 included the South Kyle Wind Farm, which generated £44 million in local spending and an expected £38 million in lifetime community benefits.
The industry has also supported £5.1 billion of gross value added (GVA).
Scottish Renewables is now calling for the government to remove barriers to investment and put renewable energy “at the heart of its plans” for economic growth and industrialisation.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN