Offshore renewable energy 'could create 5,000 Scottish jobs'

Investment in offshore renewable energy generation could provide up to 5,180 jobs in Scotland.

This is according to a recent report from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

By investing a total of £223 million from private and public sources, a total of 11 offshore wind manufacturing sites could be built in three regional clusters.

In addition to providing thousands of employment opportunities, the sites could generate up to £294.5 million a year.

First minister Alex Salmond commented: "Scotland has the natural resources, expertise and ambition to become a global powerhouse for clean, green energy.

"The National Renewables Infrastructure Plan outlines the steps required to realise our ambition and to establish Scotland as a premier destination for the manufacture and installation of offshore renewable energy devices."

He added that the report underlined the case for early investment, noting that it is now "urgent for the Treasury to release Scotland's £185 million Fossil Fuel Levy to further develop the renewables industry".

Posted by Mark Stephens

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see:

Scottish government