New figures released by Scottish Renewables reveal that the clean energy sector supported the equivalent of nearly 42,000 jobs in Scotland in 2021. The data, prepared by the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, estimates that the sector contributed over £10 billion to the Scottish economy, supporting 42,920 full-time roles. The report emphasizes the economic impact of the renewable energy industry, as it is not currently well-defined in national statistics.

The financial modeling estimates that the renewable energy industry had a turnover of £6.1 billion and supported 13,600 direct full-time equivalent jobs in 2021. This represents a significant increase from the roughly 8,500 full-time equivalent roles estimated for the previous year. The surge is attributed mainly to substantial data on offshore wind turnover from the Office for National Statistics.

The report highlights that the industry's indirect and induced effects, through purchasing goods and services from its supply chain, generate additional employment and economic impacts. Offshore wind, onshore wind, renewable heat, and hydropower are identified as the technologies that individually support the most full-time equivalent jobs.

While welcoming the positive impact of the renewable energy industry on jobs and economic output, the Fraser of Allander Institute called for more robust and timely production of renewables data by both UK and Scottish Governments to enable meaningful annual and technology comparisons of estimates. The report underscores the renewable energy industry's potential for technological development, new export markets, and prosperity in rural areas during the transition away from fossil fuels.

Scottish Renewables CEO Claire Mack emphasized the urgent need for better data collection to understand how the renewable energy industry is performing and evolving across the UK. The call extends to both the UK and Scottish Governments to support transparency and accountability as the industry works towards achieving its economic and environmental targets in the context of a just energy transition.