Renewables investment to create thousands of jobs

29 July, 2010

Salmond welcomed Stage 2 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP), which was published today by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and outlines the investment required to deliver Scotland’s ambition to become a premier location for the manufacturing and deployment of wind turbine and marine energy devices.

The report states that a total private and public investment of £223m would assist the creation of 11 offshore wind manufacturing sites in three regional clusters. Taken together these sites could support the creation of up to 5,180 jobs and an annual economic impact of up to £294.5m each year. It also underlines the case for the £185m Fossil Fuel Levy to be released by the Treasury to accelerate the promotion and development of renewable energy in Scotland.

This latest report recommends that the sites (which were announced in Stage 1 of the plan, launched in February) are developed into three regional manufacturing clusters that would support the fabrication of offshore wind components and tap into the wealth of subsea expertise that already exists in Scotland.

Salmond said, “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.

“This plan focuses on the sites that could provide investors with the high-quality infrastructure required for success in the rapidly growing green energy industry.

“The report states that a total investment of up to £223m is required to realise the potential of these sites, which could create more than 5,000 manufacturing jobs and generate around 300 million pounds each year for Scotland’s economy.

"Scotland has established itself as a leader in green energy. Our seas have unrivalled potential to generate clean energy and bring jobs and investment to our communities. Scotland’s waters are estimated to have as much as a quarter of Europe's potential offshore wind and tidal energy resource and a tenth of the wave power capacity, and in the current economic climate it is important that we capitalise on these natural assets to secure new opportunities that support economic recovery and growth.

“Unlocking the potential of these sites requires initial investment from both the private and public sector. This report underlines the case for early investment and therefore it’s now urgent for the Treasury to release Scotland’s £185m Fossil Fuel Levy to further develop the renewables industry.

“This infrastructure plan demonstrates the huge economic rewards of strengthening our offshore and marine energy industries and marks another positive step towards creating a low carbon, sustainable Scotland.”