Renewables Plan Could Create 5,000 Manufacturing Jobs in Scotland

28 July 2010

More than 5,000 green jobs could be created through the development of three regional offshore energy manufacturing sites built around key port locations, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.

Beatrice Wind Farm Demonstrator Project, installed adjacent to the Beatrice oil field, 25 km off the east coast of Scotland.

Speaking at a Scottish Government public discussion event, the First Minister welcomed Stage 2 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan N-RIP).

The plan 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 £223 million 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 £294.5 million each year.

First Minister Alex 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."

Find out more about renewable energy in Scotland