The Scottish renewables industry supports 22,600 jobs across the country, according to research from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute.
The research found that onshore wind supports 8,780 full time employees, making it the country’s biggest green energy employer. Offshore wind supports 4,700 workers, while hydropower supports a further 3,290.
The renewable energy industry, which is now providing the equivalent of 97% of Scotland’s electricity consumption, also supports output of £5.2bn a year in Scotland.
The sector has a large impact on other areas of Scotland’s economy as well, including supporting 3,000 jobs in construction and 2,200 in manufacturing.
Commenting on the findings, chief executive of industry body Scottish Renewables Claire Mack said: “The renewable energy industry is now recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s economy and is delivering the equivalent of almost all the country’s electricity consumption.
“These new figures show not just the number of people employed by our members and others, but also the reach of the industry into other parts of the economy.
“Armed with this data we can now begin the process of mapping the industry’s growth as it takes a central place in the recovery from coronavirus and, of course, as we deploy more of the energy generation technology needed to meet our 2045 net-zero carbon emissions target.”