Eight in 10 workers in Scotland’s oil and gas sector have considered that their careers could be impacted by actions being taken to tackle climate change, a new survey suggests.
It also found that 77% of those surveyed are positive about retraining to join the renewable energy industry.
The equivalent of 90% of Scotland’s electricity demand is now met from renewables like wind and solar power.
More electric vehicles and low-carbon heating, as well as moves to reduce plastic use, will further reduce oil and gas demand. Recent challenges include a drop in demand caused by the lockdown in response to Cvid-19.
These developments have to a prediction 30,000 of those workers in the UK could lose their jobs by 2022, Scottish Renewables said.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack (pictured) said: “Our industry provides enormous opportunity for those working in oil and gas who may be facing redundancy and unemployment.
“These professionals possess a high level of skills and expertise which, with the right support from government to create a clear pipeline of projects to meet our climate change targets, can be utilised to help develop and grow the renewable energy workforce we will need.”
The new figures have been released as Scottish Renewables calls for the Scottish Government to set up a Renewables Transition Training Fund to ensure training is provided specifically to target careers in renewable energy as the country works towards its net zero ambitions.
The research also shows 86% of oil and gas professionals would welcome government support to assist their transition to employment within the renewable energy sector.
Mack added: “Demand for the renewable energy skills which have been developed in Scotland is increasing across the globe as many countries pledge a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
“This training fund would support oil and gas professionals, supply chain businesses, tradesmen and public servants to acquire sustainable, exportable skills and join our industry.
“Scotland’s renewable energy sector will play a crucial role in the country’s green recovery, providing employment and investment opportunities and improving health while reducing carbon emissions as we continue our fight against climate change.”
Scottish Renewables’ Annual Conference 2020, at which these issues and more will be debated, is taking place online on 1-3 September.