Scotland’s renewable energy expertise is being put to work in 72 countries, according to a new survey by Scottish Renewables.
The survey found that Scottish companies are active in countries as diverse as Burundi, Cape Verde, Kazakhstan and Mozambique, with staff employed in 22 of the 72 nations.
Over half of the companies surveyed (57%) said they are moving into new markets, with another 29% considering such moves.
For example, Lanarkshire-based Green Cat Renewables opened an office in Alberta in 2017 to provide development support and consultancy services for renewable energy projects across western Canada.
Smarter Grid Solutions from Glasgow is deploying its software technology to enable utilities to integrate more renewable energy into local grids in Germany, New York, Ontario, California and Arizona
And Orkney contractor Leask Marine is providing instrumentation monitoring, logistics and anchor-handling support to offshore wind farms across northern Europe.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack (pictured) said: “Scotland’s stretching renewable energy targets and the calibre of our engineering skills, in particular, mean the world is watching, and the results of this latest survey show the impact of our industry is now truly being felt across the globe.
“Scottish green energy engineering skills are in demand from Canada to Taiwan while our environmental, planning and technical knowledge is being used in Nigeria, Norway and many other countries.
“Scotland’s renewable energy industry employs 17,700 people and had a turnover of £5.5bn in 2017.
“There are some of the domestic impacts of our sector, but this study, and the real-life stories which sit behind it, show our impact is truly global and that the skills and products which are being developed in Scotland are having a positive effect far beyond our borders.”
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Scotland has long been a byword for reliability and expertise in renewable energy advice and engineering matters – from the early days of hydro power development through to today’s world and its growing demand for innovative technical skills and knowledge.
“This survey underlines just how valuable Scottish energy businesses are perceived to be around the world, and the premium placed on their advice and support by countries from Bulgaria to Yemen.
“I want to see more Scottish companies grown in this way – to develop a globally competitive and successful supply chain, as well as getting increasing business activity from energy developments around Scotland.”