Around 90% of companies included in Scottish Renewables’ Supply Chain Impact Statement hired new recruits to work exclusively in renewable energy in the last 12 months.
The report is an annual showcase of the clean power achievements of businesses and organisations, from the borders to the Highlands and Islands, working across Scotland’s flourishing renewable energy industry.
The 40 supply chain companies featured in the Impact Statement employ more than 1,270 employees who work exclusively in renewable energy.
Companies featured in this year’s report include SD Wind Energy, a provider of small-scale wind turbines and hybrid renewable energy systems that has installed turbines across the globe from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle.
Also featured was Napkin Innovation, which aims to revolutise non-grouted foundation connections for offshore wind developments.
Utility ROV Services, a company specialising in bespoke subsea operations through remote-operated vehicles supporting the offshore wind industry, was also included.
Emma Harrick, head of energy transition and supply chain at Scottish Renewables, said: “Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain continues to play a vital role in driving Scotland’s energy future while contributing significantly to the national economy and delivering the major infrastructure projects, such as onshore and offshore wind farms, that are powering our cleaner, greener future.
“This year’s Supply Chain Impact Statement has given us a clear insight into the major role these businesses and organisations are playing in our industry with 90% of those confirming they have recruited exclusively for renewable energy roles in the last 12 months.
“The businesses and organisations celebrated in the document represent only a small portion of the complex supplier network we need to deploy net-zero technologies and there will be more and more opportunities for our supply chain to grow further as we continue to build clean power projects across Scotland.
“The renewable energy industry continues to go from strength to strength, but we can’t rest on our laurels.
“It is a long road ahead for companies who must conquer challenges such as finding and upskilling employees, securing funding for ambitious facility investments, increasing capabilities and navigating rising costs.
“To build on the successes highlighted in this year’s report, supporting suppliers of all shapes and sizes to scale up their businesses must be a key priority for both the Scottish and UK Governments.
“Today, however, we recognise the strength, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the ambitious Scottish businesses who are getting it done, delivering the projects that are supplying green energy to our homes.
“For Scotland’s renewable energy industry, which already supports 42,000 jobs and is worth more than £10bn to the economy, it’s clear that our collective efforts are not just driving us towards a cleaner, greener future but are creating a wealth of sustainable jobs and driving economic growth across the country.”
A survey of the companies featured in this year’s Supply Chain Impact Statement revealed unanimous optimism about Scotland’s renewable energy future.
All respondents believed Scotland is a prime location for renewable energy investment and expressed confidence in securing work within the industry for the next five years.
The survey results confirm Scotland’s position as a leader in sustainable economic growth and a creator of green jobs.
Of the supply chain organisations surveyed, 100% believe Scotland is an attractive place to invest, 100% feel confident in securing work in the renewable energy industry over the next five years, while 90% said that they have hired new people as a result of the opportunities in renewable energy.