Scottish offshore sector could provide 48,000 jobs
UK: Scotland's offshore sector could provide the region with as many as 48,000 jobs both directly and in related sectors, according to a study.
The 180MW Robin Rigg project is Scotland's only major offshore wind farm
A report by consultancy IPA Energy + Water Economics found that if Scotland’s offshore sector was to be fully developed, 28,000 jobs could be created by 2020. This figure currently stands at 463.
However, the ‘Scottish Offshore Wind: Creating an industry’ study warned this would only happen if Scotland invested in port facilities, transmission lines and skills.
Scottish Renewables director of policy Jenny Hogan said Scotland needed to work hard to take advantage of its offshore wind resources.
She said: "Other parts of the UK and ports all over Europe are all fighting tooth and nail to secure investment and the economic benefits that offshore manufacturing and associated activity will bring."
Currently Scotland only has two offshore wind farms, the Beatrice 10MW demonstration project and the 180MW Robin Rigg development in the North Sea.
Scotland has been overshadowed by England in terms of offshore development and investment. It has managed to attract companies such as Clipper Windpower, which is developing the 10MW Britannia offshore turbine in the northeast.
In July, plans to have unveiled to build a £400million UK offshore development centre on the northeast coast of England. Able UK said the site could eventually create 27,000 jobs and help build the numerous North Sea projects lined up for development.
