Scotland’s offshore wind industry could create 28,000 jobs by 2020, contributing £7.1billion of investment to the economy, according to a report commissioned by Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise.

The first comprehensive study of the potential impact of offshore wind on the Scottish economy suggests this new industry could create as many as 48,000 jobs - 28,000 directly, supported by a further 20,000 through related industries.

The Scottish Offshore Wind: Creating an Industry report also highlights that Scotland already has major strengths in the supply chain to this new industry in areas such as cable laying and subsea structures, with a number of Scottish-based businesses already generating significant revenues from offshore wind development.

The report outlines four scenarios for the industry’s future growth (ranging from 1.3GW to 10.6GW) and warns that significant value and employment will only be achieved with strategic investments in grid, port facilities and the necessary skills provision. Failure to do so could result in Scotland developing only a fraction of currently leased sites, with the delivery of only 900 jobs.

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Commenting on the figures, Jenny Hogan, Director of Policy at Scottish Renewables, said: “Renewable energy is Scotland’s biggest economic opportunity in a generation, and the development of offshore wind will drive much of the expansion of the sector.

“We already have significant employment in the sector through companies like BiFab and Subocean, but this report confirms that the industry could become one of the country’s major employers over the next decade.

“However, it’s also clear that none of this can be taken for granted. 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.

“While Scotland has fantastic resources and facilities, if we are to attract major inward investors and grow the supply chain, we need to develop key ports and manufacturing facilities, as well as securing necessary grid connections and upgrades."

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Unlocking the potential of offshore wind requires investment from both the private and public sector. This report underlines the case for early investment and therefore it's now urgent for the Treasury to release Scotland's £185 million Fossil Fuel Levy to further develop the renewables industry.

"It is also essential that the Westminster Government delivers a level playing field when it comes to the costs of supplying energy to the grid - that means ending the system whereby punitive charges are imposed on energy suppliers in Scotland, while those in other parts of the UK are paid subsidies."

(GK/KMcA)