WIREDGOV

Scotland's energy sector is making a significant contribution to economic recovery, according to figures published today as part of evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee's energy inquiry.

The Scottish Government's key sector report shows that:

• Employment in the energy sector (excluding renewables) rose 10 per cent between 2006 and 2007 to 40,700 - 23 per cent of the GB energy sector total
• Renewables account for at least 3,000 jobs in Scotland, with the potential to support at least 16,000 new jobs over the next decade
• It is estimated that around 10,000 jobs will accrue to Scotland with the development and deployment of clean fossil fuels and carbon capture and storage
• Scotland exported an average of 17 per cent of its electricity between 2000 and 2007

Energy Minister Jim Mather said:

"The Scottish Government is determined to respond positively to the global downturn by creating the conditions for a strong recovery. The energy sector in Scotland is uniquely placed to lead that recovery.

"Through our economic recovery programme, we are building a greener deal for Scotland, progressing actions across energy generation, energy efficiency and transport that will create new jobs in low-carbon sectors, tackle climate change and save households and businesses money.

"Our key energy opportunities lie in our exceptional renewable energy resources, our oil and gas industry, strong academic research, world class industrial supply chains and our investment in marine and offshore renewables technology. We are well placed to lead Europe on the development of carbon capture and storage on a commercial scale, with the Northern North Sea constituting Europe's largest potential carbon store.

"Scotland must become a world leader in reducing emissions and producing clean, green energy. Our strengths in these areas are increasingly being recognised - by the EU and its plans for a North Sea grid and by global interest in our Saltire Prize for marine renewables.

"These opportunities present long lasting and low carbon rewards for Scotland and we will continue to work with our partners to create the conditions for a sustainable future for Scotland's energy sector."

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/05/energysectorreport/pdf

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy