New research from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute reveals that Scotland’s renewable energy sector supports £5.2 billion of output, £2.3 billion of gross value added (GVA) and 22,660 full-time equivalent jobs in the Scottish economy.

The research shows onshore wind supports 8,780 full-time equivalent jobs, offshore wind 4,700, hydropower 3,290, bioenergy 2,630 and renewable heat 2,390.

Scottish Renewables said the renewable energy industry now provides the equivalent of 97% of Scotland’s electricity consumption.

Scottish Renewables CEO Claire Mack said: “The renewable energy industry is now recognised as a vital part of Scotland’s economy and is delivering the equivalent of almost all the country’s electricity consumption.

“These new figures show not just the number of people employed by our members and others, but also the reach of the industry into other parts of the economy.

“Armed with this data we can now begin the process of mapping the industry’s growth as it takes a central place in the recovery from coronavirus and, of course, as we deploy more of the energy generation technology needed to meet our 2045 net-zero carbon emissions target.”