The energy sector plays a vital role in the Scottish economy and is increasingly providing a platform for innovation to grow the economy and create jobs. Careers in Energy are on the rise in Scotland and these jobs represent an exciting opportunity for our young people.
To give you a window into energy career pathways, we’ve pulled together some of the key websites, facts and reports into one place.
Key websites
Wind Energy Statistics – RenewableUK
Energy Statistics for Scotland – gov.scot
Facts
- 154,000 UK jobs at present in offshore energy
- 79,000 offshore energy jobs in Scotland
- 120,000 remain in oil and gas
- 34,000 in renewables
- In the first quarter of 2024, 10,722 GWh of electricity was generated from renewable sources, a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
- 15.4 GW of renewable electricity operational capacity in Scotland – end of March 2024.
- There are 790 renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline.
- In 2022, 87.9% of electricity generated in Scotland was from low-carbon sources. 11.4% of Scotland’s electricity generation came from fossil fuels.
Reports
Scotland powers nearly half of UK’s wind energy milestone
This 30GW of operational wind power is enough to supply electricity to over 26 million homes and reduce carbon emissions by more than 35 million tonnes annually.
Almost half of this – 48% – is being generated by Scotland’s offshore and onshore wind farms.
Of this, Scotland‘s onshore wind farms, from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, currently contribute 9.5GW.
Offshore wind farms along Scotland’s coast currently provide 5GW of clean energy, with a target of 11GW by 2030.
Scotland’s green energy suppliers provide services to renewable technologies including:
Hydro
Wave and tidal
Offshore Wind
Solar
Heat
Wind
Hydrogen
Storage
Other
Renewable and low carbon energy – gov.scot
Scotland’s Renewable Energy Industry Supply Chain Impact Statement 2024
Resources
The students at the heart of the green jobs boom
GB Energy to be headquartered in Aberdeen
First Minister opens new Ocean Winds base in Buckie
Scotland on the right path to reach renewable energy potential
Derelict Glasgow sites to be handed to residents to generate renewable energy
Green hydrogen production – gov.scot
Fast-tracking Scotland’s energy transition – gov.scot
Pathways
Engineering & Energy Related – Skills Development Scotland
Scotland’s energy transition career opportunities