A new report released today highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s marine energy sector. The study reveals that Scotland’s tidal stream and wave energy industry could create up to 62,000 jobs by 2050, with 15,600 positions in the UK market and an additional 46,000 jobs through international exports.
Scotland currently holds a world-leading position in marine energy development, hosting the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney and the world’s largest tidal stream array.
Through the Wave Energy Scotland technology programme, the country has already invested almost £50 million across 120 contracts, collaborating with 275 organisations in 18 different countries.
Current State and Future Potential
The marine energy sector has shown promising developments, with two half-scale wave energy convertors successfully deployed in Orkney during 2021 and 2022 by Scottish companies AWS Ocean Energy and Mocean Energy. However, the report suggests that significant investment will be required to maintain Scotland’s competitive advantage and realise the sector’s full economic potential.
Employment Trends
Recent employment data shows concerning trends in Scotland’s low-carbon and renewable energy economy, with jobs declining from 23,200 in 2014 to 21,400 in 2019.
The new report emphasises that without proper investment and support, the marine energy sector’s job creation potential could be significantly compromised.
The Scottish Government has committed to supporting the development of the wave and tidal sector through its Programme for Government 2022 to 2023, recognising it as a major economic and climate opportunity for Scotland.
Suzanne Sosna, Director of Energy Transition at Scottish Enterprise, said: “These findings really drive home the need to take action now if we want to reap the potentially sizeable economic benefits of remaining a world leader in marine energy. Scotland already has advantages such as abundant natural resources, innovative companies and decades of energy, maritime and subsea expertise.
“Marine energy has so far benefitted from strong public sector support and is now poised for commercialisation, so there’s never been a better time to help companies scale up their offering. It’s fitting that this report comes almost exactly a year after we launched our new focus on economic transformation, as it clearly demonstrates our commitment to the mission of creating an internationally competitive renewable energy industry in Scotland.”
Tim Hurst, Managing Director of Wave Energy Scotland, said: “Wave Energy Scotland has been fundamental in supporting ongoing innovation in the sector and bringing technologies to the cusp of commercialisation. This report clearly demonstrates the huge economic and societal benefits of continuing Scotland’s commitment and investment in marine energy to ensure it remains a global leader – using our natural resources for national benefit. It also highlights the incredible synergies with other energy sectors, such as offshore wind, allowing for sharing of infrastructure and skills into the future.”
