Scotland’s renewable energy feats have had plenty of coverage over the last year, with more than £300 million invested and 2,500 jobs created. The renewables sector in Scotland, particularly wind power, could prove a lucrative investment and a further £6 million will be pushed into the sector.
In the UK as a whole, a report labelled “Renewables Investments and Jobs” showed that £2.46bn of investment has been placed onto renewables so far. And this has a potential to create 12,000 jobs around the country.
But outside of Scotland there’s an area in Britain attracting more investment. Yorkshire has seen £469m pumped into its renewable projects such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems and hydroelectricity sites. Together, this has the potential to create 2,501 jobs.
When you look at other areas in the Great Britain, Yorkshire has certainly been fortunate with investment. Northern Ireland has only seen £155m of investment and East Midlands £116m.
The UK’s energy secretary, Chris Huhne, said: “Renewable energy is not just helping us increase our energy security and reduce our emissions. It is supporting jobs and growth across the country, and giving traditional industrial heartlands the opportunity to thrive again.”
But Scottish officials suggest 60,000 jobs will be created over the next decade. Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “This is only a small amount of the investment and jobs created in renewables over the last seven months, and the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is to come.”
Renewable energy is used around the world to tackle the ever-increasing problem of climate change. Carbon emissions released from the burning of fossil fuels contribute to global warming, and the planet is slowly heating up.
Renewables take advantage of natural energy sources with solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps. The energy captured from the sun’s rays, flowing water or in the ground, is then converted into electricity and heat.
