New SNP Government hails bullish green jobs report after suffering setbacks on major renewables projects

The SNP Government has won a boost from a report on green jobs as it renewed claims the renewable energy industry could power an independent Scotland to prosperity although the research concerned underlined the sector’s dependence on UK support.

The report by economists at the CBI employers’ organisation said the wider net zero industry supported 105,000 jobs in Scotland and generated around 5% of the country’s economic output.

It found around 3,000 firms were part of the net zero economy working in sectors ranging from windfarm construction and operations to project finance.

The findings were a gift for the new look SNP cabinet as first minister John Swinney tried to breathe fresh life into the campaign for Scottish independence.

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The report suggested the net zero economy had become more significant in terms of jobs than the oil and gas industry, which former first minister Nicola Sturgeon had once claimed underpinned the economic case for independence. The oil and gas industry supported around 83,000 jobs in 2023. There have been hefty layoffs in recent years.

While Ms Sturgeon decided there were more votes to be won courting the green vote and went on to oppose North Sea field developments, the current SNP Government is posing as a champion of Scotland’s oil and gas industry.

Economy minister Stephen Flynn complained to The Herald last week that the Labour Government had caused massive problems for firms, after increasing the rate of the windfall tax introduced by the Tories.

Mr Flynn may struggle to win sympathy for North Sea producers........

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