Members' Business — S6M-12237 Audrey Nicoll: The Economic Impact of Scotland's Renewable Energy Sector – 2023 Update

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Fraser of Allander Institute report, The Economic Impact of Scotland's Renewable Energy Sector – 2023 Update, commissioned by Scottish Renewables, which, it understands, provides the latest estimates of economic output and job figures for Scotland’s renewable energy industry; understands that the report demonstrates that Scotland’s renewable energy industry and its supply chain supported more than 42,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2021, with offshore wind supporting the most employment across Scotland’s economy from the renewable energy sector for the first time, with 15,005 full-time equivalent roles, while onshore wind supported 12,030 full-time equivalent roles and renewable heat supported 7,220 full-time equivalent roles; recognises the report's estimate that Scotland’s renewable energy industry supported over £10.1 billion of output in 2021, with offshore wind contributing, it understands, the largest estimated economic output of £4 billion, followed by onshore wind and hydropower, generating £3.4 billion and £1.2 billion respectively, and welcomes the continued growth of Scotland’s renewable energy industry, which, it believes, is critical not only for achieving Scotland's energy security and net zero ambitions, but also for building a greener, growing economy that benefits communities across Scotland, including in the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine constituency.