RGU report points to huge increase in offshore energy workforce by end of decade

A NEW report by Robert Gordon University (RGU) has found that the UK offshore energy workforce can increase by up to 50 per cent by the end of the decade.

The report claims the numbers employed offshore would rise from over 150,000 in 2023 to 225,000 by 2030, with new renewable jobs outnumbering oil and gas roles if a successful transition is achieved.

However, the new Powering up the Workforce report also warns that if the rate of investment and activity in renewables in the UK does not increase significantly, at a time when oil and gas activities are in rapid decline, then up to 95,000 potential offshore energy jobs will be at risk.

Nick Sharpe, Director of Communications and Strategy at Scottish Renewables, said: “Scotland’s large-scale offshore wind projects are central to the UK’s new energy system, replacing old fossil fuel power stations with cheap, clean electricity.

“But [this] report from Robert Gordon University, fresh on the back of the UK government’s disappointing Contracts for Difference announcement [recently], is further evidence that Scotland is at serious risk of losing its place at the heart of the green energy revolution.

“Renewable energy projects, like the offshore wind farms which will be developed through the ScotWind Leasing process, will be crucial if we are to ensure a just transition for our clean energy workforce and we urgently require reform from the UK government to restore investor confidence and allow us to maximise the huge benefits of offshore wind.

“As the renewable energy industry continues to grow and as we begin to see the bigger picture of when projects will be deployed and what technology will be used to power them it is vital that the UK and Scottish Governments take action to ensure we don’t lose this once in a lifetime opportunity.”