Holyrood raises hopes of 60,000 green jobs in low-carbon economy

Published on Monday 15 November 2010 17:05

UP to 60,000 green jobs could be created over the next decade as part of a move towards a low-carbon economy, the Scottish Government has said.

Ministers claim that the government's strategy, involving environmental and clean technologies, could be worth 12 billion to Scotland's economy in the coming years.

The strategy centres around the public sector supporting low-carbon industries and backing new partnerships with the private sector and international businesses.

Finance secretary John Swinney set out the plans yesterday, which could see about 26,000 jobs created in renewable energies such as wind, wave and tidal over the next decade.

The same number could be created in low-carbon technologies such as alternative fuels for vehicles and carbon capture and storage, with a further 8,000 jobs predicated in environmental management.

Under the plans, the Scottish Government would allocate 15 million of European funding to low-carbon technologies.

The finance secretary claimed that the government's strategy could see Scotland becoming a world leader in global energy.

Mr Swinney said: "Moving to a low-carbon economy is an economic and environmental imperative - it is Scotland's biggest opportunity this century.

"Scotland can become a leader in the global low-carbon market, and reduce our impact on the planet, if we seize new opportunities and capitalise on our vast comparative advantages.

"The move to a low-carbon economy will see the development of low-carbon goods, processes and services in rapidly expanding markets, alongside high levels of efficiency. We can grow the economy, generate wealth and create new green jobs and this strategy sets out how we will do that."

However, Rupert Soames, chief executive of Glasgow-based power company Aggreko, questioned the renewable policies championed by political parties across Holyrood during a speech to a conference in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Soames, whose audience included energy minister Jim Mather, said: "We have to move on from the days of holding hands and singing Kumbaya to the great green god, or believing that Scotland is going to be the centre of the universe for renewables."