Energy
The Highlands and Islands is at the forefront of Europe's energy industry.
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The region's strong legacy in the oil and gas industry, and abundance of renewable energy resources, mean it is ideally placed to be at the forefront of the energy industry.
Here you can find out about ground-breaking work many local companies are involved in, from research and development to full-scale test facilities. It's also where you'll find the latest news and analysis from the energy sector plus full coverage of the markets we work in.
Employment in the energy sector stood at 69,000 in 2020, accounting for 2.7% of employment in Scotland and 20.8% of employment in energy across Great Britain. In 2019, total turnover in the sector was £39bn and totalled £19bn.
For the Highlands and Islands, the transition to net zero represents a very significant economic, social and industrial opportunity. Our oil and gas industry will continue to play a key role in supplying energy, but will also provide the skills and expertise to support our transition to a highly productive, net zero future. Low carbon and renewable energy are both fast-growing areas of opportunity and significant contributors to Scotland’s economy. A sustainable and successful energy sector in the Highlands and Islands will underpin wider regional economic growth.
of jobs supported in this sector
turnover for Scotland in 2015
of electricity produced by Beatrice Offshore Windfarm
of oil and gas activity in the Highlands and Islands
Overall, the region has become a world leader in the development and production of renewable energy, particularly offshore.
It has already amassed a strong, knowledgeable supply chain of complementary companies that can conceive, devise, test, manufacture, install, operate, distribute and support renewable energy technology - from research to full-scale commercial implementation. Here are just some of the many pioneering initiatives in this exciting sector:
Explore the energy industry in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
More and more businesses in the energy sector are looking to invest in our region
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport - Building a world-beating floating offshore wind manufacturing sector with sites in the Cromarty Firth, Invergordon, Nigg, and Inverness.
The Energy Investment Fund (‘EIF’) is a Scottish Government Fund managed by the Scottish Investment Bank. It builds on the success of the Renewable Energy Investment Fund, providing commercial investment for renewable and low carbon energy solutions.
We can help you to find opportunities, and sources of funding, in order to allow your business to grow and develop.