Offshore wind and energy infrastructure help drive Scotland’s £10bn net-zero economy

• 27 May 2026
• Government, Windfarms
• Nick Hood

Scotland’s net-zero economy now supports more than 105,000 jobs and contributes £10.2bn to the country’s economic output, according to new research reported by the BBC citing analysis from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).

The figures highlight the growing role of offshore wind, transmission infrastructure and wider clean-energy investment across Scotland, particularly in regions linked to offshore energy development and industrial supply chains.

According to the research, net-zero industries now account for 4.9% of Scotland’s total economic output, with more than 3,000 businesses operating across the sector.

The report identifies Aberdeen and the wider north-east as key hubs for offshore wind, hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage activity, while East Lothian is seeing increased focus on electricity transmission infrastructure, manufacturing and fabrication.
Scotland continues to play a central role in the UK offshore wind sector, with ongoing investment in offshore generation, grid expansion and port infrastructure supporting long-term industrial growth.

The study also states that Scotland has a potential clean-energy investment pipeline valued at £211bn, representing around 34% of the UK total.

Average salaries within the sector were reported to be approximately 5.2% above the Scottish average, reflecting continued demand for engineering, technical and infrastructure-related skills.

The findings come as Scotland and the wider UK continue to expand offshore wind capacity alongside broader energy-transition projects aimed at supporting long-term energy security and emissions reduction targets.