Supply Chain Statement: Green Energy to Triple in Size by 2030
After the release of Scottish Renewables’ Supply Chain Statement, Housing Industry Leaders highlights how companies and organisations are delivering the net-zero agenda across Scotland.

Wind energy alone is pushing ambitious targets that on its current trajectory, could see a 231% capacity increase by 2030.

The third edition of the statement highlights 32 firms in Scotland’s renewable energy sector. They include Global Energy Group, RJ McLeod, and Kensa Group.

With the UK’s Net-Zero Strategy setting out our decarbonisation vision across power, heat and transport, it is no wonder that activity in the local supply chain is beginning to ramp up across the energy transition landscape.

Claire Mack, Chief executive of Scottish Renewables said: “With renewables providing the equivalent of 97.4% of Scotland’s electricity consumption, progress has been made but we still have work to do.

“As more and more green energy projects emerge to combat climate change, companies from the northern islands to the Borders are utilising their expertise, skills and capabilities to grasp the economic and environmental benefits arising from the sustainability pipeline”, Claire explained.

Exports are already taking shape, earlier than expected

Surveying 300 people in the renewables supply chain, the report found that more than a third of respondents are exporting to offshore wind clients overseas. Interestingly, more than half of respondents noted that offshore wind exports is a priority to their business right now and/or in the next two to five years.

Scottish Renewables’ Supply Chain Impact report highlights the positive impact renewables projects can have and these case studies show that the strength of Scottish suppliers is being recognised not only in the Scottish market but globally

The profile of most of the survey respondents would seem to indicate that there is potential to further increase this figure and have other Scottish firms exporting their offshore wind capabilities.

Almost another third of respondents are exporting but, for clients in other industries – these players may be well placed to leverage their market know-how and international presence to address the needs of an offshore wind market that is increasingly more international.

The main barriers are identifying and engaging with procurement teams

Despite the optimism within the supply chain, there are still barriers to growth. The report found that the main barrier is the difficulty of identifying and engaging with procurement teams. On top of this, there are issues with visibility and understanding of offshore wind support initiatives.

As our industry continues to mature it will be increasingly important that we highlight the huge value that is available, not just through new project delivery but also from extracting maximum value from our existing projects as we invest in onshore wind and hydro life extension and repowering

Paul Cooley, Director of Capital Projects at SSE Renewables, explained the importance of a circular economy if Scotland is to become the industry leader in renewables.

He told Housing Industry Leaders: “This report also rightly highlights Scotland’s circular economy and the strength of the supply chain across the technology spectrum, including onshore wind and hydropower.”

The Supply Chain Statement can be found in full here: