The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has released regional and national jobs analysis, which has revealed that UK renewable energy jobs grow 7 times faster than national average employment growth.
In the UK as a whole, employment in renewable energy has increased by 9 percent across all sectors, bringing the total number working in the industry to 112.026, REA’s press release reads.
London continues to be the leading area for renewable employment where 21.034 people are currently in post. This is followed by the South East England region with 14.767, and the North West with 10.693.
The number of jobs in wave and tidal energy sector increased 11.4 percent from 570 in 2012/13, to 635 in 2013/14.
The highest performing sector this year was in biomass heating, where employment increased by 19 percent.
According to REA, the increase in renewable energy employment is now surpassing growth in market values in many sectors, suggesting that recruitment is increasing to catch up with the previous years’ growth in market values.
Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, Nina Skorupska said: “This reflects greater confidence not only in the renewables market, but also the wider economy as a whole. Our industry offers a wealth of unique and exciting career opportunities and plays an essential part in ensuring that the UK meets its renewable energy targets. Whilst these new figures are extremely encouraging, it is of upmost importance that renewable energy remains a priority for the incoming government.”
REA represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and renewable gas. It has 750 members.
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Image: EMEC/Illustration; Table: REA