A SECTORIAL ANALYSIS OF THE GREEN MARITIME ENERGY INDUSTRY IN SCOTLAND: STRATEGIES AND FRAMEWORKS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

Abstract

The Scottish Government is committed to a policy aim of ensuring that Scotland’s energy needs be met solely by renewable energy sources by 2020. This has encouraged stakeholders to invest resources to speed the development and growth of the renewable energy sector. The offshore wind, wave and tidal sectors that comprise the green maritime energy industry has been the locus of much innovation, investment and channelling of resources to exploit the advantages of Scotland’s geographical advantage for wind and wave resources. This article reports on findings from a sectorial analysis of green maritime energy industry in Scotland conducted for the EU funded Harvest Atlantic project. Attention has been focused on key activities that combine to help drive growth in the sector and includes identification of the supply chain activities; analysis of the regulatory and strategic framework within which companies in the supply chain operate; findings and discussion of questionnaire surveys featuring innovation and human capital across the industry; analysis of the market situation facing the industry; and the key policy implications. Whilst significant progress has been made, the aim of achieving the Scottish government’s stated strategic aim for the sector has been slowed by rising costs, skills gaps and economic uncertainty. Also, it is evident that regulatory frameworks can act to hinder rather than support progress in the development of the green maritime energy industry.