Crucially, the study revealed almost two-thirds (62%) of the growing industry’s supply chain is Scottish.
Marine energy – in which Scotland is recognised as the world leader – has been forecast to be worth £50 billion by 2050.
Lindsay Leask, Senior Policy Manager for offshore renewables at Scottish Renewables, said: “Wave and tidal energy is still very much the renewables new kid on the block, but the opportunities it presents are enormous, particularly for Scotland.
“These investment figures, revealed for the first time by our Marine Milestones report, show the significant economic benefits this young sector is bringing. Crucially, those benefits are staying local, benefitting communities and families who are looking to renewables for a sustainable future, both economically and environmentally.
“Scotland already leads the world in the development of these audacious, innovative machines, and maintaining that position at the front of the global pack is something we believe is worthy of continued government support.”
Scottish Renewables’ Marine Milestones report, which details the level of investment by the sector, waslaunched at the organisation’s Marine Conference in Inverness.
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