MORE than 70 countries across the world are benefiting from Scotland ’s knowledge of renewable energy, a survey suggests.
Industry body Scottish Renewables found that businesses have exported renewable energy goods or services to a total of 72 countries.
The most popular export destination was the US, with nine of the 15 Scottish-headquartered businesses which responded to the survey exporting to the states.
This was followed by Canada, Germany, Ireland and Sweden equally, with eight companies exporting to each country.
Renewables exports to other countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Fiji, Kazakhstan and Singapore.
More than half (57%) of the Scottish-headquartered firms responding to the survey said they are currently moving into new markets, with just under a third (29%) considering doing so.
Among the exporters are renewable energy consultancy firm Green Cat Renewables, based in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, which opened an office in Alberta, Canada, in 2017.
Technology developed by Glasgow software company Smarter Grid Solutions is being used in Germany, the US, and Canada to enable utilities to integrate more renewable energy into electricity grids.
Scotland’s Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Scotland has long been a byword for reliability and expertise in renewable energy advice and engineering matters – from the early days of hydro power development through to today’s world and its growing demand for innovative technical skills and knowledge.
“This survey underlines just how valuable Scottish energy businesses are perceived to be around the world, and the premium placed on their advice and support by countries from Bulgaria to Yemen.
“I want to see more Scottish companies grown in this way – to develop a globally competitive and successful supply chain, as well as getting increasing business activity from energy developments around Scotland.”
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