A study of renewable opportunities for the Highlands has listed 251 planned development projects in the economic pipeline of what it refers to as ‘regional transformational opportunities’ (RTOs). Together they represent a potential total investment value of up to £100.35bn, of which three-quarters related to renewables.

The study, commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership (HIREP) and carried out by research specialists ekosgen, points to the potential to far exceed previous transformational periods, including even the post-war development of the Highlands’ hydro potential and the main period of the oil and gas exploration era.

Renewable energy projects, including offshore and onshore wind, pumped storage hydro green hydrogen and marine energy account for around three quarters of the total RTO investment value. Others relate to space, marine biotech, life sciences, natural capital and critical infrastructure developments such as electricity grid upgrades improvements to ports and harbours and research and creation of innovation facilities.

The authors of the report are clear that barriers to growth that will need to be overcome, and the study explored what needs to be in place to support delivery of the RTO projects. The findings will be used to inform policies and planning around topics such as population attraction and retention, skills, housing provision and transport.

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said: “We’ve certainly been aware for some time of projects at various stages of development across the region that could transform our economy and communities and significantly enhance Scotland’s economy. This report quantifies the impacts of those projects in a way we’ve not been able to do so far. The Highlands and Islands will be the engine room for growth for the Scottish economy in the years ahead.”

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