The offshore wind industry can create jobs as well as help meet climate change targets, according to a new report.

In a review of east coast ports, the Offshore Wind Industry Council identified the sector’s “enormous potential” to accelerate economic growth in some of the most economically deprived parts of the UK.

The report, conducted by industry experts for the UK Government, examined 18 seaports across the UK including Nigg Yard, Dundee, Methil and Rosyth in Scotland.

Both Nigg and Dundee were found to have facilities in place for staging – storing and loading components onto vessels before installation – while the two Fife docks would be suitable locations for manufacturing.

Recent decisions by the Westminster Government have created uncertainty for the sector

Following the report’s publication, business secretary Greg Clark said the UK Government was making £730m available for renewable electricity generation this parliament, sending a “clear signal that the UK is open for business”.

The report was welcomed by environmental body WWF Scotland.

Fabrice Leveque, WWF Scotland’s climate and energy policy officer, said: “This report shows that offshore wind could stimulate new economic activity in a number Scotland’s east coast ports, bringing new jobs as well as helping us meet our climate targets.

“Although recent decisions by the Westminster Government have created uncertainty for the sector, the Scottish Government should drive progress by setting a new goal to generate 50% of all our energy needs, across electricity, heat and transport, from renewables by 2030.

“This would help ensure that Scotland harnesses its tremendous natural resources and captures the benefits of moving to a zero-carbon society.”