By 2020, the number of employees working within the UK's renewable energy sector could double or even rise fourfold, according to a new government report.

Some 8,000 jobs are already sustained by renewables, the Renewables Supply Chain Gap Analysis report, which was launched Friday, says. It thinks that between 17,000 and 35,000 people could be working in that sector by 2020.

The report considers the present nature of the market and the potential size and structure of future markets, identifying gaps in existing supply chains, opportunities for the UK and constraints.

Energy minister Stephen Timms said: "We believe that the report will provide us all--industry and the public sector alike--with information about what steps must be taken for the UK to become a major player in renewable energy technology manufacture and supply."