In collaboration with the Scottish government, the UK Government recently launched a consultation on proposed changes that will make the system for considering large energy projects in Scotland more efficient, while also ensuring that affected communities can have their say on proposals at the right time in the process. Under UK legislation that has been in place since 1989, it can currently take up to four years to approve large electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland, such as power lines and onshore wind farms.
By making vital updates to the energy consents system in Scotland, the UK and Scottish governments aim to support the rollout of new clean-energy projects. Moreover, the consultation proposes making it a requirement that communities and wider stakeholders are consulted at pre-application stage.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Scotland has huge potential to propel the UK towards our clean power by 2030 goal, with its natural resources, energy expertise and highly skilled workforce. Together with the Scottish Government, we are modernising outdated bureaucratic processes to make sure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean-energy future. This will help to accelerate new clean, homegrown energy, taking us a step closer to energy independence and protecting billpayers from the rollercoaster of volatile fossil fuel markets for good.”
Gillian Martin, the acting cabinet secretary for Net Zero and Energy, said: “These long-awaited UK legislative reforms will help support Scotland realise our clean power ambitions, while providing investors with confidence that a more robust and efficient process is being applied. This will in turn support our ‘net zero’ ambitions, enable economic growth, and ensure our communities have an enhanced opportunity to be heard.
“The announcement forms the next step in joint work from the two governments to cement Scotland’s role in making the UK a clean-energy superpower and comes after the UK Government confirmed Aberdeen as the headquarters for the publicly owned company Great British Energy, which will own and invest in clean power projects across the UK.”
October also saw Scottish and UK governments sign an agreement to support clean-energy supply chains and infrastructure, via new partnerships between Great British Energy and Scottish public bodies.