Views sought on reforms to energy infrastructure planning

The planning process for new clean energy infrastructure in Scotland is to be modified under UK and Scottish government proposals to reform legislation that can delay new projects being built.

Working with the Scottish Government, the UK Government has launched a consultation on proposed changes that will make the system for considering large energy projects in Scotland more efficient.

The Government says the changes will also ensure that affected communities can have their say on proposals at the right time in the process.

It can currently take up to four years to approve large electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland under UK legislation that has been in place since 1989.

The Government wants to update the energy consents system in Scotland to support the rollout of new clean energy projects while also giving communities early and meaningful opportunities to be heard.

UK 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“Together with the Scottish Government, we are modernising outdated bureaucratic processes to make sure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean energy future.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.”

Scotland’s acting net zero and energy secretary Gillian Martin 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 proposed reforms aim to provide developers and communities with an updated system when submitting plans for large clean energy projects.

The changes cover the entire process from pre-application to challenging decisions, tackling issues that have already been addressed in England and Wales under previous reforms.

The consultation will run for four weeks until November 26.