The UK and Scottish governments have announced their new plans for large energy projects in Scotland, with hopes to strengthen the country’s clean energy ambitions
The proposed plans, announced during a consultation launched on October 28, look to modernise outdated processes that have often delayed essential infrastructure developments.
Cleaner energy
Under legislation that has remained mostly unchanged since 1989, it can take up to four years to approve significant electricity projects, such as power lines and wind farms.
This long approval process creates uncertainty for investors and also contributes to rising costs for consumers. Large-scale energy projects in England and Wales are typically approved in about half that time, thanks to previous reforms.
The proposed plans include several key changes designed to enhance community involvement and facilitate decision-making. One significant update is the introduction of mandatory pre-application consultations, which will require developers to engage with local communities and stakeholders before submitting their plans. This early engagement looks to improve the quality of applications and make sure that community voices are heard from the beginning.
Giving investors confidence
Additional plans aim to standardise the appeals process for energy projects, establishing a clear timeline for objections and reducing the lengthy judicial review period currently in place. The public inquiry process will also be reformed to make it more efficient, potentially cutting down the average 18-month duration for inquiries that often occur when planning authorities raise objections.
The Scottish Government will gain new powers to revoke or amend planning consents, allowing necessary changes without forcing developers to restart the approval process. Developers will face fees for submitting applications to place overhead lines on private land, helping manage the expected application increase as clean energy projects roll out.
Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, expressed optimism about these reforms, saying they will provide investors with the confidence needed to support Scotland’s clean energy transition and economic growth.
These plans are seen as a critical step in securing Scotland’s role as a leader in the UK’s clean energy landscape. They will ensure that communities have a voice while accelerating the development of vital infrastructure.
