New reforms to accelerate energy projects in Scotland

The UK government, in collaboration with their Scottish counterparts, have launched a consultation on proposed changes that will expedite energy projects in Scotland by reducing the amount of red tape that currently hampers them.

Large schemes such as power lines and onshore wind farms can take up to four years to be approved, whereas in England and Wales, such large-scale electricity projects can take around half as long to reach that stage.

The government say this creates uncertainty for investors as well as communities, leading to higher costs being passed onto bill payers. 

The proposed reforms would cover the entire process from pre-application to appealing decisions.

Processes by which onshore and offshore developers engage with local communities and stakeholders before submitting an application will be standardised, bringing communities into the process at an earlier stage and improving the speed of applications.  The Scottish Government will also have new powers to reject any that do not meet requirements.

The appeals process will also be standardised around set criteria for challenging decisions and a six week time limit will be introduced in which objections can be raised.

The Scottish Government will also receive new powers allowing them to revoke, suspend or vary consents for energy infrastructure projects under specific circumstances, allowing any amends to be made, without the process having to be restarted.

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‘Together with the Scottish Government, we are modernising outdated bureaucratic processes to make sure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean energy future.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

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy 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 consultation will run until 29 November.