The UK and Scottish governments have announced proposals to streamline the consent process for clean energy projects in Scotland.
The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has stated that the planning process for new clean energy infrastructure will be improved under the proposals, which seek to reform outdated legislation that can delay new projects.
The approval process for large electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland can take up to four years.
This outdated system, which has been in place since 1989, creates uncertainty for investors and communities, often leading to higher costs for billpayers.
In contrast, England and Wales have seen legislative reforms that have halved the average determination time for similar projects.
The UK and Scottish governments propose vital updates to the energy consent system in a bid to support the rollout of new clean energy projects and ensure communities have early and meaningful opportunities to contribute.
The reforms include making pre-application community and stakeholder consultations a requirement.
The consultation, launched in collaboration with the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, aims to make the system for considering large energy projects more efficient.
This follows the confirmation of Aberdeen as the headquarters for Great British Energy and an agreement to support clean energy supply chains and infrastructure through new partnerships.
The proposed reforms cover the entire process from pre-application to challenging decisions.
They aim to standardise processes for engaging with communities, improve application quality and speed, and introduce new powers for Holyrood to reject applications that do not meet requirements.
Additionally, the reforms seek to standardise the appeals process, reform the public inquiry process and introduce new powers for Holyrood to amend planning consents.
The Scottish government will be able to charge fees for pre-application services and for submitting wayleave applications, aligning with practices in England and Wales.
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated: “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“Together with the Scottish government, we are modernising outdated bureaucratic processes to make sure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean energy future.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.”
