The UK and Scottish governments have initiated a consultation to improve the approval process for large energy projects in Scotland. This effort aims to modernize a system that, based on legislation from 1989, has generated significant delays in the development of infrastructures such as power lines and wind farms.  

With the change, both governments seek to accelerate approval times, reducing the average wait of up to four years and aligning with the progress already made in England and Wales, where previous reforms allow for decisions on similar projects in half the time. The revised process also prioritizes ensuring that affected communities have early and meaningful opportunities for participation. 

The consultation proposes that communities and stakeholders be involved from the pre-application phase, providing an updated system that allows developers and communities to work in a more efficient and less costly environment. The proposed changes will impact everything from the consultation phase to planning permits, aiming to improve both the quality and speed of applications. 

Proposals for reforming a more agile and participatory system 

Key reforms include the introduction of pre-application requirements that will standardize the interaction of developers, both land and marine, with local communities and stakeholders before submitting a formal application. This seeks to engage communities from the outset and empower the Scottish Government to reject any applications that do not meet participation requirements.  

The government will also be able to charge fees for pre-application services, contributing to the funding of the new system. 

In terms of appealed decisions, the proposal is to standardize the appeals process with clear criteria and a six-week deadline for contesting decisions on new energy infrastructures. Currently, these appeals must be made through judicial review within three months, a process that can extend considerably. This measure aims to reduce the duration and complexity of appeals, providing greater certainty for both communities and developers. 

Public consultations and permits 

The public consultation process will be reformed to streamline cases where planning authorities raise objections to new energy infrastructure. Currently, these consultations take an average of 18 months and have cost the Scottish Government £1.9 million since 2021. With the reforms, public consultations will continue when necessary, but other forms of decision-making will be added on a case-by-case basis. 

Another highlighted aspect is the incorporation of new powers for the Scottish Government, allowing it to revoke, suspend, or modify project authorizations in specific circumstances without requiring the applicant to restart the entire process. Additionally, promoters will need to pay a fee for requests to install overhead lines on private land, something that is already implemented in England and Wales, which will help Scotland fund the increase in clean energy projects. 

A joint commitment to clean energy in Scotland 

This agreement comes at a crucial moment, following the confirmation that Aberdeen will be the headquarters of Great British Energy, a new public company in the UK dedicated to owning and investing in clean energy projects across the country. Furthermore, both governments have signed an agreement to support energy supply chains and infrastructure through new partnerships between Great British Energy and Scottish public bodies, thus strengthening cooperation and commitment to a sustainable energy future. 

Energy Minister Michael Shanks noted that “Scotland has enormous potential to drive the UK towards our clean energy target for 2030, with its natural resources, energy expertise, and highly skilled workforce.” 

 Meanwhile, the interim Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, stated that “these long-awaited UK legislative reforms will help Scotland realize its clean energy ambitions while providing investors with the confidence that a more robust and efficient process is being implemented.”