Opinions sought on energy infrastructure planning reforms – Irvine Times

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

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

It can currently take up to four years for major electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland to be approved under UK legislation that has been in place since 1989.

The Government wants to update Scotland’s energy consent system to support the roll-out of new clean energy projects, while giving communities early and meaningful opportunities to be heard.

UK Energy Secretary Michael Shanks said: “Scotland has huge potential to drive the UK towards our 2030 clean energy target, with its natural resources, energy expertise and highly skilled workforce.

“Together with the Scottish Government, we are modernizing outdated bureaucratic processes to ensure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean energy future.

“This will help accelerate new clean, local energy – bringing us one step closer to energy independence and protecting bill payers forever from the roller coaster ride of volatile fossil fuel markets.”

Scotland’s Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “These long-awaited UK legislative reforms will help Scotland realize our clean energy ambitions, while giving investors confidence that a more robust and efficient process is in place.

“This in turn will support our net zero ambitions, enable economic growth and ensure our communities have a greater opportunity to be heard.”

The proposed reforms are intended to provide developers and communities with an updated system when submitting plans for large clean energy projects.

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

The consultation will run for four weeks until 26 November.