Why Scotland’s planning reforms are critical to the future of clean energy – and what needs to happen next
Having worked in the energy sector for many years I have witnessed how critical an efficient planning process is for driving investment in renewable energy. The UK and Scottish governments’ latest proposal to streamline Scotland’s energy infrastructure approvals is not just welcome news, it is long overdue. We are at a pivotal moment in our energy transition journey, and these proposed reforms could make or break our ability to achieve ambitious net-zero goals by 2030.
The current system is a roadblock. Planning consent in Scotland can take up to four years. This is not fast enough, as it not only frustrates developers but creates costly uncertainty for investors, ultimately delaying our progress toward clean power. At PSC, we have worked with numerous clients who are navigating this maze, and without meaningful changes, projects will continue to lag, leaving our net-zero ambitions out of reach.
The proposed reforms address several long-standing issues: early community engagement, a faster appeals process, and a more streamlined public inquiry system. The theory is that these changes should accelerate the rollout of renewable projects. The move to compel developers to consult with communities at the pre-application stage is an excellent initial step towards transparency, ensuring that potential objections are identified early rather than creating costly bottlenecks later in the process.
While this all looks good on paper, success will depend on execution. It is a complex landscape and for these reforms to have the desired impact requires strong leadership from the government to balance interests, particularly when it comes to landowner opposition. It is no secret that many landowners, especially in rural areas, have valid concerns about infrastructure disrupting landscapes and livelihoods. Without an equitable approach to addressing these concerns, we risk ongoing friction that could undermine the benefits of streamlined approvals.
However, planning is not the only challenge renewable projects face. An effective planning system is essential, but so is a robust supply chain to deliver on these projects. The lack of available materials and components is a real constraint I have encountered repeatedly. If we are serious about achieving net-zero goals, we need a holistic approach; one that opens supply chains and supports a sustainable workforce capable of delivering projects at scale.
Scotland has immense potential to be a clean energy leader, but we must act quickly and decisively. PSC is committed to supporting these reforms, and we encourage other industry stakeholders to share their insights during the consultation period that runs for four weeks until 29th November. This is a rare opportunity to reshape the future of clean energy in Scotland, and it is one we cannot afford to waste.