Scotland will struggle to reach its net zero carbon targets unless Holyrood
takes a swift and stronger grip on planning policy surrounding the
deployment of taller turbine models, as well as a permissive approach to
repowering of first-generation onshore windfarms with the latest technology.
By Gary McGovern
The recognition of a climate emergency and adoption of a “net zero” target
means more change is essential and many more onshore wind farms are needed
in the energy mix. Also, unlike other types of development, permissions for
windfarms are time-limited so that at the end of a specified period the
turbines have to be removed. So, in coming years, much of the current fleet
will need replaced.
Happily, technology has advanced and the new generation of turbines is
larger and more efficient. More output can be produced with fewer turbines.
If Scotland is to achieve carbon neutrality, the benefits of such turbines
cannot be ignored.
The wind industry has long been making the case that, to rise to the zero
carbon challenge, planning policy must spell out a more positive, less
caveated position, which recognises the need to optimise suitable sites
with the latest technology. Therefore, the delay to NPF4 is significant. We
could be in a vacuum for several years awaiting policy to reflect the new
world order.
Meantime, investors and operators are faced with convincing planning
authorities of the merits of more efficient turbines case by case. In the
absence of clear and up-to-date national policy, the same objections are
raised repeatedly at local level. Many, including Scottish Natural Heritage
for whom the climate emergency must also be a key concern, believe that –
if permitted at all – turbines should reflect what has gone before.
But the world has moved on and repetition is not sustainable. Worse, there
is growing evidence of some local authorities trying to limit the scope for
turbines in their area, by seeking to stack the deck against any new wind
farm developments via local planning policy. Local Development Plans are
supposed to help address the climate emergency and to reflect national policy.
Greater need
Those opposed to deployment of next-generation turbines may point to
previous successes in achieving renewables targets, and Scotland has done
well in delivering a sizeable gigawatt capacity of onshore wind. But it has
taken a long time, and the need for more is greater than ever. Moreover,
the sites developed to date were (in relative terms) “easier” and delivered
with the benefit of a favourable subsidy regime, compared to those that now
need to be brought into production with little or no subsidy.
It would be wrong to rest on laurels and take comfort from what has been
done. We need to deliver the same again and more, at lower cost, faster.
For those reasons, industry has been calling for an interim policy or
ministerial statement to provide clarity and underline the enhanced role of
onshore wind in a net zero world, including the need to embrace taller
turbines. Alas, instead the Scottish Government has begun consulting on
proposals to withdraw the current policy presumption in favour of
sustainable development. This is at odds with the net zero targets.
A planning policy vacuum affecting the next generation of onshore windfarms
could blow Scotland’s drive to lead the world in achieving carbon-free
status off course. The Scottish Government seems to be seeking to please
all concerned, and adopting opaque policy positions. A stronger, clearer
message is needed – that more onshore windfarms comprising taller turbines
are key to meeting new targets.
Gary McGovern, partner and planning specialist at Pinsent Masons
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