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Enhanced commitment by developers to community
benefits
An initiative to position Scotland as a European hub for the
recycling and repurposing of wind turbine blades is included in a
deal agreed by the Scottish Government and industry.
The commitment to establish at least one specialist facility by
2030 forms part of the Onshore Wind Sector Deal signed today at
the Scottish Renewables Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh.
The Deal lays out how the Government and industry will work
together to harness the full potential of onshore wind to benefit
communities, boost the economy and reduce carbon emissions.
Disposing of decommissioned turbine blades is an increasing
challenge and the sector’s commitment to open a treatment plant,
with Government support, will provide an environmentally-friendly
solution, create jobs and place Scotland at the forefront of the
emerging global technology.
The Deal also includes a Scottish Government aim
to determine applications for larger new wind farms within a
year when no public inquiry is required and two years with an
inquiry. This would reduce the average determination time by 50%
and will be achieved by streamlining processes while improving
the format of applications. Further commitments will enhance
training and resources while agreeing clear guidelines to ensure
responsible development enabling positive outcomes for climate
and nature.
Also in the Deal:
- industry commits to creating apprenticeships, training
opportunities and skilled jobs in Scotland for the lifetime of
the deal
- companies will engage with communities at the earliest
possible opportunity to agree a community benefits package that
meets or exceeds the Scottish Government’s good practice
principles. This could include investment in low carbon heating
in local homes and energy efficiency improvements
- partners will work together to produce co-ordinated and
resourced plans for the transport by road of wind turbine
components
- a commitment to support supply chains to reuse and refurbish
parts to create a circular economy
Energy Secretary said:
“This deal is a practical example of Government and industry
working closely together to reinforce our shared commitment to
reaching net zero.
“As we embrace the possibilities, we acknowledge the challenges
that lie ahead. Balancing the needs of energy production with
proper environmental stewardship demands diligence and continuous
innovation. This deal charts a course that safeguards our natural
heritage while delivering clean, affordable energy to power our
lives and industries.
“By benefiting communities we are ensuring the rewards of our
onshore wind revolution are shared by all. This helps meet our
Programme for Government commitments and create a green and
growing economy with fairness at its heart.”
Circular Economy Minister said:
“The sector deal reflects our shared determination to grow
Scotland’s vital wind power sector and to create green jobs
across the country as we transition to a net-zero economy. It
will see more wind farms, more communities benefiting, and more
economic opportunity, while ensuring developments are in harmony
with our environment.
“ This deal also positions Scotland to become a world leader in
decommissioning, remanufacturing and recycling of wind turbines
and related assets, and I look forward to working with the
industry to help make this happen.”
Scottish Renewables’ Chief Executive Claire Mack said:
“Today is a huge moment for the onshore wind industry in
Scotland.
“A world leader in renewable energy, Scotland has an ambition for
onshore wind to have 20GW of onshore wind by 2030 and the Onshore
Wind Sector Deal will play a key role in helping us to hit this
target.
“An incredible amount of hard work has gone in to making this
deal happen and it is a real benefit to the industry knowing that
the time onshore wind farms take to go through planning will be
halved to only 12 months. It is also encouraging to see onshore
wind farm operators and the Scottish Government committed to
creating a sustainable solution and a circular economy supply
chain for the recycling of wind turbine component parts.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government
to ensure the Onshore Wind Sector Deal is effectively implemented
on the road to achieving Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.”
Background
Onshore Wind Sector Deal
The deal was signed by Energy Secretary , Energy Minister , Chief Executive of
Scottish Renewables Claire Mack and Managing Director Onshore UK
and Ireland for ScottishPower Renewables Barry Carruthers.
The commitment on consenting for new windfarms relates
to Section 36
applications
Programme for Government –
Energy Secretary priorities
