Electricity Infrastructure Consenting in Scotland consultation
We recently collaborated with Corra on a response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Electricity Infrastructure Consenting in Scotland consultation.
The consultation was proposing several reforms to modernise the consenting process for electricity infrastructure in Scotland under the Electricity Act 1989.
While we welcome the proposal to introduce a clear set of statutory requirements for applicants of electricity infrastructure projects to consult with communities at the pre-application stage, we stressed the importance of doing this thoughtfully and thoroughly.
The main thrust of our comments were to ensure community context is taken into account, that communities are given adequate time and support to respond to proposals and that project developers don't make assumptions that community councils are the only vehicle through which to consult with communities.
Foundation Scotland welcomed teaming up with Corra on this response. Corra’s deep experience of working in place through its 'Getting Alongside Communities Programme' combined with our specialist expertise in community benefit through our work with renewable energy businesses and communities across Scotland, makes for a strong combination advocating for communities to be better considered within an improved consenting process.
Read the joint response from Foundation Scotland and Corra Foundation here.