We oversee the building and maintenance of energy infrastructure in Scotland and ensure it is sufficient for meeting the needs of citizens and businesses. As part of this we process applications for consent from developers wishing to build and operate electricity generating stations or install overhead power lines.
Actions
We are managing energy infrastructure in Scotland by:
- working with partners to improve the electricity grid
- determining whether to grant or refuse applications for consent to build and operate electricity generating stations or install overhead power lines
- developing policy on UK Government decisions relating to energy strategy and markets
Background
A modern energy system is key to making sure Scotland can benefit from the economic opportunities that come with moving to net zero.
Scotland already plays a major role in the UK's energy supply. As more people switch to electric vehicles and we start to heat our homes differently, electricity demand across Scotland is changing. Power is also being generated from more varied locations, so we need an electricity grid that can carry it to where it is needed across Great Britain.
Most of the UK's oil, and around half of its gas, comes from fields around the Scottish coast. On top of this, Scotland has around 60 gigawatts of renewable energy potential — roughly three quarters of the UK's total electricity-generating capacity.
Energy policy is mostly controlled by the UK Government, which means many of the key decisions about this transition sit with Westminster. However, we expect the future energy system to support the Scottish Government's ambitions, as well as benefiting Scotland's economy and communities.
Bills and legislation
Electricity infrastructure
The Electricity Act 1989 gives powers to Scottish Ministers for the determination of applications for electricity infrastructure.
- applications to construct, extend and operate onshore electricity generating stations exceeding 50 megawatts capacity are made to Scottish Ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.
- applications to vary existing consents which were granted under section 36 are made under section 36C of the Electricity Act 1989.
- applications for overhead lines are made under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989.
Such electricity infrastructure applications and decisions are published and searchable on our Energy Consents website.
The following regulations apply to applications made under section 36, section 36C and section 37 and should be noted by developers:
- The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
- The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2017
- The Electricity (Applications for Consent) Regulations 1990
- The Electricity (Applications for Consent) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2013
- The Electricity Generating Stations (Applications for Variation of Consent) (Scotland) Regulations 2013
When granting consent under section 36, 36C or section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, Scottish Ministers may, under section 57 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, direct that planning permission is deemed to be granted.
In relation to land and access rights for electricity infrastructure, ministers also process applications for necessary wayleaves and compulsory purchase orders.
Gas pipelines
The following regulations apply to applications for pipelines, and related requests for compulsory purchase orders and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening and scoping opinions:
- The Pipe-lines Act 1962
- The Gas Act 1986
- The Public Gas Transporter Pipe-Line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999
- The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Environmental Impact Assessment and other Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2017
Contact
Email: Econsents_admin@gov.scot