Energy consents: guidance and resources

Introduction

This collection brings together guidance and resources for energy consent applications in Scotland, covering onshore electricity generation, overhead power lines, and land access rights.

Applications are decided by Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989, with all applications and decisions published on the Energy Consents website. The collection is updated as new guidance is published.

Understanding energy consents

Guidance on the energy consents process, including how to apply, fee calculations, and how to support or object to an application.

• Electricity Act 1989 – sections 36 and 37: applications guidance
• Energy consents: how to apply
• Energy consents: how to support or object to an application
• Energy consents: application procedure and publicity requirements
• Energy consents: application fee calculator

Onshore electricity generation (Section 36)

Guidance for developers applying for consent for electricity generating stations exceeding 50 megawatts under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.

• Standard onshore wind conditions – section 36 consent and deemed planning permission: form and guidance
• Electricity Act 1989 - section 36 applications: guidance for applicants on using the design envelope
• Energy consents: applications for variation of section 36 consents guidance
• Proposed electricity generation developments: peat landslide hazard best practice guide
• Carbon calculator for wind farms on Scottish peatlands: factsheet

Overhead power lines (Section 37)

Guidance for transmission line projects requiring consent under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989.

• Electricity Act 1989 - section 37 applications which require EIA report: pre-application consultation and engagement guidance
• Energy consents: overhead line applications without an EIA report
• Priority applications for transmission infrastructure guidance: section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989

Land access and rights

Guidance on wayleaves and access rights for electricity infrastructure, covering applications, landowner rights, and process timelines.

• Electricity - necessary wayleaves: guidance for applicants, landowners and occupiers – 2022 update
• Electricity – priority transmission line projects: necessary wayleave application process timeline

Legal framework: electricity infrastructure

Overview of the legislative framework governing electricity generating station and overhead line consents.

• Electricity (Applications for Consent) Regulations 1990
• Electricity (Applications for Consent) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2013
• Electricity Generating Stations (Applications for Variation of Consent) (Scotland) Regulations 2013
• Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
• Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2017

Legal framework: gas pipelines

Overview of the key regulations governing gas pipeline applications, compulsory purchase orders, and environmental impact assessment requirements in Scotland.

• Pipe-lines Act 1962
• Gas Act 1986
• Public Gas Transporter Pipe-Line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999
• Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Environmental Impact Assessment and other Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2017