Energy Consents Unit: annual report 2025-2026

3 Pre-2025/26 context

ECU resourcing and performance

The ECU has undergone significant change in recent years.

The unit is currently comprised of more than 70 members of staff, which includes a senior management team, casework teams organised by technology application type, and a Policy and Administration team.

This structure was implemented in conjunction with a significant recruitment drive in 2024/25. The decision to expand the ECU was taken to meet rising demand, after year-on-year increases in the number of applications received.

The increase in staffing reflects the importance placed by Scottish Ministers on planning and consenting as an enabler to economic growth. They have been clear that application determination times must be reduced and this requires sufficient capacity to respond to future demand.

Guidance documents

As part of efforts to support a more efficient and effective consenting process, the ECU published key guidance documents for industry and stakeholders in advance of this reporting period.

Priority Applications for Transmission Infrastructure

Priority applications for transmission infrastructure guidance was published in February 2025 to support the application process for Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects.

ASTI projects represent a significant programme of major transmission reinforcements across Scotland, including new and upgraded 400kV overhead lines, substations and associated infrastructure. These projects are intended to increase grid capacity and enable the connection and transport of large volumes of renewable electricity, including offshore wind generation associated with ScotWind and wider 2030 energy ambitions.

Standard Onshore Wind Conditions

Standard Onshore Wind Conditions for Section 36 consents in Scotland were also published in February 2025. They set out a consistent framework of requirements attached to ministerial approvals for large onshore wind farms.

Their purpose is to ensure that developments are designed, constructed, operated and ultimately decommissioned in a way that protects the environment, local communities and infrastructure. The conditions translate the mitigation and commitments identified during the EIA into legally enforceable obligations, covering areas such as site design, environmental protection, construction management, noise control, and safeguarding of aviation, ecology and water resources.

By using a standardised template that can be tailored to individual projects, the Scottish Government aims to improve consistency, transparency and efficiency in decision-making while ensuring that significant renewable energy developments are delivered responsibly and with clear accountability.