Onshore electricity generation - Electricity Act threshold: consultation
We are seeking views on increasing the 50MW threshold which determines whether applications for onshore electricity generating stations are decided by Scottish Ministers or by the relevant planning authority.
Open
72 days to respond
Respond online
Previous engagement
Fulfilling a commitment to the Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee in response to Petition PE1864, the February 2024 Investing in Planning consultation invited views on whether the 50MW threshold should be altered, whether different thresholds should apply for different technologies, and on the likely resourcing implications of increasing the threshold. The consultation asked two questions.
- Should the current threshold of 50MW for applications for electricity generation which are to be determined by authorities be altered?
This question received 101 responses with 83 respondents providing comments. Of those responding to this question, 41 respondents agreed the threshold should be altered, 20 disagreed, and 40 expressed no view.
- Should different thresholds apply to different types of generating stations?
This question received 91 responses with 62 respondents providing comments. Of those responding to the question, 26 agreed different thresholds should apply, 27 disagreed, and 38 expressed no view.
A full summary of responses to the consultation can be found online. Broadly speaking, views were mixed with planning authorities, communities, and third sector groups generally in favour of change, whilst industry, including property and the land management sector, represented the majority of those not in favour.
Officials undertook further informal engagement in July and August 2025 and this has also helped to inform this consultation paper.