Inability to secure grid connections and planning permission limitations are severely restricting the role that farmers, crofters and landowners are having in delivering the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets.
By 2030, the Scottish Government aims to generate 50 percent of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewable sources, and by 2050 to have decarbonised our energy systems almost completely. It hopes to achieve this via a range of options including making it easier to invest in local and small-scale renewables.
However, the current experience of farmers and crofters on the ground is that connectivity restrictions are significantly limiting investment and growth of renewables. The Union has received several reports from members who are seeking to invest in or increase their use of renewable energy but are restricted due to local connectivity issues. At the same time, planning requirements around small-scale ground-mounted solar or wind installations for self-supply are holding back those who are looking to address soaring energy costs in a positive manner.
Climate Change Policy Manager Kate Hopper said: “It is clear from member feedback that connectivity issues and rules and regulations around planning are limiting the contribution that Scotland’s farmers and crofters can make to the nation’s energy supplies and that frustration is growing.
“NFU Scotland is seeking assurances from the Scottish Government that businesses seeking to increase their production and use of renewable energy are enabled to do so; to help to tackle climate change and deliver on Scottish Government objectives.
“We are looking to the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan to champion local energy as a vital part of a vibrant national energy network and our future energy mix, prioritising locally owned and shared ownership opportunities between farmers, crofters, landowners and providers.
“On farm energy and agri-renewables spell exciting opportunities for NFUS members, with the potential to support a Just Transition, boosting both the economy and energy efficiency in rural Scotland as well as supporting farms to become carbon neutral. But many of those looking to produce energy are being stifled.
“To move forward, Scottish Government must resolve the significant issues that farmers and crofts are facing and the barriers to installation of on farm renewables.
“These includes the prohibitive costs associated with development of, and connection to the distribution network by operators for all types and all scales of energy generation. We also need investment in engineering and technological solutions to deliver decentralised energy, such as electrolysers, battery storage, and grid connectors.
“At the same time, we are calling for legislative changes to enable fast-track installation of ground mounted solar and on shore small turbines where these are being installed for self-supply.”
Notes for Editors
- NFU Scotland has outlined the following renewable energy priorities for 2023.
- Solar energy – In November 2022, NFUS alongside Solar Energy Scotland, wrote to Scottish Ministers calling on them to support on farm solar development, allowing the installation of solar panels with up to five megawatts’ capacity without having to seek planning permission and exempting the payment of non-domestic rates on new solar panels on a twelve-year rolling basis. We are calling for legislative changes to enable fast-track installation of ground mounted solar and on shore small turbines where these are being installed for self-supply.
- Wind – NFUS is calling for the Scottish Government to support on farm wind power development through Scottish Planning Policy, including NPF4 and future LDPs and land use strategies, whilst maintaining food output, protecting soil carbon, enabling peatland restoration, and co-ordinating habitat management to smooth planning consents.
- Green Hydrogen – NFUS, alongside SAOS and representatives of Scotland’s university sector have set up a Green Hydrogen Steering Group to lobby for support and funding to deliver on farm hydrogen in Scotland. We see green hydrogen as one of the key solutions to decarbonising our farm and rural communities. We need support and funding for farm scale green hydrogen as part of the forthcoming Energy Strategy and Hydrogen Action Plan
- Energy Crops – NFUS is calling for management of the land use change associated with bioenergy crops. An increase in demand for bioenergy crops could divert both land and available feedstocks away from food (livestock and horticulture) production, impacting on food security and viability of individual businesses.
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Contact Bob Carruth on 07788 927675