Post by Marc van Grieken

Onshore Wind Policy Statement Refresh 2021 Just before opening COP 26, at last a bit more clarity regarding SG's approach to #onshore wind. Para 1.2.2: '...must go further and faster than before.' Acknowledgement of the amount of additional onshore wind required: 12GW can be found in para 2.1.4. 3.2.5 and 3.2.6 set out that wind farms, initially novel features in Scotland's landscape, are now 'an established part of the landscape.......and will play an essential part in realising .....net zero. Para 3.3 indicates that SG ultimately wants to deliver practical guidance for assessing lighting impacts. Para 4.2.17 points to the opportunity that taller turbines present when developing in forested areas. Para 4.4 (4.4.1-4.4.4) talk about landscape and recognises that net zero ambitions require decisive action and that this will change how Scotland will look. Reference is also made to modern, efficient and taller turbines. The 'decisive action' is tempered however by the reference to '..appropriate sites for wind turbines...........with reference to the adopted local development plan. BUT Does anybody now of any local development plan that indicates appropriate sites? and with taller turbines? Para 5.7 highlights the opportunity for linking outdoor pursuits, tourism, cultural and local economics, placemaking, energy generation etc. Kind'a familiar? I refer to my talk at All-Energy 2016 called 'GIGAWIND'. #energy #mvgla #tourism #integrated,#forest #netzero