Scotland Zones In On Marine Renewables

Currently, the Scottish Executive has powers relating to Electricity Act consents on land and offshore within a 12 mile limit off the coast of Scotland.

The Energy Bill currently going through Parliament in London provides for the establishment of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) beyond the 12 mile limit out to 200 miles or international boundary lines, opening up the potential for offshore wind and wave generation.

The Scotland Office has been closely involved in discussions between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Scottish Executive, resulting in agreement that consent powers in these REZs outside the 12 mile limit in waters around Scotland should be transferred to Scottish Ministers subject to the UK parliament approving the Energy Bill. This means a consistent consent regime will apply within 12 miles and in the new REZs beyond the 12 mile limit.

Lewis Macdonald, Scotland’s Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning said, ‘Development of Scotland’s marine renewable energy resource will provide the opportunity for us to gain the economic and environmental benefits that our policies of supporting renewable energy were designed to achieve. The provisions within the Energy Bill will ensure a structured regime for the development of these resources and it is greatly to be welcomed that we will have powers to consent projects in waters adjacent to Scotland.’

MJ Information No: 19532