Energy giant slams ‘tiny’ groups of protesters blocking wind farms

Wind farms: They have provoked opposition from some locals and community groups.

An energy firm has complained that "tiny" groups of wind farm protesters are unfairly blocking developments.

Vattenfall says the Scottish planning system is the biggest potential risk to investment in onshore wind projects.

The company, which is facing strong opposition from US businessman Donald Trump for an offshore development, focused on land-based wind in a report to Holyrood's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee.

The report stated: "Whilst not wishing to belittle the importance of financial support and adequate network availability, the biggest potential risk to the development of onshore wind in Scotland is the planning system.“

It described an inadequately resourced planning system, adding: "Unfortunately, there are too many examples of decision makers across Scotland being swayed by a tiny vocal minority thus denying a majority who support a proposal any influence in the planning system."

Vattenfall said dogged opposition by six protesters to the Edinbane wind farm on Skye went against the wishes of hundreds of local people and delayed the scheme by several years. The planning system was identified with a further two barriers to future success in meeting targets in Scotland.

The report said there is "weakening political support" for onshore wind and "weakness" in labour force skills, the latter described as a particular problem for offshore technology.

Vattenfall is part of a group behind the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) in the North Sea off the coast of Aberdeen. Its location on the horizon near Mr Trump's Aberdeenshire golf course prompted claims from the US tycoon that he could stop his investment.

The energy firm did not mention the high-profile planning wrangle, but added: "The EOWDC will prove strategically important to the success of Scotland's offshore wind sector."

The report is being considered by the committee among submissions from West Coast Energy Ltd, Burcote Wind, Renewable energy Consultants Ltd and Scottish Power, which are all expected to appear in parliament on Wednesday. MSPs are investigating the Scottish Government's renewable energy targets, and have already heard from Mr Trump.

West Coast Energy said the planning system is under increasing pressure, adding: "In return for paying planning fees, developers are often met with long, costly delays in determination times, refusal by authorities to meet to discuss applications, and repeated requests for further information."

Burcote stated: "Technically speaking, the 2020 renewables targets are achievable. The technology, especially for onshore wind, and the political will is there. However, Burcote Wind believes that the complexities of the planning process and the high costs associated with connection to the electricity grid present significant barriers, especially for onshore wind projects which will form the vast majority of renewable energy installations needed to meet the targets. We believe that these barriers have the potential to jeopardise the achievement of the targets."

A Scottish Government spokesman said there is a total estimated capital investment of £46bn in the sector, with the potential to create thousands of new jobs.

He added: "We have already made good progress speeding up the deployment of renewable energy by streamlining the planning process, improving the quality of applications and increasing community engagement. As a result, the number of onshore consents has increased four-fold since 2007, with some 50 major developments consented by this Government. In February, the First Minister announced action being taken by a task force to streamline the process for offshore developments.

"We want to see the right developments in the right places. Scottish planning policy sets out the framework for the development of wind farms and offshore energy to manage impact on communities, landscape, and the natural environment. Planning authorities, and where appropriate the Scottish Government, will only allow renewables developments to be built where the impacts have been found to be acceptable. Each case is assessed on its merits and unsuitable applications are rejected."

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