The start of a new year is always a time for reflection, both on events in the year just past but the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. The start of a new year also brings the annual election to the Scottish Renewables Board. I’m standing in this year’s election and I wanted to share my own thoughts on the challenges which lie ahead for the industry this year.
It feels like every year brings new and ‘pivotal’ challenges for our industry and 2022 will be no different. This year will finally see the introduction of NPF4. Planning isn’t a subject that is easy to get people excited about, but it’s one which has a huge impact across the different renewable energy technologies and associated infrastructure. It’s no exaggeration to say this document will be absolutely critical to our ability to deliver renewable energy projects at the scale and pace required over the coming decade.
I know that there is significant concern across the industry that the initial draft laid before the Scottish Parliament in November won’t deliver the type of bold and radical change to the planning system required to meet the challenge of the climate crisis.
Getting the right outcome on NPF4 must be the immediate key priority for Scottish Renewables, but it also highlights the wider challenge for our industry in the year ahead – how do we move decision makers from lofty ambition to the nuts and bolts of delivery, with some of the difficult decisions this will involve? It will require Scottish Renewables, as the key voice of our industry, along with all of us as individual members, to advocate for the changes required with a clear and robust voice.
As Head of External Relations in Scotland for SSE Renewables, my role focuses on advocating the vital role of renewables - onshore wind, offshore wind and hydro to policy and decision-makers. I have an in depth understanding of the policy and political challenges facing the industry across the renewable energy technology spectrum. With over 20 years experience in delivering successful political advocacy campaigns, I believe that I can play a valuable role in helping the organisation to articulate the will of its members and deliver the already excellent work it is doing to advocate the industry’s position in key areas.
If elected:
- my first 6 months will focus on helping shape NPF4 before it is adopted to ensure it is fit for purpose for the renewables sector - we need an NPF4 that promotes and encourages our sector, with the current draft doing the opposite.
- focus on advocating on planning issues and highlight to government areas holding back our industry such as on aviation & grid.
- Underline the slow planning system and the need to speed up decision-making processes. It should not take years for a planning decision to be made, especially if we want to meet the 2030 and 2045 net zero targets.
- Work to promote all technologies.