SR Monthly Briefing October 2025
Dear member
The Onshore Wind Conference, co-organised by Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK, returned to Edinburgh on September 16 & 17. The sold-out event welcomed more than 1,000 delegates for two days of discussion with industry leaders on the future of the onshore wind sector.
Chris Stark CBE, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030, opened day one of the event, while Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy, kicked off day two, followed by a video address from Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy.
Session discussions focused on key areas for onshore wind deployment, including upgrades to the electricity network and planning system reforms, evolving biodiversity approaches, routes to market, supply chain strategies and more.
The event attracted significant interest from Scotland’s media, with journalists attending from a range of publications including the Financial Times, The Scotsman, reNews and Energy Voice.
The Scotsman carried a column dedicated to the conference, titled ‘Scotland set for outsized role in delivering the UK's onshore wind’ while reNews covered the conference online, under the headline ‘UK onshore wind must show its value’ and featured a two-page spread in its print edition issued on September 25.
Morag Watson
Director of Onshore
Blog: The profound and interlinked challenges facing Scotland’s energy future
As industry leaders gathered in Aberdeen for Offshore Europe and politicians returned to Holyrood and Westminster after the summer break, Claire Mack OBE explored the interconnected hurdles and opportunities across Scotland’s oil, gas and offshore wind sectors.
Read the blog, originally published in Energy Voice on September 3, to learn why an approach that balances clean energy delivery at pace with a sensibly managed decline of the North Sea basin is essential to a thriving clean energy future.
SR and NESO industry workshop
We recently hosted an engagement session between the NESO Strategic and Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) team and SR members in our new member space in Glasgow. This is the second in-person session NESO has held to update SR members on the development and deployment of their modelling. NESO has highlighted that it is still open to stakeholder feedback on model assumptions and inputs. Notes and slides from the meeting are now available.
The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2025
The Scottish Green Energy Awards 2025 - the UK's biggest celebration on renewable energy - returns to Edinburgh on December 4. The awards will once again honour the remarkable people, projects and organisations who are transforming the UK’s energy system.
A limited number of tickets are available — book yours now at the member rate.
Labour Party Conference
Claire Mack and Jack Norquoy attended Labour Party Conference in Liverpool where they had engagements with key figures, including Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy; Martin McCluskey MP, Minister for Energy Consumers; Alistair Strathern MP; Torcuil Crichton MP; John Grady MP; and Daniel Johnson MSP.
Claire also participated in fringe sessions hosted by The New Statesman and the Fabian Society to highlight priorities for Scottish projects and tackle messaging challenges for industry.
Trade Associations Scotland
Jack Norquoy participated in a roundtable with Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, at the Scottish Parliament on September 16 alongside Scottish trade association representatives.
Jack centred his remarks on the importance of new transmission projects for Scotland's renewable energy industry and growth across the entire Scottish economy.
Engagement with Martin McCluskey MP
On September 12, Jack Norquoy delivered a presentation and took questions at an event in Greenock hosted by Martin McCluskey MP on developing the future energy workforce. The event was attended by education and training providers from across the West of Scotland alongside representatives of the energy and defence sectors, including ScottishPower and Peel Ports.
Holyrood Sources
Last month Claire Mack OBE attended the Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen and was invited to join Holyrood Sources, ‘the leading Scottish Politics podcast’, to discuss Scotland's energy future.
Recorded live with host Calum Macdonald, key topics of discussion included the challenging investment environment, communities and consumers, and strategic planning and policy.
Claire was joined by Andrew Bowie MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, and Angus Macdonald, Director of Knock and Swordale Community Company, from the Western Isles.
Media enquiries
In September, Morag Watson was interviewed by David Craik at the Scottish road haulage magazine, Transport News, about what impact the UK Government's recent Onshore Wind Strategy will have on the abnormal load movements of turbines and components in Scotland.
Morag provided an in-depth overview of this issue and explained that industry is working with Police Scotland, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to explore the possibility of an external agency carrying out abnormal load escorts in future.
The article will feature in the October edition of Transport News.
Media support
The Communications team at SR is always on hand to help its members with media opportunities. If your business would like support with its media relations, please email Ewan.
Reforms to the Clean Industry Bonus for Allocation Round 8
On October 6, SR published our response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consultation on reforms to the Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) for AR8. The consultation seeks views on strengthening workforce protection through a fair work charter, increasing skills investment, extending the CIB to onshore wind and introducing technical improvements.
If you’d like to discuss this further, please email Andrew.
Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) Cap and Floor Window 1 Eligibility Assessment outcome
On September 23, Ofgem published the eligibility assessment outcome for Window 1 of its LDES cap and floor scheme. 77 projects qualify for the scheme, comprising a combined storage capacity of 28.7GW, including 20.2GW of lithium-ion battery storage and 4.6GW of pumped storage hydro. The eligible projects can now proceed to the assessment phase, with Ofgem aiming to offer the first cap and floor agreements to successful projects in the summer next year.
Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) Cap and Floor consultations
Ofgem has recently published the outcome of two consultation on the LDES Cap and Floor mechanism:
- Project assessment consultation - SR previously submitted a response to this consultation, which sought views on the proposed multi-criteria assessment (MCA) framework used to evaluate projects based on their economic, strategic and financial merits.
- Financial framework consultation - SR welcomed the outcome of this consultation with aspects aligning with our submitted response.
If you’d like to discuss this further, please email Poppy.
Reformed National Pricing: where next for the GB electricity market?
This summer, the UK Government announced its decision to introduce Reformed National Pricing. With the uncertainty of zonal pricing now off the table, there is a clear direction of travel for the reform of GB’s existing national wholesale market. But key questions remain about how strategic planning and market design will align to deliver an optimal future energy system.
Join us at our Reformed National Pricing: where next for the GB electricity market? event on October 29 in Glasgow to hear directly from leading experts and policymakers as we enter this crucial next phase of electricity market reform.
OFTO further evolution of a mature asset class
On July 14, Ofgem published a follow-up consultation on the evolution of a mature asset class of wind farms. SR submitted a joint response with RUK to the consultation which outlines the changes required to ensure the Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) regime remains fit for purpose. SR is also currently working with RUK and consultants DNV on a report examining the lifecycle of OFTOs to identify recommendations as the sector evolves.
For any questions on either piece of work, please contact Holly.
CMP447: Removal of designated strategic works from cancellation charges/securitisation
Following the final work group and workgroup consultation, NESO published the final code admin consultation for the modification CMP447. SR responded to the code admin consultation, signalling support for alternatives that favour early identification of impacted works while emphasising the urgency for implementation by Gate 2 offers.
Ongoing consultations
There are a variety of open consultations that SR will be responding to over the coming month, see further detail and relevant contact person for each:
- OFTO build: ways forward for an early competition model - Following its policy update late last year, Ofgem has published proposals around introducing an early competition approach for non-radial OFTO assets. To feed into SR’s response, please contact Holly.
- Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (TRESP) - NESO has published its TRESP consultation asking for feedback on nations and regions contexts, pathways and consistent planning assumptions and strategic investment need. To feed into SR’s response, please contact Stephen. The next TRESP forum for Scotland will take place online on October 23.
- Electricity Transmission Design Principles (ETDP) - As recommended by the Electricity Networks Commissioner in the Transmission Acceleration Action Plan, NESO is currently consulting on ‘principles’ to be used for the design of electricity transmission assets for greater clarity and pace of development. SR will consider a response based on input sent to Holly.
Blog: The Hare and the Tortoise...and the Connections Portal
What can The Tortoise and the Hare teach us about grid connections? In this blog, Holly Thomas reflects on the lessons learnt from the recent challenges with the Connections Reform and highlights how the fastest route isn’t always the most effective - or the quickest.
UK Continental Shelf customs update
SR has been engaging with HMRC on the proposed changes to the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) customs processes. As part of this ongoing engagement, HMRC hosted a series of webinars for industry to provide updates and address queries.
The four sessions were focused on:
- Special Customs Procedures
- Simplified Declaration Processes & UKCS Declaration by Conduct
- Temporary Storage / Inventory Linking & Freeports
- Returned Goods Relief (RGR) & Import VAT
If you were unable to attend and would like recordings of these sessions, please contact Sophie.
Get involved: Supply Chain Impact Statement 2025/26
Each year SR produces our Supply Chain Impact Statement — a document highlighting the positive impact that renewable energy projects have on the local Scottish supply chain.
We are pleased to be kicking off the seventh edition of this flagship publication and there are many ways to get involved. If you are interested in being a featured supplier in the next edition, please register via this online form.
To work with us more closely on the project and align your brand with a campaign that showcases the talented organisations delivering renewable energy projects in Scotland, please contact Sophie and Carol to learn more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
New EIA Report Guidance
On September 16, SR published the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report streamlining guidance. In the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal, the sector and the Scottish Government committed to a collaborative agreement to streamline EIA reports to make it easier for statutory consultees and communities to review the impacts of a proposed development.
SR will be working with members to begin to apply this guidance. This guidance will be a living document, and we hope to learn from its application in the field. If you have any questions, please contact Megan.
Planning obligations and good neighbour agreements consultation
The Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate (PARD) released a draft update to planning obligations and good neighbour agreements for consultation on July 3. SR responded with feedback on not requiring an open-book approach to S75 obligations to determine affordability. If you have any questions, please contact Megan.
Electricity network infrastructure: consents, land access and rights consultation
On July 8, the UK Government released a consultation on electricity network infrastructure. SR submitted a response to the consultation focused on the missed opportunity to address land rights for new infrastructure and energy generation.
If you have any questions, please contact Megan.
Planning Policy Update Webinar
On September 2, SR hosted a planning policy update webinar that covered all of the ongoing planning issues we are working on and highlighted a new effort to address heritage objections.
The webinar outlined all the ongoing advocacy efforts SR is engaged on, including UK and Scottish Government legislation, consultations, local development plans, and consultations and policies or guidance we anticipate coming soon.
Slides from the webinar are available online.
Blog: Two years on: Is Scotland's Onshore Wind Sector Deal delivering for a greener future?
Two years on from the signing of the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal, this blog takes a look at what the deal has achieved so far, how it is influencing the UK’s onshore wind strategy, and the key priorities ahead for Scottish Renewables.
Compulsory purchase reform Scotland
On September 19, the Scottish Government released a consultation on compulsory purchase order (CPO) reform. Renewable energy is not directly included in the scope of the consultation, but SR is exploring how CPO could be updated to better facilitate progress in oversail and overrun negotiations where abnormal loads must be transported over private land. Initial member input is requested by October 17.
If you’d like to discuss this further, please email Jamie.
Onshore Wind Policy Update webinar
On October 1, Jamie Blair hosted the Onshore Wind Policy Update Webinar. Megan Amundson joined to give planning headlines and Morag Watson gave an update on our work around the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP).
The onshore updates covered key Sector Deal workstreams and how some are evolving with the creation UK Onshore Wind Council and Onshore Wind Strategy. Current and upcoming consultations were noted, as well as SR’s key asks for wider member engagement.
Slides from the webinar are available online.
Scottish Marine Recovery Fund consultation
SR has submitted a response to the Scottish Government's Scottish Marine Recovery Fund (MRF) consultation. Members supported the proposal to establish a Scottish MRF. However, we highlighted the urgency with which the MRF should be implemented, noting that members consider the timely establishment of a Scottish MRF essential to provide confidence in the deliverability of required compensation measures.
We also emphasised the importance of alignment between the UK MRF and Scottish MRF and called for further clarity on the exact mechanism of interaction between the two funds and clear guidelines on how they will manage overlapping responsibilities.
If you have any questions, please contact Alice.
Floating Offshore Wind 2025
Floating Offshore Wind, co-organised by Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK, returns to Aberdeen on November 12-13.
With more than 25GW in the pipeline, the UK’s floating offshore wind sector is at a critical juncture. As industry navigates highs and lows, bold action is required to maintain momentum and deliver the projects critical to our clean energy future.
Join us as we bring industry leaders and key stakeholders together to explore solution-driven, tangible actions that will accelerate floating offshore wind deployment.
National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2)
The Scottish Government has published a NMP2 Planning Position Statement (PPS) consultation as part of the NMP2 Statement of Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. Additionally, contractors Howell Marine Consulting (HMC) produced a report based on the analysis and synthesis. Read SR's NMP2 PPS response.
The Scottish Government has advised it is considering feedback from the above consultations, which SR has responded to, including the SMP and OW Policy Statement, alongside work on cumulative impacts such as fisheries, cabling and marine protected areas. For NMP2 queries, email nationalmarineplanning@gov.scot.
Offshore Wind Conference 2026
Scottish Renewables' Offshore Wind Conference returns to Glasgow on January 28-29, 2026.
As the sector unites to tackle the barriers to offshore wind deployment, the conference exhibition sits at the heart of the event, providing delegates with the opportunity to network with more than 1,200 key industry leaders.
DESNZ consultation responses
SR has recently submitted responses to two DESNZ consultations:
- Hydrogen Economic Regulatory Framework: Developing an Effective Market Framework for 100% Hydrogen Pipeline Networks - Members indicated their support for the economic regulatory framework in the context of initial, discrete networks. However, in the future, it is crucial that DESNZ reassess and clearly define the economic regulatory frameworks for 100% hydrogen gas networks to prevent additional complexity, as well as potential increases in the price of hydrogen.
- Hydrogen Blending into the GB Gas Transmission Network - SR raised the points that members are broadly supportive of blending into the gas network as an offtaker of last resort, but urge the UK Government to prioritise the delivery of a 100% hydrogen transmission network, as well as the development of storage infrastructure.
Permitted Development Rights consultation
SR is working on a response to the permitted development rights consultation released by the Scottish Government on September 3. SR’s response will focus on responding the proposed changes for heat networks and heat pumps, along with the missed opportunity to create permitted development rights for rooftop solar. SR’s response will also include comment on the SEA environmental report for this proposal.
To feed into this consultation, please contact Megan.
Heat Networks Workshop
SR is hosting a series of workshops on heat networks to develop a vision for how the Scottish Government can unlock large-scale heat networks in Scotland. The workshop on September 22 will be followed up with another half-day workshop in early November.
Contact Megan with any questions.
Tidal Stream Energy Roundtable
SR held a roundtable on September 11 with Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, and members from the tidal stream energy sector in the Scottish Parliament to discuss the actions needed to advance the development of the Scottish tidal stream energy pipeline.
We were pleased to secure a commitment during the roundtable from the Cabinet Secretary on exploring with officials how the Scottish Government can more effectively signal support to the sector and streamline the advancement of our policy priorities.
