Dear member

Last month, we tried something new at Scottish Renewables (SR). We hosted our first-ever Communications Conference, bringing together more than 100 people from across communications, media and public affairs.

So we brought together the people at the heart of those conversations. The people engaging communities, shaping stories and getting our messages out there. Across three sessions, we shared what’s working, talked honestly about the challenges and started to think about what comes next.

It wasn’t about landing on one perfect strategy. It was about surfacing ideas, sparking debate and recognising that there are things we all need to keep showing up for — again and again.

We don’t have all the answers, and things will keep changing. But we do know we need to be part of the conversation, with clarity, credibility and purpose in everything we say.

Because ultimately, our strength is our people. We’re building the energy system of the future — but we also need to bring people with us, build trust and show why this really matters.

This is bigger than any one event. But there’s a lot to feel confident about — in what we’re doing and what we can achieve together. I’m really proud of the team at SR for pulling off a sold-out event and hugely grateful to our speakers for sharing their insights so openly.

As always, the door is open — we’d love you to be part of what comes next. So please get in touch with the Communications team if you’d like support to tell your story.

Jack Norquoy
Director of Public Affairs and Communications

Engaging with Scottish political party leaders

SR had the opportunity to join roundtable events with Malcolm Offord, Leader of Reform UK Scotland, and Russell Findlay, Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, organised by CBI Scotland. We questioned their parties’ views on renewable energy and outlined our priorities for the investment environment in Scotland. Read our manifesto.

Prioritising transmission charging

Following SR’s calls on Ofgem to take immediate action on network charges in February, SR raised concerns about the profound impact of the current TNUoS regime on Scottish renewable energy projects and consumers with the Scotland Office at a Trade Associations Scotland roundtable with Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.  

reNews Scotland report

Last month our Policy team was busy supporting reNews with its Scotland reports for different renewable energy technologies.

Megan Amundson gave an update on both onshore and solar while Colin Palmer provided the latest insights on the urgent need for changes to network charging and looking ahead to the future of both fixed and floating offshore wind in Scotland.

The Herald Business HQ

Mark Williamson, a columnist at The Herald, recently spoke to Colin Palmer for the April edition of the monthly supplement, Business HQ. Colin was on hand to discuss in detail the current challenges faced by Scotland’s offshore wind sector while talking up the opportunity available for both the UK and Scottish governments if they urgently make vital policy decisions.

Utility Week

David Blackman, Policy Correspondent at Utility Week, spoke to our Economics and Markets team for a follow-up article on the UK Government's decision to bring forward Allocation Round 8 where he explored the impact of accelerating the timetable for eligible projects. Subscribers to Utility Week can read the article on its website.

Make your voice heard

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. 

Allocation Round 8 updates

On March 15, the UK Government announced that the next Contracts for Difference auction, Allocation Round 8 (AR8), will be brought forward to July 2026, aiming to accelerate investment in new clean energy projects and support supply chain and workforce growth. 

Commenting on the announcement, Claire Mack said: “Bringing forward the next auction is the right decision and will help unlock investment in homegrown clean energy. However, urgent reform of transmission charging and greater certainty on grid connections will be essential to ensure AR8 delivers maximum value for consumers and supports the UK’s energy security.” 

Later in the month, the UK Government published its response to the consultation on legislative refinements to AR8 and future Contracts for Difference rounds. A separate response on non-legislative measures will follow.

The changes allow the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to correct assessment errors, consider new evidence for non-material issues, and refine the handling of pending applications.

For more information, please contact Poppy.

Energy Security and Net Zero Committee inquiry

On March 27, SR submitted a letter responding to the inquiry from the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee on reviewing the electricity market. The inquiry welcomed written evidence on a range of questions, including whether the UK Government considered sufficient evidence to determine the decision not to take forward a Locational Marginal Pricing model. 

In our letter, SR highlighted that we do not believe there is merit in reopening the debate over locational marginal pricing, which dominated the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA). Instead of focusing on past decisions, we outlined the positive steps the UK Government has taken since deciding to proceed with Reformed National pricing and highlighted aspects of the electricity market that are still in need of reform, such as network charges. 

If you would like to discuss our response, please contact Poppy. 

Network charging updates

On March 10, Ofgem launched a call for participants to join a new Charging Transitional Arrangements Group (CTAG) under the Reformed National Pricing (RNP) programme. The CTAG will advise on whether transitional or legacy charging arrangements are required ahead of the wider reforms to transmission charging. If such arrangements are needed, the group will help shape their design to ensure they protect consumers while still supporting investment and timely project delivery. SR has successfully secured a position on this group. 

On March 26, Ofgem published its call for input on 'Locational charges and Regulatory Siting Levers under Reformed National Pricing’, with the consultation open for responses until May 26. Ofgem has outlined its early thinking on options for reforming locational transmission charges for new, transitional and legacy assets with the aim of better aligning investment signals with long‑term system planning under the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP).

The regulator has also set out initial considerations on how locational charging could apply to demand and storage assets, acknowledging that their operational characteristics and responsiveness to price signals differ from those of generation. 

SR will review the proposals and engage with members ahead of submitting a response. If you have any questions, please contact Stephen.

Equipping the OFTO regime for the future consultation response

On February 2, Ofgem launched a consultation on enhancements to the Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) regime to support the growing pipeline of offshore wind projects. SR and RenewableUK welcomed the opportunity to respond to the consultation. 

The consultation seeks views on measures to maximise participation and improve efficiency including changes to pre-qualification processes and assessment criteria as projects increase in scale and complexity. Our joint response highlighted the importance of maintaining competition, streamlining processes and ensuring the regime remains fit for emerging technologies such as High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and floating offshore wind. 

We will continue to engage as the OFTO regime develops. If you have any questions, please contact Sophie. 

Response to SSEP Pathway themes and branches input request

On March 16, NESO invited input from members of the NESO SEP Industry Working group regarding proposals for the pathway themes and branches for the SSEP. SR and RenewableUK welcomed the opportunity to engage early in the process but highlighted the lack of sufficient detail to enable meaningful scrutiny or prioritisation of pathways.  

We are calling for greater transparency around modelling assumptions and clearer alignment between SSEP pathways and existing policy ambitions, particularly for offshore wind and Scottish deployment targets. We also emphasised that pathways should balance investment certainty with flexibility and encouraged NESO to provide further detail on assumptions and methodology. 

We will continue to engage as the SSEP process develops. If you have questions, please contact Stephen.  

Connections Methodologies consultation 

On March 17, NESO published its consultation on proposed updates to the Connections Methodologies, which they are required to review annually under their licence obligations. This consultation is open until 5pm on April 21. 

The proposed updates draw on lessons from the Gate 2 to Whole Queue (G2TWQ) process and seek to introduce minor clarifications to improve readability and operability ahead of the first enduring application window. NESO is also seeking views on a small number of more material changes and areas for future development before submitting proposed amendments to Ofgem in Spring 2026. 

SR will review the proposals and engage with members ahead of submitting a response. If you have questions, please contact Stephen.  

Ports as catalysts: Realising the benefits of a offshore wind

Last month Emma Harrick attended a roundtable at the Port of Leith to explore how Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions can be turned into tangible, lasting benefits for communities and the wider economy. The session was hosted by the Morven offshore wind project in collaboration with Forth Ports and Edinburgh North and Leith Member of Parliament, Tracy Gilbert MP.

During the discussions, Emma highlighted regulation challenges for businesses in the UK, the importance of supporting Scotland’s SMEs and the need for long-term investment mechanisms that reflect the needs of the renewable energy supply chain. 

The Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards

The Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards will return to Aberdeen on May 28. 

Scotland’s place at the forefront of the global renewable energy industry is powered by its exceptional and diverse supply chain. From cable suppliers, data analysts and safety teams, to consultants, lawyers and hauliers, the Awards recognise the people and organisations that make billion-pound renewable energy projects possible.

Don’t miss this key date for Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain – join us to celebrate excellence, champion innovation and connect with like-minded businesses.

Book your place at the member rate. 

Vestas sets out plans to build nacelle factory in Scotland 

On March 25, Vestas announced plans to invest more than €250 million in a new nacelle and hub factory in Scotland, supporting up to 500 skilled jobs and strengthening the offshore wind supply chain to meet growing demand across the UK and Europe. 

Commenting on the announcement, Claire Mack said: “This is a landmark investment in Scotland’s offshore wind sector and a major step towards securing a new wave of manufacturing built on our renewable energy strengths. A strong pipeline of projects will be essential to sustain this momentum, and action on transmission charging will be key to ensuring Scottish projects remain competitive in future auctions.” 

Renewable Energy Supply Chain Conference

The Renewable Energy Supply Chain Conference returns to Aberdeen on May 28 as suppliers navigate pipeline uncertainty, regulatory change and rising global competition.

Join us as we bring together industry leaders, developers, suppliers and stakeholders to explore the opportunities ahead and see how Scotland’s businesses can deliver lasting economic benefits from the growth of renewable energy.

We’re offering a combined ticket that gives conference delegates access to the awards at a discounted rate. Book your place today.

Impacts of planning delays report

This research will be used by SR in our ongoing work with the Scottish Government and planning authorities. Please get in touch with Jamie if you would like to discuss this.

Eskdalemuir consultation released

On March 20, the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Scottish Government released their consultation on Eskdalemuir. Responses are due May 15. On March 24, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) released its consultation report on its safeguarding approach to Eskdalemuir. 

SR will be responding to this consultation. Please provide feedback to Megan by April 20 to support SR’s draft consultation response. 

Consultation response to Electricity Act threshold change 

On March 27, SR submitted its response to the consultation on proposed changes to the planning application threshold under the Electricity Act. SR supports retaining the current 50MW threshold for all renewable energy technologies. The response included three annexes related to the analysis of consent timelines and an economic analysis of the cost of delayed consent determination on onshore wind developments and consumers.

If you have any questions, please contact Megan.

Planning Conference 2026

Scottish Renewables' Planning Conference 2026 welcomed more than 170 delegates to Glasgow on March 18 to address the most pressing planning challenges for renewable energy in Scotland.

The conference covered key topics including the SSEP, the Wull Muir court decision, analysis of planning consent timelines, and case studies on SR guidance for streamlining Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and maximising net socio-economic benefit.

Consultation response to Community Benefit Good Practice Principles

The Scottish Government published a working paper on February 18 which proposed updates to the current Good Practice Principles for onshore renewable energy community benefit.

SR supports the proposals on governance, distribution and community support. However, we strongly oppose any uplift in the current funding benchmark levels for onshore wind. SR continues to advocate for a £400/MW benchmark for solar and no benchmark level for battery storage. 

Read our final response and get in touch with the with Jamie if you have any questions. 

Repowering – Planning in Focus

On March 4, we hosted a Repowering – Planning in focus member event, sponsored by Nadara, which brought together 80 delegates in our new Member Zone & Events Space for a discussion on the future of onshore wind repowering.

The morning featured two short sessions on policy areas critical to supporting repowering: one on planning policy and the other on peatland and habitat management. All the insights shared will directly inform SR’s policy and advocacy on repowering.

Our thanks to all those who attended and please contact Jamie with any questions. 

Engagement with Scottish Government on fisheries coexistence

SR, SSE Renewables and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) met Scottish Government officials in March to continue discussions on improving coexistence between offshore wind and commercial fishing, and to press for legislative changes enabling a strategic backstop for short-term disruption payments and a long-term fund.

On March 9, the groups met Michelle Quinn, Director of Offshore Wind at the Scottish Government, highlighting strong cross-sector collaboration but stressing that further progress depends on decisive government action.

On March 11, Claire Mack and Colin Palmer, alongside Elspeth MacDonald, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, and Raymond Hall, Renewable Energy Policy Officer at the Scottish Whitefish Producers Association, met Cabinet Secretaries Gillian Martin MSP and Mairi Gougeon MSP. They reinforced that, while cooperation is strong, government action is essential to deliver long-term coexistence. Ministers asked officials to scope advice to progress statutory legislation ahead of new Cabinet Secretary appointments after the Scottish Election.

Statutory Guidance for Strategic Compensation 

On March 20, SR submitted collated industry feedback on the Scottish Government’s statutory guidance on Compensatory Measures for Adverse Impacts from Offshore Wind on Protected European Sites in Scotland.

Following the introduction of draft Scottish Statutory Instrument detailing proposed reforms to the Habitats Regulations for offshore wind on January 16, the Scottish Government has been working at pace to develop associated guidance on their practical application.

To ensure the guidance is fit for purpose, an early version was tested with key stakeholders. SR coordinated an industry response through the SR/SOWEC Barriers to Deployment – Enabling (B2D-E) group, highlighting key issues raised by members. The response has now been submitted to the Scottish Government.

For more information, please contact Alice. 

NatureScot cost recovery

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for offshore wind advice from NatureScot, resulting in a shortfall in resource to support the offshore wind consenting process. To deal with this increase in demand, and in close liaison with the Scottish Government and the wider sector, NatureScot has implemented full cost recovery for its marine advisory services from April 1.  

NatureScot has now issued letters to all industry providing information on the cost recovery system and requesting details for contracting and invoicing, more information can be found on NatureScot’s new offshore wind cost recovery webpage.

For more information, please contact Alice. 

SR at HydrogenUK Annual Conference

Maggie Olson-Jow chaired the session ‘Driving Down the Costs of Electrolytic Hydrogen’ at the HydrogenUK Annual Conference on March 11. Panellists from across the industry discussed the key cost barriers to deploying hydrogen projects such as the cost of electricity and uncertainty of demand, as well as what industry needs to see from the UK Government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model. 

SR will continue to work with members to identify ways to lower the cost of producing hydrogen in Scotland. Get in touch with Maggie if you would like to discuss this work. 

Engagement with UK Government

Maggie Olson-Jow met with members of the DESNZ Hydrogen team to discuss decoupling the release of relevant publications and allowing blending in the Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement as an offtaker of last resort.  

DESNZ confirmed the team is aiming to release the Hydrogen Strategy, blending decision and Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2) announcements as soon as able and that the publications may be released independently, as it is not inherently coupled. However, the team was not able to provide further information on whether the Hydrogen Strategy, decision on hydrogen blending into the gas grid and HAR2 results would be published before the election.  

The Hydrogen Production Business Model team is set to provide more information on blending in the Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement (LCHA) for projects in HAR1 and HAR2. DESNZ is considering how a change would impact the contracts already in process in relation to strike price, amount of risk and timelines of projects. 

Consultation on heat networks maintenance and installation licenses released

On March 13, the Scottish Government published a consultation on Heat networks – installation and maintenance licence. They hosted a webinar for stakeholders to walk through the proposed changes in the consultation on Tuesday, March 24. Responses are due on June 5.

Please get in touch with Megan if you would like to discuss this.