Speaking at the Scottish Renewables onshore wind conference in Glasgow, energy minister Fergus Ewing said that the new standardised approach to measuring the carbon footprint of wind farms would help streamline planning processes and maximise emissions savings.

"We will require developers to use the carbon calculator in applying to government for permission, and it will encourage developers to design schemes that minimise losses of carbon from peat," he explained. "Planning authorities, like all public bodies, have a duty to take account of the emission effects of their decision-making, and they should encourage developers to use the carbon assessment tool for all wind farms on peat as a matter of good practice."

He added that he was also investigating new standards for assessing the visual impact of proposed onshore wind farms.

"The visual impact of wind farms is a key consideration in planning and designing a wind farm, and SNH [Scottish Natural Heritage] guidance is expected to be followed in respect of landscape, visual impact analysis and wind farm design," he said. "We will continue to work with SNH, planning authorities and industry to ensure common standards are used to allow decision makers, consultees and the public to be clear about how proposed developments would actually look."

Ewing also revealed the Scottish government was making good progress alongside European counterparts in the development of a new Good Practice in Wind guide, which is intended to produce guidance on how to effectively manage wind farm planning processes.

"The project will deliver a toolkit, due to be published early next year, to enhance wind farm planning and give greater clarity to developers and communities," he explained. "Taken together, these improvements will enhance an already robust planning process for onshore wind."

In addition, Ewing said the government was finalising its response to a consultation on how to ensure the benefits generated by wind farms are shared with local communities. The consultations set out a series of proposals on how to promote community-owned wind farms or ensure that local communities benefit from a guaranteed revenue stream when they host a wind farm.

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