Onshore Wind Strategic Leadership Group minutes: 11 July 2023

Attendees and apologies

• Ragne Low, SG Deputy Chair, Scottish Government
• Morag Watson, Sector Deal Lead, Scottish Renewables 
• Neil Douglas, Scottish Renewables Sector Deal Support, BVG Associates
• Graham Gow, Scottish Renewables Sector Deal Support, BVG Associates
• Barry Carruthers, G12 Representative, Scottish Power Renewables
• Marcus Trinick KC, Planning Considerations Lead
• Sam Johnson, Techincal Barriers Lead, Renewable Energy Systems Ltd
• Paul Wheelhouse, Supply Chain, Skills and Circular Economy Lead, South of Scotland Enterprise
• Mark Brennan, Community Energy Deputy, Local Energy Scotland
• Mike Shepherd, Land Use and Environmental Considerations Deputy, NatureScot 

Apologies

• Simon Gill, Legislative and Regulatory Barriers Lead, The Energy Landscape
• Chris Morris, Community Energy Lead, Local Energy Scotland
• Robbie Kernahan, Land Use and Environmental Considerations Lead, NatureScot  

Items and actions

Items and actions

Welcome

The Scottish Government (SG) Chair welcomed SLG members and thanked them for their work since the previous meeting. 

Supply Chain, Skills and Circular Economy considerations overview 

Key aspects relating to the onshore wind supply chain, skills and circular economy theme were discussed. This included the potential for crossover between onshore and offshore wind supply chains, demand for skills and recycling of component parts. SLG members discussed the significant opportunities for economic growth that repowering, remanufacture and recycling of components from onshore wind sites can offer Scotland. 

The Scottish Renewables (SR) Chair highlighted the recent expansion of SR work across these areas and the continued commitment of industry to contribute to circular economy ambitions.   

Outstanding issues and questions

SLG members discussed community benefit, engagement and shared ownership of onshore wind sites. SLG members highlighted the benefits that a standardised approach, including process and documentation, could bring for both developers and communities. The G12 representative commented that this would solidify a base example of good practice, whilst leaving significant room for innovation between developers and communities. 

The SG Chair moved the meeting on to the land use and environment theme. SLG members discussed how onshore wind sites can best deliver local and national environmental benefits.  

SLG members then discussed proposals for improving timelines in delivering onshore wind development determinations from planning authorities, including repowering sites. 

Next steps

Before closing the meeting, SLG members offered views on compiling the revised draft Sector Deal and outstanding requirements before agreement on the final version can be reached.