Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan. Consultation Analysis and Modifications Report.

29. Sectoral Policy 4: Renewable energy generation

29.1 Summary of responses received

29.2 Main themes

29.2.1 The respondents provided comments on a range of issues such as how, and if, co-existence in the Plan Areas will occur, floating offshore wind technology, the need for monitoring to increase data and knowledge regarding the impact of marine renewables, the remit of the Marine Renewables Facilitators Group and concerns regarding displacement of fisheries.

29.2.2 Suggested text changes and corrections are included in the table but the main points made by the respondents are discussed below.

29.2.3 Two respondents representing the recreational sector (yachting and public body) both noted that impacts can be mitigated if there is good communication with developers and good understanding of the effects on key issues such as small craft navigation, design and siting to avoid collision risk and avoidance of sailing and racing areas. Ongoing monitoring of this effects is critical to building on ongoing research.

29.2.4 Scottish Natural Heritage noted the importance of post consent monitoring of marine renewables to help plug some of the information gaps regarding the impact of renewables on the marine environment. They noted they have collaborated on research with the European Marine Energy Centre ( EMEC) to develop techniques to understand animal interactions around tidal turbines and that these results will inform future deployments at the EMEC sites and also in Scotland and elsewhere. They suggest wording to strengthen the policy with regard to monitoring (see table).

29.2.5 Another respondent from the recreational sector echoed the sentiment that there are significant knowledge gaps regarding how species and habitats interact with, and are affected by, offshore renewables. This respondent noted there would need to be long term investment in environmental monitoring and research to address these gaps.

29.2.6 Some respondents felt there should be reference to floating offshore wind.

29.2.7 It was noted by some respondents that the Sectoral Plans are currently in draft format. There were also comments relating to the fact that it is likely that only a small proportion of the Plan Options outlined in the Sectoral Plan will be developed. The associated Sustainability Appraisal for the Sectoral Plans suggests under a 'high' development scenario this would be in the order of 25-26% for offshore wind, 1% for wave and 5% for tidal. One respondent noted that the Plan will assist during the planning process for identifying new commercial sites within the PFOW and ensure due consideration is given to all parties involved.

29.2.8 Two respondents commented on the text in relation to co-existence within these areas with one respondent noting it is incumbent on other proposed activities within these areas to address any potential impact they may have on future renewable deployments. Another respondent felt it must be acknowledged that it will not always be possible for all existing activities to continue within a development site without impact or for potential synergies to be realised.

29.2.9 Some respondents also noted that it is possible to develop outwith the Plan Option areas in some cases. One respondent from the renewable energy sector suggested that if the developer has been able to demonstrate a location outwith these areas is acceptable commercial developments (of all generation types) should be supported.

29.2.10 This respondent noted that they believe the offshore wind area ( OWN1) identified within the Sectoral Plan is unlikely to be a near term development option but they are aware of other commercial scale opportunities that exist in the PFOW area. This respondent commented that locations outwith the Plan Option areas for near to medium term commercial scale developments will be required if the industry is to progress.

29.2.11 One of these respondents also asked for clarification regarding the transparency of the Marine Renewables Facilitators Group in how they provide advice to developers whose projects are being scrutinised. A different respondent noted this group is integral to proposed marine renewable developments in terms of provision of advice and feedback. Another respondent noted sporting interests should be represented on this group.

29.2.12 Scottish Water supported early and effective communication and noted that both onshore and offshore renewables can impact on their underground water and wastewater network.

29.2.13 A renewable energy stakeholder noted there are difficulties associated with projects being able to screen grid connections against local plans and suggested that for many marine projects the responsibility for the onshore grid connection infrastructure will rest with the grid network operator and not the project developer.

29.2.14 A fisheries stakeholder commented that there is a lack of understanding about what fishing displacement means. The respondent noted it is not always possible for fishermen to move their activities elsewhere and that there is a lack of understanding about the industry at government, political, non-governmental organisation and developer level. The respondent welcomed the text in paragraph 407 (now 411).

29.2.15 Another fisheries respondent suggested it was too late for the Plan to offer any protection to the fishing industry as the Crown Estate and Marine Scotland's Regional Locational Guidance have already offered the development industry 'huge swathes of seabed' with little input from fishing. The respondent noted it is essential that fishing interests are consulted before allocation of space in order to avoid any negative impacts.

Table 29.1 Sectoral Policy 4 Renewable energy generation - Table of suggested modifications