The proposed establishment of a national park in Galloway could result in the loss of around half a billion pounds to the area over the next decade, according to Scotland’s onshore wind industry.
The warning from trade body Scottish Renewables comes ahead of an imminent deadline for NatureScot to submit its advice to the Scottish Government following an extended public consultation period.
No decision to designate a third national park has yet been taken – and ministers will now consider the proposal.
Scottish Renewables is warning policymakers that the potential economic and environmental benefits of onshore wind development in Dumfries and Galloway “far outweigh” the advantages of a national park designation.
Research from Biggar Economics found that a new national park in Galloway would likely reduce economic activity as onshore wind developers face increased challenges and opposition to developments near the park.
This would hinder the deployment of onshore wind projects, resulting in reduced economic activity, lower community benefit payments, and difficulties in meeting national renewable energy targets by 2030, the report warned.
Projections from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero indicate that Dumfries and Galloway could generate up to 3.2GW of energy from onshore wind by 2035.
This would contribute approximately £935m over the next decade and support up to 624 jobs annually at peak activity.
Community benefit payments in the region could amount to £146m by 2035.
However, Biggar Economics found that adopting a planning regime similar to Scotland’s existing national parks could result in the Galloway region suffering a cumulative economic loss of around £543m by 2035, with 470 fewer jobs supported annually at peak activity.
The region could also miss out on approximately £64m in community benefit funding.
The Scottish Government’s Onshore Wind Policy Statement aims to achieve 20GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack (pictured) said: “The proposal to designate a new national park in Dumfries and Galloway must be weighed carefully against the significant economic and environmental contributions of renewable energy projects currently in development.
“Research by Biggar Economics shows that blocking onshore wind developments alone could lead to fewer jobs, lower investment, and lost opportunities for communities.
“And that’s just part of the picture – the study didn’t include the impact of losing solar, battery storage, or transmission projects, which would make the economic hit even worse.
“It’s also important to remember renewable energy projects are already delivering tangible environmental gains.
“They are subject to rigorous habitat and peatland management plans and, under the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal, are committed to achieving biodiversity net gain.
“In many cases, the level of ecological restoration supported by renewable developers exceeds what could be achieved through public funding alone.
“A National Park designation should not come at the cost of clean energy, green jobs, and vital infrastructure.”