The Scottish Government has published new guidance on planning applications for onshore electricity generating stations and overhead lines made under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act 1989.
The good practice guidance sets out the procedure for applications where the development concerned requires an environmental impact assessment.
At the same time, it launched a 12-week consultation on proposed changes to fees for applications.
Scottish Renewables welcomed the move, saying the time taken to consent new onshore renewables generation and grid infrastructure is a major barrier to meeting targets.
Its senior policy manager Mark Richardson said: “The large renewable energy projects which we need to meet growing electricity demand and reduce carbon emissions require the Scottish Government to adapt the way in which it considers planning applications, and new guidance on applying for consent under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act for onshore generating stations and overhead lines is welcome.
“The time taken to consent new onshore renewables generation and grid infrastructure is a major barrier to achieving the levels of renewables deployment net-zero requires and this guidance is a welcome first step from the Scottish Government to addressing this problem.
“Scottish Renewables also notes that the Scottish Government is launching a 12-week consultation on proposed changes to fees for applications under sections 36, 36C and 37 of the Electricity Act.
“Lack of capacity in the planning system is a key contributor to significant delays suffered by renewable energy projects.
“We would want to see any increase in fees accompanied by commitments to ensure applications are dealt with swiftly so we can meet Scotland’s binding net-zero target and deliver the economic benefits which renewable energy brings as quickly as possible.”