The power to alter the Electricity Act 1989 to change the legislative basis for consultation processes under that act is reserved to the United Kingdom Government. However, the UK Government’s transmission acceleration action plan, or TAAP, makes it clear that changes to the consenting regime in Scotland under the 1989 act are necessary to accelerate the determinations process, and the UK Government has committed to a review. The Scottish Government supports such a review, and we will work with the UK Government to progress it.

The Scottish Government is currently undertaking work to streamline the consenting regime for offshore energy infrastructure projects, including reviewing the consultation processes.