This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Forum on renewable energy
06/10/2004
A new advisory forum to help shape Scottish planning
guidelines for renewables developments, Parliament was
toldtoday.
Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson said:
"Devolution is delivering on its renewable energy
pledges for Scotland and we are on target to produce 18 per
cent of electricity generated in Scotland from renewable
sources by 2010.
"It is important that we continue to harness all of
Scotland's human expertise and huge natural resources if we
are to make sure Scotland benefits both economically and
environmentally from the renewables industry.
"Our robust planning guidelines will continue to be used
to assess development proposals. We have already said we
would review our planning guidelines to ensure they remain
robust and we will commence this review shortly, in
consultation with interested bodies.
"I have asked my officials to develop plans for an
advisory forum, which will bring together experts across
Scotland with an interest in renewable energy.
"This might include heritage bodies, environmental
groups, local authorities, as well as industry and
organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, which can
feed into the planning review.
"There is a great deal of common ground as we aim to
ensure Scotland benefits from renewable energy, but not at
an unacceptable cost to the environment. This body will
help us achieve our aim and to meet our ambitious target of
40 per cent of electricity generated in Scotland from
renewable sources by 2020," he said.
Earlier today Mr Wilson announced consent for two wind
farm developments at Farr and at Braes of Doon.
The Executive renewable energy strategy includes a
target of 18 per cent of electricity generated in Scotland
by renewables by 2010 and 40 per cent by 2020.