Screening
The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 specify that nuclear generating stations of any capacity and all non-nuclear generating stations with an output in excess of 300 megawatts will require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). For developments falling outwith these categories, the need for an EIA is less prescriptive.
A prime consideration in developing a proposal is whether it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on the environment. If significant adverse impacts are likely, a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be needed to support a formal application for consent. The developer may decide at the outset that an EIA will be required but will have the option of asking for the Scottish Ministers' opinion as to whether an EIA will be required in support of their proposal. The Ministers' formal opinion on the need for an EIA is termed a screening opinion.
The procedure for a screening opinion by Scottish Ministers can be found in section 5 of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000.