Here we'll outline the decision-making process in Scotland and share the ways you can get involved.
Last updated: 2 July 2025
Windfarms, and other renewable energy proposals, that have an energy generation capacity of 50 megawatts or lower are determined by planning authorities under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
Electricity generating stations with capacity exceeding 50 megawatts are determined under different legislation – Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.
The Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) is responsible for determining applications to build, operate or modify onshore electricity generating stations with capacities exceeding 50 megawatts, such as windfarms. They are also responsible for determining applications to install overhead power lines, large oil and gas pipelines, and associated infrastructure.
Applications for marine energy (e.g. wave, tidal and offshore wind) are determined by Marine Scotland, the directorate of the Scottish Government responsible for the management of Scotland’s seas.
If a planning authority objects to an energy consents application, the application must be decided by a public inquiry. In these cases, the ECU will pass the application to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) of the Scottish Government to deal with. The DPEA also determines all planning appeals that are made to Scottish Ministers.
For more information on energy consents, including the application process and publicity requirements, take a look at the guidance produced by the Scottish Government and Marine Scotland.
Local communities can find out about applications for energy generation proposals via public notices that developers must advertise in local and national newspapers. The notices will include a description of the development, a list of relevant documents and where to access them, and a representation deadline date. Members of the public then have the opportunity to submit their views on the application by the date specified in the notice.
You can also keep an eye on the ECU website and search for energy consent applications and decisions Find marine energy consent applications on Marine Scotland’s website.
There are no statutory pre-application consultation (PAC) procedures for applications determined under the Electricity Act, however Scottish Government guidance states that applicants are expected to consult with the local community before they submit their planning application (as is required for all major and national developments). All developments that require an Environmental Impact Assessment must submit a PAC report with their planning application. The consultation process should include a minimum of two public events, to give the community the opportunity to learn more about the development proposal and provide their views.
Find out how to support or object to an application for electricity generating development in this Scottish Government guidance and Marine Scotland guidance.
Planning Aid Scotland is a national charity which provides free independent advice to help individuals and communities understand and engage with the planning system in Scotland.