Energy Development Charter launched to ensure Aberdeenshire benefits from major energy projects
Aberdeenshire Council has launched a new Energy Development Charter which has been created to guide developers of large-scale energy projects on how they can increase positive impacts for communities and local economies.
The council is already seeing a significant increase in planning applications for large energy developments and it expects this to continue in the coming years as the region is set to play a central role in Scotland’s journey to reduce carbon emissions.
Energy developments range from renewable energy production such as onshore and offshore windfarms and solar farms to energy storage facilities and transmission infrastructure.
These are once-in-a-generation developments which offer large-scale investment, new jobs and major changes to the landscape. The council’s new Charter aims to work with developers to ensure that the economic and social benefits of this growth are felt locally and not just nationally.
At its heart, the Energy Development Charter is about “community wealth building” – an approach which ensures local people, businesses and services gain from the development happening on their doorstep.
The Charter sets out clear expectations and principles for energy developers, aligning with National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies 11 and 25 which focus on making positive impacts for people, communities and business.
It provides a guide for developers on how to meet these policy requirements while delivering a net positive impact, whether through local employment, support for small businesses, training opportunities or investment in local infrastructure.
Paul Macari, Head of Planning and Economy at Aberdeenshire Council, explains: “Aberdeenshire is at the heart of energy transition – from carbon capture to offshore wind to solar investments – and there is significant economic interest in the region for both generating and transmitting energy. Ensuring any development agreed is meaningful to local communities is the job of each developer. The new charter is not simply a checklist but a collaborative framework with the firm aim of working with energy companies to unlock vital economic opportunities across the region.
“We fully appreciate that the new energy infrastructure we are already seeing commissioned will reshape parts of Aberdeenshire, therefore it’s crucial that local people and places benefit both socially and economically.
"We have a unique opportunity to shape a positive legacy from these major developments and by working together, we can ensure that the people and communities of Aberdeenshire directly share in the benefits of Scotland’s energy transition.”
The Charter will guide how Aberdeenshire Council approaches its assessment of energy projects, ensuring that growth is inclusive and fair, with key aims including:
• Fair Employment: Promote jobs locally and develop long term and collaborative skills pathways
• Proactive Procurement: Providing support and opportunity for local business to participate in the supply chain to increase local and regional spend
• Socially Just use of land and property: encouraging community ownership leading to more vibrant, safe and resilient communities
• Equality: Addressing rural inequalities and ensuring equality of opportunity for all
By setting out these principles now, Aberdeenshire Council hopes to create a consistent, transparent process. The Charter can be found here
In time it is expected that the energy companies who have their developments approved, will also submit their reports on what they have achieved for the people and economy of Aberdeenshire for all to see.
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “Our charter ensures that we make the most of these large energy developments for Aberdeenshire, for Scotland and for future generations. We have an opportunity to work with developers operating in Aberdeenshire to ensure that this new infrastructure works for our people and local business.
"This is about our future success and we invite all of these companies to work together to help us continue to position Aberdeenshire as a great place to help the national reduction of carbon emissions, whilst contributing positively to our communities.
"We have already seen some strong interest in collaboration around issues like investing in the skills pipeline and we want to advance other collaborative partnerships and enable these companies to do their best for Aberdeenshire.”