Large scale energy developments
Large‑scale energy, transmission and infrastructure projects can have significant environmental and community impacts. These proposals normally fall into the major or national development categories, and some are decided by Scottish Ministers rather than the council.
What large scale energy developments are
These projects consist of national and major development under the Planning Acts, and development proposals under the Electricity Acts (section 36 and 37 applications) for generating stations and transmission infrastructure.
Proposals under this category usually consist of large scale renewable and low carbon energy and electricity grid infrastructure:
- Windfarms over 50MW
- Solar farms over 50MW
- Hydrogen development
- Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Electricity grid infrastructure over 132KV
- Electricity storage and grid stability infrastructure over 50MW
- Onshore infrastructure for offshore wind (underground cabling or substations) over 2 hectare in site area
- Offshore windfarm connections and landfall over 2 hectare in site area
Who decides applications
Different organisations determine large‑scale energy proposals depending on their type, size and location:
- The council decides on most major and national applications under planning legislation
- Scottish Ministers decide applications made under the Electricity Act, including:
- Section 36: onshore electricity generation over 50MW
- Section 37: certain overhead electric lines
- Marine Directorate manages the consenting and licensing processes for all offshore marine energy projects such as offshore wind, wave, tidal, on behalf of Scottish Ministers
Community benefits from energy developments
View our Community Wealth Building Strategy and Energy Charter which set out what the council expects from large energy developments in supporting local jobs, businesses and communities.
The strategy and charter guide developers in preparing pre‑application advice requests and planning submissions. They can also help communities understand how local benefits can be secured from development.
Pre-application advice
We offer pre-application advice for large scale energy developments, including energy transmission and infrastructure projects.
View fees for discretionary services to find out about cost for requesting pre-application advice for large developments.
Priority services
Priority services are optional, but can help manage time‑critical or complex applications.
Priority Determination Service
This service provides an enhanced Planning Processing Agreement, offering:
- A structured project management approach
- Clearer timescales for a decision
- Certainty for developers
There is no guarantee of a positive recommendation, but the service supports clear deadlines and efficient processing.
To apply, complete:
Submit completed forms to our correspondence address.
Priority Discharge of Conditions Service
The Priority Discharge of Conditions Service will process requests for discharge of conditions within a shorter time period for time critical developments.
To find out more, contact our Energy Team.
How to apply
Large‑scale applications determined by the council must follow the major and national developments process. Find out how to apply for major or national developments.
Submitted proposals
You can view a map of submitted energy development proposals.