Scottish Government's Local Energy Policy Statement Consultation published

Why Scottish Government have indicated they are ConsultingThe development of this paper coincides with wider changes in Scotland’s energy landscape: as we are now transitioning away from a predominately centralised system to one which is decentralised and more focused on addressing local needs.This, combined with the closure of UK Government subsidy schemes for renewables and the global climate emergency, means that the time is now right for the Scottish Government to set out our vision for future local energy systems.This draft Policy Statement has been developed with guidance from an expert external steering group. However, local energy is a wide-ranging area which impacts on a broad range of different stakeholders and groups - and this consultation is formally seeking views from these stakeholders to ensure that the final document produced delivers the positive outcomes identified.Responses to the consultation will be used to inform the final version of the Policy Statement.PurposeThe purpose of this policy statement is to set out the approach the Scottish Government wishes to see embedded in practice and behaviours of all stakeholders as Scotland’s energy system becomes increasingly decentralised (i.e. energy being generated close to where it will be used).Scottish Government have indicated that their approach recognises that there will be a greater role for considering local solutions to meet local needs: ones which are more complex and operate using smarter technologies and new “disruptive” business models. There will also be a greater need to build strong partnerships and collaboration at a local level.The statement also includes a set of key principles, and associated outcomes, that they wish to see adopted. They represent the values we consider are critical to ensure a just, inclusive energy transition - one that has consumers at its centre, supported by strong partnership working and collaboration at a local level.The statement does not aim to provide project guidance or delivery models, but aims to provide a vision that will guide and inform decisions taken by everyone participating in or developing local energy systems projects. However, it is not a final Scottish Government position - they are keen to gain stakeholders views on the approach to ensure that the final document is one that has endorsement from a wide range of interested parties.  You can find out more about the Consultation by clicking here.Read the full policy statement consultation by clicking here.