Question reference: S6W-23719
- Asked by: Sharon Dowey, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 8 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 20 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide information on any (a) ongoing and (b) planned initiatives aimed at balancing the expansion of wind energy infrastructure with the protection of existing wind farms from the adverse effects of wind turbine shadows.
Answer
The selection of a site and the configuration of wind turbines is a matter for the wind farm developer. This process involves comprehensive analysis to ensure the most suitable placement and design for wind turbines. Developers may have to balance the benefits of a compact site, which can minimise construction cost, and the gains from maximising energy capture from greater separation distances.
The Hagshaw Energy Cluster provides an example of how industry stakeholders can work collaboratively to promote and adopt a coordinated approach to future renewable energy development.
Policy 11: Energy of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) states that potential cumulative impacts are important considerations in the decision-making process. All applications are subject to site-specific assessments.