The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S7O-00022

Asked by: Joe Fagan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 03 June 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 June 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board regarding the outcome of the Service Delivery Review that is due to be considered on 22 June.

Question reference: S7W-00451

Asked by: Joe Fagan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 3 June 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how many of the battery energy storage applications approved by the Energy Consents Unit are operational.

It is the Scottish Ministers who determine applications made under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. The Energy Consents Unit administers these applications on their behalf.

The Energy Consents Unit does not retain data on applications which subsequently become operational. This information is available in the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) quarterly extracts from their Renewable Energy Planning Database. The publication includes operational information pertaining to battery energy storage system (BESS) applications approved by Scottish Ministers: Renewable Energy Planning Database: quarterly extract - GOV.UK

Question reference: S7W-00452

Asked by: Joe Fagan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 3 June 2026

To ask the Scottish Government how many of the battery energy storage applications approved by the Energy Consents Unit have been subsequently withdrawn.

It is the Scottish Ministers who determine applications made under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. The Energy Consents Unit administers these applications on their behalf.

Following consent, developers are typically required to commence development within either three or five years of the decision date, depending on the terms of the consent. However, information on whether or how many approved developments have been commenced s not systematically recorded.

Question reference: S7W-00453

Asked by: Joe Fagan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Current Status: Answered by Stephen Gethins on 3 June 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the current regulatory and planning frameworks for long-duration energy storage are sufficient.

Large-scale, long-duration energy storage, such as pumped hydro storage, will play a critical role in lessening our dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation, supporting our net zero ambitions.

It will help to maximise our significant renewable energy generating capacity by providing flexibility to the grid ensuring there is a continuous resilient and secure supply of electricity to households and businesses.

Whilst the UK Government's proposals for a cap and floor mechanism for long duration electricity storage are welcome, it is vital they continue to engage with industry to ensure the finer details of this mechanism can maximise the generation and economic potential pumped hydro storage.

Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

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Question reference: S7O-00022

Answer

Question reference: S7W-00451

Answer

Question reference: S7W-00452

Answer

Question reference: S7W-00453

Answer