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ADVERTORIAL: Winds of change hailed at free renewables seminar next month in Glasgow


Scotland faces difficult decisions if the nation is to achieve its target of installing 8GW of onshore wind by 2030, according to a leading renewables lawyer.

Fraser Gillies, managing partner at Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), believes a raft of new projects will need consent in order for Scotland to reach the target set out in the Scottish Government’s Bute House Agreement.

Fraser says this will spark more debate about where new onshore wind projects should be built, and says tough decisions and compromises will need to be made.

He added: “The debate around the location of onshore wind projects isn’t new, but it is taking centre stage again as a result of the Bute House Agreement, and with eyes of the world on Scotland ahead of COP26.

“The onshore wind target is highly ambitious, and if Scotland is to come close to achieving it, developers will need to rethink aspects of the way they do business.

“The commercial imperative for developers is to get consent for their own projects. But it may be they have to start working together rather than in silo to reduce the number of overall projects requiring consent.

“We need a fresh and collaborative approach going forward.”

This is one of a range of topics which will be discussed at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie’s annual renewables seminar.



Wind power is a crucial component of Net Zero sustainability strategies
Wind power is a crucial component of Net Zero sustainability strategies

This year’s event, ‘Onshore Wind and the Path to Net Zero’, features a panel of industry experts examining likely policy trends as Scotland works towards its targets.

They’ll discuss the emerging carbon units market for developers, and its likely impact on landowner relations and the route to consent.

Delegates will also have the chance to hear expert analysis and advice from WJM’s team of leading renewable energy solicitors.

Fraser explained: “There is a great deal to think about with the Scottish Government’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) due imminently.

“This will set out how the planning system will support the Government’s objectives and net-zero targets.

“Sustainability has leapt to the top of the agenda for many individuals and businesses, and it’s increasingly important for leaders to have a real awareness of these issues and how policy is shaping the landscape.”

WJM’s renewables seminar takes place on Thursday 4 November, at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Book your place at the free seminar by emailing events@wjm.co.uk. For more about WJM, visit wjm.co.uk.



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