Repowering - Planning in Focus Programme

Repowering projects are treated as new developments under NPF4. There is an opportunity for updated policies to recognise the strategic benefits of repowered wind farms. In this session, we will discuss:

• How NPF4 could recognise repowering as a distinct development type.
• The proposal for a presumption in favour of repowering applications.
• Policy updates that enable a streamlined determination process for repowering.

Chair
Finley Becks-Phelps, Head of UK Development, Nadara

Speaker
James Gibson, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

Repowering projects often default to full EIAs, leading to duplication and disproportionate mitigation requirements. In this session, we will discuss:

• How to update guidance to focus EIA scoping on marginal change from old to new project.
• Clarifying Guidance on using the existing windfarm as the accepted baseline for EIAs.
• Explore how existing habitat management and peat restoration should be recognised and not restrict development.

Chair
Megan Amundson, Head of Onshore Wind & Consenting, Scottish Renewables

Speakers
Mark Mulqueeny, Ecology Manager, SSE Renewables
Rachel Short, Senior Ecology Manager, ScottishPower Renewables