EDF power solutions UK - Removing barriers, unlocking opportunity

Nurturing and encouraging skills, innovation and investment in Scotland is a major priority for EDF power solutions UK, and in recent years it has been made possible in large part by a supportive policy environment in Scotland.

However, as one of the country’s leading renewable energy developers, we recognise that Scotland’s targets for clean energy production can’t be met by just a supportive policy environment alone. It will require us to work even more closely with the communities who are the hosts and custodians of the landscapes that are integral to this transition. This work between the renewable energy industry, Scottish businesses, communities and policy-makers needs to be supercharged if we are to meet Scotland’s targets for clean energy production.

Our key asks for the next Scottish Government center on removing barriers and unlocking opportunities to achieve our targets, while maximising the benefits of this transition for local communities. To accomplish this, we are calling on the next intake of MSPs to work with us on four key priorities.

Firstly, communities must be supported to be active participants in the renewables revolution. Renewable energy can deliver long-term benefits for host communities, from jobs and skills investment to local supply chains, recreation and direct community funding. We fully recognise that hosting renewable infrastructure brings real implications for communities. We are therefore calling on the next Scottish to safeguard flexibility to allow for tailored approaches that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of each community. In parallel, local decision-making must be strengthened by ensuring communities have access to impartial advice on managing community benefits or shared ownership opportunities.

Secondly, delivering a modern, resilient electricity grid is essential to meeting climate change targets and ensuring energy security in an increasingly volatile market. Yet many renewable energy projects in Scotland are being indefinitely delayed or cancelled due to long connection queues, capacity constraints and a system that remains reactive rather than proactive. Responsibility for reform sits uncomfortably between the UK Government, Scottish Government, Transmission Operators and Distribution Network Operators, and the result is inertia. Without clearer coordination and a strategic approach to upgrading grid infrastructure, investment and projects will continue to fall by the wayside. This should be a major strategic and engagement priority for whomever forms the next Scottish Government.

Thirdly, Scotland must be championed more effectively within UK-wide energy policy. Scotland’s unique strengths in renewable generation are nationally significant, yet too often they are not fully reflected in UK policy frameworks. A strong, constructive Scottish voice is crucial to securing fair access to grid capacity and investment opportunities. This involves Scottish ministers having sustained engagement with UK counterparts on credible policy platforms that are set out in an ambitious Energy Strategy. Only through such engagement can Scotland secure the best deal from reforms such as the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements. Ultimately, maintaining investor confidence in renewable developments and supply chains depends on Scotland being relevant and influential at the UK level.

Finally, none of this is achievable without a skilled, future-ready workforce. Scotland’s clean power ambitions require planners, energy specialists and statutory consultees with the right expertise to assess projects efficiently and robustly. Current skills shortages are already delaying decisions and deterring investment. A national effort is needed to embed sustainability and energy transition skills throughout our education system, encourage collaboration between industry and learning providers, and properly resource planning authorities. EDF power solutions UK stands ready to work alongside policy-makers and industry counterparts to address this as a matter of priority.

As household energy costs remain a major concern across Scotland, we want to work even more closely with governments to ensure renewable energy plays its full part in bringing bills down. Delivering on these priorities will remove critical barriers and unlock the investment necessary to secure Scotland’s long-term energy independence and drive down costs for consumers.

Read the full manifesto here: http://www.edf-powersolutions.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/EDF-power-solutions-2026-Manifesto-1.pdf

About EDF power solutions UK

EDF power solutions UK is one of Scotland’s leading renewable energy developers, specialising in wind power, solar power and battery storage technology.

In Scotland, we currently operate 11 onshore wind farms, including a new 102MW wind farm under construction in Dumfries and Galloway, alongside the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm off the coast of Fife. A partnership with The Macallan Estate has also delivered a ground-mounted solar project to support whisky production in Moray.

With over 2GW of projects in planning and development and more than 230 employees split between our Edinburgh head office and multiple service centres, we are providing jobs and investment across the country.

This article is sponsored by EDF power solutions UK.

www.edf-powersolutions.uk