Formal Board Paper 1 Annex 1.9 - Energy

This document contains detailed evidence about energy for the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan, aiming to inform future decisions. It outlines national and local policies, including the Scottish Government's goal to reach net-zero emissions and the National Planning Framework 4, which supports renewable energy but prohibits large wind farms in National Parks to protect their special landscape. The report explains the electricity network's capacity, showing that many areas face constraints and highlighting ongoing upgrade projects by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission and Distribution. It also covers various energy sources like solar, hydro, and the potential for hydrogen to help industries like distilleries decarbonise. Ultimately, the Park Authority plans to work with SSEN and stakeholders to integrate these energy needs and infrastructure developments into the Proposed Plan, ensuring a balance between meeting demand, supporting community energy projects, and safeguarding the Park's unique natural and cultural heritage.