A proposed national park designation in Galloway could lead to significant economic losses and hamper renewable energy development in the region, according to Scotland’s onshore wind industry.
Trade association Scottish Renewables issued the warning ahead of NatureScot’s advice submission to the Scottish Government, following an extended public consultation on establishing Scotland’s third national park. No final decision has been made, and ministers are expected to assess the findings in the coming weeks.
Research commissioned by Scottish Renewables and conducted by consultancy Biggar Economics suggests that a national park designation in Dumfries and Galloway could deter onshore wind development, potentially reducing the region’s economic output by £543 million and supporting 470 fewer jobs per year by 2035. The study also estimates a potential loss of £64 million in community benefit funding.
“The proposal to designate a new national park in Dumfries and Galloway must be weighed carefully against the significant economic and environmental contributions of renewable energy projects currently in development,” said Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables.
Mack added: “Research by Biggar Economics shows that blocking onshore wind developments alone could lead to fewer jobs, lower investment, and lost opportunities for communities. And that’s just part of the picture – the study didn’t include the impact of losing solar, battery storage, or transmission projects, which would make the economic hit even worse.”
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero projects that Dumfries and Galloway could generate up to 3.2 gigawatts (GW) from onshore wind by 2035, potentially contributing £935 million to the regional economy and supporting as many as 624 jobs annually at peak.
Scottish Renewables argues that the environmental standards already applied to renewable energy developments, including habitat and peatland restoration and commitments under the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal, can deliver biodiversity benefits beyond what public funding alone could achieve.
“A National Park designation should not come at the cost of clean energy, green jobs, and vital infrastructure,” Mack said.
The Scottish Government has set a target of 20GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030, and industry stakeholders warn that added planning restrictions could hinder progress toward this goal.
