I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests regarding onshore wind.

To ask the Scottish Government when it last engaged with the four nations steering group on the review of noise guidance for onshore wind turbines as it applies to Scotland. (S6O-03767)

Scottish Government officials continue to engage on a regular basis in the United Kingdom Government-led process to update the ETSU-R-97 noise guidance, with the latest engagement having been in August this year.

Regarding the review of the ETSU-R-97 noise guidance, my constituent asked the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero how authorities should act with regard to evidence that will form part of that review when determining applications before the review process is complete. The UK Government’s response made it clear that decision makers can consider other relevant evidence and may depart from existing policy and guidance if there is a rational justification for doing so. Will the acting cabinet secretary confirm today that she will recognise the recommendations in the WSP report and act accordingly in making determinations?

Of course, any noise complaints can be reported to the relevant local authority and can be investigated under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. There are also provisions under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, and any breach of consent conditions on noise can be investigated under that act. However, I will take on board Mr Burnett’s comments.

We clearly need to work alongside communities to protect our natural environment, as well as driving forward decarbonisation and green economic growth. If Scotland and the UK are to comply with the independent Climate Change Committee’s advice that electricity supply from onshore wind must double by 2030 to meet net zero targets, how does the Scottish Government seek to strike the correct balance on that vital endeavour?

As Mr Doris says, Scotland’s potential for renewable energy generation is one of our greatest environmental and economic opportunities. In the recent programme for government, we set out our ambition to double renewable electricity capacity, with actions to deliver on our clean energy pipeline and its many benefits. As part of our just transition, we will prioritise community benefits, skills, supply chains, energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. I was pleased recently to launch, alongside the Deputy First Minister, the green industrial strategy, which focuses specifically on seizing the economic opportunities of the global transition to net zero.