This guidance presents a method to calculate carbon emission savings associated with wind farm developments on Scottish peatlands using a full life cycle analysis approach, via the Excel spreadsheets available from this page. This tool can be used to look at the wider emissions and savings of carbon associated with wind farms.
Calculating Potential Carbon Losses & Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish Peatlands
This guidance note supplements a more detailed report (Nayak et al., 2008; Nayak et al., 2010 and Smith et al., 2011) and an EXCEL spreadsheet containing the calculations. It is assumed in this note that good management practice is followed, as outlined by the Scottish Government, to avoid catastrophic losses of carbon, such as by peat landslides.
The Scottish Government has published detailed planning guidance on how the calculator should be used by developers and planning decision takers. Wind farm developers and planners will also find helpful information available on Site Surveys for Developments on Peatland and should also refer to other related guidance on Energy Consents. This includes the most recent advice on how to include carbon assessment in applications, in a generic example of the advice given in a Scoping Opinion for a particular site.
Calculating Carbon Savings from Wind Farms on Scottish Peatlands - A New Approach
- Research report - (Nayak et al., 2008; Nayak et al., 2010 and Smith et al., 2011)
Originally published with the research report in 2008, the calculator has been refined on the basis of feedback and further research to be an even more effective tool. Version 2 of the calculator was announced by Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, on 16 June 2011. The calculator has subsequently been revised to include multiple regions for forestry and construction. Two versions are now provided:
The purpose of the tool is to assess in a comprehensive and consistent way the carbon impact of wind farm developments. This is done by comparing the carbon costs of wind farm developments with the carbon savings attributable to the wind farm. When the results given by the use of the tool have been independently validated, this will provide Ministers with information which will be considered when deciding whether individual planning applications for wind farms should be given the go-ahead or not.
Guidance On The Assessment Of Peat Volumes, Reuse Of Excavated Peat And The Minimisation Of Waste
SEPA and Scottish Renewables have produced guidance on peat which was published on 17 January 2012.