Bryan Beatty’s Post

As noted in previous bulletins, [1] we continue to monitor announcements of Indigenous equity investments in energy and related infrastructure projects in Canada. This bulletin provides an update on trends in recent Indigenous equity investments over the previous two years, from 2022-2024 YTD. https://bityl.co/Paab

Details of a new blanket infrastructure levy announced by the Scottish Government yesterday for consultation. Key takeaway is that this new levy is designed to operate alongside existing s75 planning obligations and other forms of developer contributions rather than replacing them. Instead this new levy should contribute to wider infrastructure needs that cannot readily be funded through planning obligations, including regional projects. The levy will not replace national investment in major infrastructure projects or planned local authority investment, but will augment the funds available. Specifically in relation to renewables projects, the Government are "open to exploring" whether new energy infrastructure and associated development should be liable to pay the Levy. "Whilst these (renewable) developments are fewer in number, the transition to net zero means that we expect substantial levels of investment and development in the coming decades, opening up significant opportunities particularly for more rural parts of Scotland." The consultation ends 30 September #renewables #planning #scotland

Suggestions from the Scottish Government that #renewableenergy projects might be used to subsidise rural housing development - as James Gibson points out below, based on a pretty tenuous justification. It smacks of a "cash cow" attitude towards the energy sector. The discussion paper notes that this would need to be viewed in the round alongside existing community benefit guidelines - but will communities agree that benefits might in future be "swiped" to pay for housing development, or will government simply expect increased contribution overall from the renewable energy sector? - not helpful for the government to be achieving its rightly ambitious renewable energy targets for an industry which already faces significant cost challenges...

🚨 The Scottish Government have published a discussion paper on implementing an infrastructure levy on new development - potentially including new energy infrastructure. The levy is targeted at pooling funds for infrastructure to support new residential development. But the paper states Ministers are "open to exploring" a charge on energy development on the basis of a perceived relationship between the transition to net zero and new rural housing. A vague and opportunistic proposal. This would be an effective tax on much needed renewables - development that is: a) not directly driving the need for infrastructure "to support new housing"; and b) not seeing the upside of the sales receipts. And do not expect the silver lining of the levy weighing in favour of new renewables development. The lack of causation between the impact of an energy project and funding new roads or schools means this is likely to be treated in a similar way to community benefit. The genesis of the infrastructure levy is the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. Which includes a "sunset" provision for making levy regulations that expires in July 2026. Hence we are now seeing Ministers get the ball rolling. Discussions on the paper need to be concluded / comments submitted by 30 September 2024. Link in comments.

The pound hit its highest level in nearly a month after Rachel Reeves set out plans to increase house building, unblock infrastructure projects and attract private investment as part of a new ‘national mission’ to drive economic growth. But actually, there is a much greater driving force at the wheel here. It is this. The results of the French Election have clearly left a wholly devided political mess. The potential for European problems is very real and thus, the money markets consider the £ a much safer and stable bet that the Euro. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said a new taskforce will be created to accelerate stalled housing sites. She also restored mandatory house building targets on council planning departments and lifted the “absurd” ban on building new onshore wind turbines, signalling a willingness to take on objectors many have dubbed NIMBYs (Not in My Back Yard).  Other measures outlined by Reeves include: A reform of the National Planning Policy Framework. An end to the ban on new onshore wind in England, bringing onshore wind back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime. Prioritise energy projects already in the system to ensure they make swift progress and build on the spatial plan for Energy by expanding this to other infrastructure sectors. Support local authorities with 300 additional planning officers across the country. Putting growth at the centre of the planning system, resulting in changes not only to the system itself but to the way that ministers use powers for direct intervention. A reform of the planning system. Secretaries of State for Transport and Energy Security and Net Zero will be asked to prioritise decisions on infrastructure projects that have been sitting unresolved. New policy intentions for critical infrastructure, ahead of updating relevant National Policy Statements within the year. In short, the UK now has a stable government structure on which to build, France, well, maybe not so much. Right, now we are off researching sites for our New Village Wind Turbine.

Experts estimate a whopping $94 trillion is needed for global infrastructure by 2040. Plus, an extra $3.5 trillion is crucial to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Governments can't foot the bill alone, making private investment essential. Government incentives, like tax credits and minimized capital costs, are crucial for attracting private investment into infrastructure projects. They bridge funding gaps and speed up global infrastructure development. #MandA #Infrastructure #MergersAndAcquisitions

Even with a $1.2T budget, utilities are well short of the clean infrastructure transformation funds needed. This last of a 3 part article provides a breakdown of investments by state. https://lnkd.in/gaShgina

Where do Trump & Harris stand on #infrastructure investment, you ask? Here you go: 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬, as Vice President, supported the Biden administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which aimed to modernize America's infrastructure with a strong focus on clean energy, public #transit, and equity. This policy aligns with the Democratic emphasis on addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Harris has consistently advocated for infrastructure investments that promote environmental sustainability, including the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations and the modernization of the electrical grid to accommodate renewable energy sources. Her approach also emphasizes addressing racial and economic disparities by ensuring that underserved communities benefit from infrastructure investments. 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩, during his presidency, also prioritized infrastructure but with a different focus. His administration's infrastructure plan, often referred to as "Infrastructure Week," proposed a $1.5 trillion investment but was heavily reliant on private sector funding. Trump emphasized deregulation to speed up infrastructure projects and focused on traditional infrastructure elements like #roads, #bridges, and #airports. His plan included significant investments in rural broadband, energy, and #transportation but was criticized for lacking a clear funding mechanism. Trump’s approach reflects a preference for public-private partnerships and a focus on physical infrastructure over environmental considerations. These differences in their infrastructure policies highlight their distinct approaches to governance: Harris’s plan is more aligned with progressive values, focusing on green energy and equity, while Trump’s plan is more traditional and emphasizes deregulation and private investment. #civilengineering #civilengineeringjobs #civilengineers

Recent Government Announcement: Invest 2035 and Its Potential Impact Diligent followers of recent government announcements may have come across the UK Government’s Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy (October 2024). In the chapter Creating a Pro-Business Environment, there’s a notable section on Planning, Infrastructure, and Transport, which once again addresses the long-standing criticisms about the length and uncertainty of the planning process. Of particular interest is a reference on page 35 to the introduction of a new planning triage service, designed to help investors navigate the system. This service will be implemented jointly by the expanded Office for Investment and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). These steps are aimed at unlocking infrastructure investment across the country, with further government support through clear investment propositions. A common concern is that we don’t engage in “joined-up thinking.” The Strategy aligns with recent Government consultations on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These proposed changes focus on authorities collaborating on cross-boundary infrastructure (paragraphs 24, 27, and 28), supporting the economy through infrastructure like grid connections and data centres (paragraph 85), and promoting all forms of renewable energy (paragraph 164). Discover more today : https://lnkd.in/ez4EpTA5 While the Strategy is still high level, it will be fascinating to see the details unfold in the coming months. This could certainly be of great interest to many of our clients. Our planning team is available today to provide advice and insights on how the recent government announcements may impact you. Get in touch today, learn more and explore how we can assist you! #NPPF #PlanningandDevelopment #Government #AitchisonRaffety