A brand new digital tool has been launched by Highland Council to help the public track renewable energy projects across the region.
The Renewable Energy Mapping Tool offers a simple way to see what energy developments already exist and what’s in the pipeline.
With a single click, users can access project details and instantly jump to the planning case file for deeper information.
The map has been designed to be user-friendly, allowing quick filtering by project type or location.
This will make it far easier for communities, developers and interested individuals to explore what’s happening in their area.
Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said the new tool is “an incredible piece of work” that will serve the region well.
He added that it brings “a significant amount of information” into one place, giving people real insight into energy-related development.
The tool covers a wide range of renewable and energy infrastructure projects.
Users can search for wind farms, hydro schemes, energy storage, pump storage, and even transmission grid and substation infrastructure.
The map currently holds 1,305 individual application records from Highland Council’s development management system.
Each record links directly to further detail about the planning status, making it easier to track a project’s journey.
You can view developments individually or see grouped data to get a broader picture of what’s happening.
The tool is part of the Council’s effort to increase transparency and improve access to planning information.
A training video is also in the works, to help users make the most of the platform.
It’s expected to be released soon so that anyone, from community groups to technical users, can explore the data with ease.
This new map marks a major step forward in digital public access to renewable energy planning.
To explore the map for yourself, visit highland.gov.uk/energymap
