The UK and Scottish government have announced plans to slash red tape around new clean energy projects in Scotland.
A consultation has been launched on proposals seeking to reform outdated legislation which can delay new projects being built, instead making the planning process more efficient.
At present, it can take up to four years to approve large electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland, such as power lines and onshore wind farms, under UK legislation that has been in place since 1989.
The drawn-out process can create uncertainty for investors and communities and, in turn, lead to spiralling costs which are passed on to bill payers.
Reforms in England and Wales have already cut the average length of the planning process for such projects to around half that in Scotland.
And now, the governments are aiming to make similar changes north of the border to support the rollout of new clean energy projects while giving communities early and meaningful opportunities to be heard.
The consultation proposes making it a requirement that communities and wider stakeholders are consulted at pre-application stage.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "Scotland has huge potential to propel the UK towards our clean power by 2030 goal, with its natural resources, energy expertise and highly skilled workforce.
"Together with the Scottish Government, we are modernising outdated bureaucratic processes to make sure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean energy future.
"This will help to accelerate new clean, homegrown energy - taking us a step closer to energy independence and protecting billpayers from the rollercoaster of volatile fossil fuel markets for good."
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: "These long-awaited UK legislative reforms will help support Scotland realise our clean power ambitions, while providing investors with confidence that a more robust and efficient process is being applied.
"This will in turn support our net zero ambitions, enable economic growth and ensure our communities have an enhanced opportunity to be heard."