What steps it is taking to ensure that the existing Carbon Calculator for wind farms on Scottish peatlands produces accurate assessments of…

In light of the review of the Carbon Calculator published by ClimateXChange on 13 January 2025, the Scottish Government is currently letting a further research contract jointly with UK Government to bring the tool up to date and ensure it is applicable to all peatland types across Scotland and England.This new research is being phased. The first phase will prioritise updating the Carbon Calculator within its existing methodological framework, enabling rapid improvements in accuracy without interrupting user access while the research continues. Subsequent phases will focus on developing new modules specifically tailored to various peatland types and integrating increasingly detailed spatial data into the tool.In the interim, the Carbon Calculator will continue to provide a consistent framework for assessing carbon impacts, with its outputs considered alongside the wider evidence submitted through the consenting process. This approach will ensure the Carbon Calculator remains available for use throughout, while methodological enhancements and expanded capabilities are introduced over time. Whilst noting its limitations, the Carbon Calculator provides the best currently available means by which carbon calculations can be provided in a consistent and comparable format.