Our Services

Renewable Energy

Head of service Andy McFarlane

Read our latest Briefing Note - Renewables and Crofting: a perspective on the challenges for developers

Crofting land is often ideally situated for renewable energy generation, in particular, small-scale wind. Developing on crofting land, though, adds an additional layer of complexity.

In this Briefing Note the crofting experts in our Renewable Energy team outline the additional complexities in developing on crofting land. We aim to give you a general overview of this complex topic although, as you would expect us to say, if you have a particular issue or concern, please contact us.

Who do we act for?

Our dedicated Renewable Energy team acts for:

  • Developers
  • Landowners
  • Funders, including banks and private equity
  • Local Authorities and
  • Community generation schemes.

What types of generation do we support?

We provide advice to clients working in:

  • Onshore and offshore wind
  • Wave and tidal power
  • Hydro power
  • Biomass and
  • Energy from waste

We have experience in all of these technologies ranging across large capacity projects to small scale, micro and community generation.

How we’re different
WJM provides outstanding renewables legal advice – we have a dedicated Renewable Energy legal team working across mainland Britain and on our offshore islands. A team that will help you bring your renewables project to fruition.

Our dedicated team is exactly that – a team. In addition to the breadth of our legal expertise we have an unmatched enthusiasm for the industry and more renewables experience than we care to remember. We’re a fully integrated, commercially aware team who can deal with any aspect of your project, from inception to completion, regardless of scope, generating capacity or timescale.

Since 1997, the team has worked on over 50 Scottish renewables projects for clients of all sizes, generating over 3,000MW and covering on shore and offshore wind, hydro, biomass, energy from waste, wave and tidal generation. Our experience covers everything from small hydro projects for individuals and island communities to significant infrastructure projects for major developers.

We use those years of experience to work efficiently and seamlessly giving you value for money through our fully integrated service covering:

  • All the property aspects of a renewables development – from advice on the Head of Terms, the securing of the land and the ultimate exercise of the lease
  • Planning issues – from strategic advice at an early stage and pre-submission legal audits to help you anticipate and avoid potential difficulties and maximise the chances of securing consent, through to representation at committee, appeal and/or judicial review
  • Environmental issues, providing advice on the various statutory regimes
  • Financing - whether bank or private equity, including all due diligence
  • Corporate and commercial aspects – structures, documentation and intellectual property
  • Working with Local Authorities and Statutory Bodies
  • Agricultural, rural and crofting issues associated with renewables
  • Construction – contracts & contentious issues
  • Community schemes: co-operatives, community interest companies and more

Real history in renewables
Unlike some, we’ve been involved in renewables for years, starting with Scotland’s very first onshore wind farms. Since those early days, we’ve remained completely focused on renewables and expanded from a single person into a substantial, fully integrated team involved in many of the biggest and most challenging renewables projects in Scotland. We’re also working on projects in other parts of Britain for clients who are expanding their generating base beyond Scotland.

Our generating expertise now covers onshore and offshore wind, wave & tidal, hydro, energy from waste and biomass. This expertise has been delivered for developers, individuals, communities, local authorities, financiers and landowners.

We remain at the cutting edge of the industry. Recently we advised the developers in Scotland’s first commercial wave project and are currently advising leading developers for the Pentland Firth tidal and wave generation schemes.

Our sharp focus allows us to swiftly understand key developments within the industry. The breadth of knowledge in our team allows us to understand not only property matters but also planning difficulties, grid connection issues and specialist issues involving agricultural and crofting matters. Our strategic approach gives our clients a head start in anticipating and planning for the risks associated with these issues.

Clients like our straight-talking and pragmatic approach which delivers tangible results. We work collaboratively with clients to deliver maximum value – firstly by working hard to develop a thorough understanding of their business goals and priorities and then becoming an integral part of their team.

Can we do the same for you?

Why WJM?
Whatever the size, shape or generation medium of your renewable energy scheme, you’ll be welcome at WJM. Our dedicated Renewable Energy legal team has the experience, industry knowledge and commercial acumen to help ensure that:

  • Your interest is properly represented
  • You get true renewables experts who make it simple
  • You maximise the value of your investment
  • You successfully manage the development risks

Renewable energy advice from WJM – commercial, integrated, straight talking and friendly.

Talk to us now: renewables@wjm.co.uk

 

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