Wind Energy

Regional and national developers, lenders and landowners benefit from our Energy team’s expertise and guidance for wind projects from start to finish. 

Dependable, in-depth legal expertise for a fast-moving industry

As the wind energy sector and its technologies continue to develop, the associated rules and regulations are changing continuously – such as those relating to subsidies and onshore planning rules – and we provide expert, in-depth legal support across the board.

Stephens Scown acted on the first wind farm in the country, at Delabole in Cornwall, and continues to be a leader in on-shore wind energy transactions throughout the UK.

Specialist knowledge and sector awareness

Our Energy team has some unique industry qualifications, including Sonya Bedford’s Global Wind Organisation WINDA Delegate Training Certificate, which qualifies her to scale a wind turbine. Our sector-specific qualifications and insight, combined with proven legal capabilities, mean we’re well placed to provide the best advice and guidance at any stage of a wind project.

Our wind energy expertise includes:

• regulatory issues (OFGEM accreditation and interpretation of regulations)
• project finance and re-financing
• the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Obligation Certificates
• preparing & negotiating heads of terms
• property and commercial agreements, wayleaves and easements
• power purchase agreements
• bespoke grid connections
• construction contracts & operation and maintenance agreements
• acquisition & disposal of wind turbines
• planning & environmental impact

Our experience includes:

• refinancing a six-turbine wind farm in Scotland for over £19m
• planning for a 25MW 12-turbine development
• advising a wind developer on full due diligence of a 15MW three-turbine project in Devon/Cornwall requiring nine easements, a bespoke connection agreement, a power purchase agreement and subsequent disposal to an investment fund
• advising on a 500kW wind turbine project at Holsworthy in Devon that reached exchange in just five business days
• advising on over ten 500kW turbines throughout Cornwall and Devon, including warranties on turbines and funding agreements
• acquisition and funding of two community-scale wind turbines in Gloucestershire
• purchase of two wind turbines by Trevissome Wind Energy Limited
• combined wind and storage projects for two turbine projects in Cornwall with grid constraints.