Stephens Scown

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 the fast-moving wind energy 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 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.