A snapshot survey taken at the Renewable Projects: Landowner to Landowner conference at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth last week has highlighted the growing importance of renewable energy projects to landowners over the next 10 years.

The event, attended by a wide range of landowners, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance, was aimed specifically at those interested in gaining the knowledge and experience of other landowners who have already undertaken a renewable energy project.  The event was organised by Fisher German (Chartered Surveyors), Saffery Champness (Chartered Accountants) and Forsters (Lawyers).

The survey response shows that 65% believe renewables would be very important to their overall business in 10 years’ time, compared to 54% in 5 years’ time, and 19% currently.

Speakers at the event included Henry Robinson, Deputy President of the CLA, who has himself implemented a solar project, Ian Burrow, Head of renewables and agriculture at Natwest/RBS, and Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Renewables Adviser with the NFU. The event was chaired by Meurig Raymond, Deputy President of the NFU.

Jamie Younger, Partner, Saffery Champness, said:  “The conference proved to be a very valuable day for those who attended, as they benefited from the advice and experiences of landowners who had already faced the challenges of developing a renewable energy scheme on their land.  For our part as accountants, we were able to advise on the importance of careful tax planning at the early stages of a project, and to ensure that the right structure is used to maximize flexibility of future ownership going forward.”

Mark Newton, Partner, Fisher German, said: ‘’In the last few days after the event, we have received numerous calls and e mails from attendees expressing how interesting the landowners Jo Robinson, Paul Strawson and Harry Bond’s presentations were. There was many a comment of how refreshing it was to hear a ‘warts and all’ account of each project rather than a one sided presentation. Fisher German offers completely impartial advice, which is why we wanted to let landowners speak to landowners.”

Andrew Lane, Partner at Forsters, said: “The conference provided an excellent opportunity for farmers and landowners to share their experience of renewables projects.  Renewable energy has the potential to become an important source of income for farmers and landowners over the next few years.  It will be vitally important that they seek expert advice on legal issues at an early stage in negotiations, whether they are carrying out a stand-alone project themselves or entering into an agreement with a developer or operator.”

The snapshot survey also provided the following insights into landowner preference for different technologies, barriers to investment, and sources of advice:

What renewables technologies are of most interest to landowners?

Solar/PV was the highest at (30%), ahead of biomass (20%) and anaerobic digestion (AD) (18%).

What are the biggest issues that landowners face in developing renewables projects?

Gaining a grid connection is by far the greatest issue (28%), ahead of planning consent difficulties (25%) and accessing finance (14%)

Why are renewables projects important to them?

42% said that renewables were important for an additional income stream, but equally 39.5% saw renewables as a way to save money.

What highlighted their awareness of renewables?

Neighbours/colleagues, politics and the media were equally cited as the biggest reasons for landowners embarking on renewables projects.

Others included personal interest, seeing a project in action elsewhere, and DECC.