Renewable Energy Developments – Securing Land in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
By Joe Greene MRICS
In an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving sector, Bell Ingram is at the forefront of helping renewable energy developers identify and secure suitable sites for wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the UK.
For landowners, these developments present lucrative opportunities, but the long-standing backlog of grid connection applications – some with connection dates extending beyond 15 years – has been a significant challenge. Now, with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) implementing major reforms in 2025, navigating these changes effectively has never been more crucial.
At Bell Ingram, our team of specialist corporate surveyors is working closely with developers and landowners to successfully manage these changes. By securing Exclusivity and Option Agreements, we help ensure that renewable energy projects remain viable and can contribute meaningfully to the UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets.
An Exclusivity Agreement gives a developer the sole right to negotiate with a landowner for a set period, ensuring that competitors cannot step in and the land is not sold on.
Meanwhile, an Option Agreement provides the developer with the right – but not the obligation – to lease or purchase the land once key conditions, such as planning permission or grid connection approval, are met. These agreements help landowners and developers work together with confidence, knowing that projects have a secure path forward.
Understanding the 2025 NESO Reforms
NESO is introducing reforms to improve how new energy projects connect to the UK’s electricity grid. Currently, over 700 gigawatts’ worth of projects are in the queue – more than double what the system requires in the coming years.
To address this, NESO has temporarily halted most new applications as of 29th January 2025. This pause is designed to allow the grid connection process to be restructured, making it more efficient and ensuring priority is given to projects that are ready to proceed and are essential for delivering clean energy by 2030.
One key element of these reforms is the introduction of a Progression Commitment Fee, a financial charge designed to ensure that only serious and well-prepared projects remain in the grid connection queue. Previously, some developers applied for grid connections even if their projects were not ready to proceed, leading to a long waiting list and significant delays.
By requiring this financial commitment, NESO aims to filter out speculative applications, prioritise projects that are ready to move forward, and ultimately speed up the overall connection process. This change aims to streamline the process, reduce delays, and support the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy system.
What This Means for Landowners and Developers
For landowners considering renewable energy opportunities, understanding how these reforms affect site selection and grid connection timelines is essential. Bell Ingram’s expertise in utilities, infrastructure, and renewables positions us perfectly to guide clients through this evolving landscape. By proactively securing land agreements and navigating NESO’s new framework, we help ensure that viable projects move forward without unnecessary delays.
Coverage of the NESO Reforms
The 2025 NESO reforms apply across Great Britain – including England, Scotland, and Wales – but not Northern Ireland, which operates under a separate electricity system managed by the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI).
As the renewable energy sector continues to evolve, working with knowledgeable experts is key to unlocking opportunities in this dynamic market. If you’re a developer or landowner looking to secure land for renewable projects, Bell Ingram is here to help you navigate the changes with confidence.
Get in touch with our team today to explore your options in the renewables sector.