Farmers and landowners are been urged to consider utilising underused brownfield sites for energy generation and storage facilities, opening new income streams amid the ongoing energy crisis.
Phil Hunt, a commercial property solicitor and associate from Midlands law firm mfg Solicitors, explained that landowners could receive rental income from an energy-generating tenant whilst also promoting the latest green methods.
He said: “The energy crisis dominates the news and the resulting turmoil has done little to calm the fears of many.
“Turning away from economic news and looking at the ongoing battle with climate change, it is also clear that fixing our attention on alternative, cleaner energy sources has never been so important.
“It is therefore the perfect time for owners of brownfield sites to consider developing an otherwise underused plot of land into an energy importation, generation, storage and distribution facility.”
Brownfield sites refer to land which has been previously developed but which is not currently in use. Mr Hunt advised that owners seek advice about the potential of turning this land into something more useful to the benefit of the wider community.
He added: “It is best to determine if your site is viable at an early stage before progressing matters with potential tenants.
“Checking if the site is viable could include whether the necessary land interests are or could be put in place between the substation and the brownfield site, including negotiation of any required new easements, wayleaves and substation leases.”
