Onshore wind: The smarter way to host turbines

With planning rules for onshore wind in England changing again, more developers are approaching farmers and estate owners than before. But the fine print matters: headline figures may hide complex terms, and contracts can tie up your land for years with little to show for it.

We know from years of collaborating with landowners that the process can be frustrating. Agreements are often loaded with technical language, headline figures may hide complex conditions and promises sometimes fall short when assessed over time.

For many, the biggest concern is finding a deal that protects the way they run their land, delivers the returns agreed, and keeps the working relationship fair and transparent for decades to come.

Rightly cautious

“Landowners are rightly cautious. Hosting turbines is a long-term commitment, and it’s vital to know exactly what you’re signing up to,” says Hugo Deed, BIWO’s director of strategy and growth.

“Our role is to manage the whole process, so the agreement is clear, fair, and works for the landowner as much as it does for the project.”

Five important things to check before signing an agreement are:

• Payment terms – Are they fixed and linked to inflation, or based on energy output?
• Development costs – Who will pay for planning, surveys, and grid connections?
• Land use – Will you be able to continue farming during and after construction?
• Timescales – What is the plan if there are delays or the project does not proceed?
• Decommissioning – Who is responsible for removing the infrastructure at the end of its life?

These are not obstacles – they are the building blocks of a good agreement. By getting them clear from the outset, you protect your land, your business, and your peace of mind.

It’s also worth paying close attention to specific contract clauses. From exclusivity periods to development deadlines and early termination rights, the wording of an agreement can make or break a deal. We aim to draft these clauses in a clear and helpful manner to support transparency and avoid unnecessary complications down the line.

Field experience

This is exactly the ground BIWO Renewables UK works on every day. With a remit that covers onshore wind projects across England, we have seen first-hand how the right agreement can deliver a dependable, low-impact income stream for landowners.

“For years, energy production has been vilified – treated as a problem rather than a foundation for growth,” says Javier Dagá, CEO of BIWO Renewables UK.

“We believe energy is not just part of the economy – it’s the backbone of its future. We see wind as a unique opportunity for landowners to continue farming without changing their lifestyle, while maximising the value of their land.

“We see ourselves as the landowner’s partner in making wind work, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers the next chapter. That means managing every stage – from planning, surveys, and grid connection to operations – so landowners can focus on running their business, knowing the project is in safe hands.”

Strong partnerships

What makes BIWO different from other developers, is that BIWO’s model is fully funded.

We take care of planning, surveys, grid connections, construction, and operation, with no upfront cost to the landowner. We design agreements to protect agricultural productivity, and structure payments, which are fixed and linked to inflation. 

With more than 8,000 acres secured and around 400MW in development, we understand both the commercial and the practical realities.

“The strongest projects are built on transparency and trust,” adds Hugo. “When everyone knows their role, the land stays productive, and the returns are secure, that’s when a wind project really delivers.”

Our aim is to add genuine value to the industry by building strong, transparent partnerships with landowners, relationships based on trust, clarity, and shared long-term success.

For more on how to explore wind opportunities and book a no-obligation consultation, please contact the company directly.

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