Renewables and net zero

Our renewables and net zero lawyers have strong sector knowledge, including in energy & infrastructure, the built environment and food and agriculture, as well as our regulatory expertise. This means that we can offer targeted expert advice on transactions, regulation and ESG in a sector shaped by evolving technologies and shifting legal frameworks.

Our renewables and net zero solicitors collaborate cross-sector meaning we can advise on a range of specialist areas of practice within renewables, including planning and development, commercial, construction, regulatory and projects.

We also advise clients on the implementation of net zero targets as part of the net zero transition across a range of sectors, buildings and technologies.

We maintain a core team of lawyers active on renewables matters, drawn from a range of disciplines, giving coverage across specialist areas ranging from planning and development, construction, finance, corporate through to regulatory and disputes support.

Our experience

We are experienced in solar and related battery storage, wind, EV charging, anaerobic digestion, biomass and energy from waste development. We are also active in heat networks and advise on grid connection issues.

More widely, we have experience of clean air projects, carbon trading schemes and other projects with a net zero aspiration.

Our clients include developers, landowners, investors, contractors and suppliers. Our renewables and net zero solicitors also advise government and the public sector.

Did you know?

Marine and tidal

We advised on the installation of a tidal generator at the European Marine Energy Council test site in the Orkneys.

Solar and battery

We advise on the consenting and delivery of solar and battery developments, including their interface with other renewable energy projects including NSIPs.

Biomass

We advised on the UK’s largest biomass project, with the roll out of 179 biomass boilers across 21 sites.

Our lawyers

Our renewables and net zero lawyers offer comprehensive support on renewable energy projects, including solar and related battery storage, wind, EV charging and heat networks.

Whether you're securing consent, navigating regulations, securing permits or negotiating contracts, we are well placed to ensure projects are compliant, efficient and deliverable.

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

Our clients

We work with a range of clients in the renewables space, including:

Albanwise Wallace Group
Several NHS Trusts
Bernard Matthews Limited
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Seatrium Offshore Renewables

Our expertise

Built environment

Food and agribusiness

Energy and infrastructure

Heat networks

Nuclear

Oil & gas

Your main contact

Melanie Grimshaw
Partner
Profile

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Frequently asked questions

What permits and consents are required for my renewable energy project?

The consents you’ll need depend on the type and scale of your project. Hydrogen projects, whether green or blue, require additional consents for production, transport and storage, including environmental permits. Mills & Reeve can guide you through the planning and regulatory landscape to ensure timely and compliant project delivery.

Are there any grid connection or capacity constraints I should be aware of?

Yes, grid access is a major challenge in the UK. Long wait times and capacity constraints can delay projects significantly. Reforms are underway to prioritise viable, “shovel-ready” projects. Mills & Reeve advises on grid connection agreements, negotiations with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), and structuring projects to meet evolving regulatory standards.

How do planning laws affect the development of wind, solar or hydrogen installations?

Planning law is central to renewable energy development. Recent reforms aim to streamline approvals for clean energy infrastructure, including hydrogen hubs and large-scale solar farms.

Mills & Reeve’s renewables and net zero team helps clients navigate the planning process including advising on planning strategy, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), land assembly, community engagement and land use restrictions - ensuring your project meets legal requirements while progressing efficiently.

Can agricultural land be used for solar or hydrogen projects without breaching existing covenants or subsidies?

Yes, but getting the right advice is essential. Solar farms are often placed on lower-grade agricultural land and can coexist with grazing or biodiversity schemes. Landowners must check for restrictive covenants, tenancy agreements, and subsidy conditions such as those under the Basic Payment Scheme. We help landowners and developers assess land use compatibility and avoid legal pitfalls.

What should be included in a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

A well-structured PPA is vital for securing revenue and investment. Key elements include pricing mechanisms, delivery obligations, grid responsibilities, force majeure clauses, termination rights, and certification (eg, REGOs). Mills & Reeve has extensive experience drafting and negotiating PPAs that support long-term project success.

Are there specific planning exemptions for rooftop solar installations?

Yes, most rooftop solar installations benefit from Permitted Development Rights. Planning permission is generally not required unless the property is listed or in a conservation area. Recent changes have lifted previous capacity caps, making industrial rooftop solar more attractive to property owners and developers.

Are there incentives or funding schemes for hydrogen infrastructure?

The UK government offers several funding schemes, including the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HARs), which provide Contracts for Difference (CfDs) and capital support. Mills & Reeve helps clients access these incentives, structure applications and navigate the legal frameworks governing hydrogen production, transport and storage.

What legal structures are best for attracting investment in renewables?

Common structures include Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), Joint Ventures (JVs), and Limited Partnerships (LPs). These models offer benefits in terms of risk management, tax efficiency and investor appeal. Our energy and corporate teams collaborate to design structures that align with investor expectations and regulatory requirements, supporting successful fundraising and project delivery.