Energy and Sustainability

GFW has extensive knowledge and expertise in the energy and sustainability sector, providing expert advice on renewable energy projects.

Our expertise covers technical, land, and valuation aspects of the renewable energy market, with detailed knowledge of wind, solar, battery storage, and renewable heat technologies. We act for both landowners and developers in option and lease negotiations, land acquisitions, and self-development opportunities, ensuring maximum return whilst providing strategic advice on long-term business planning.

Our team provides sustainability advice to a wide variety of businesses, covering the rural, commercial, and industrial sectors, reviewing energy reduction, self-generation, and carbon strategies whilst ensuring regulatory compliance for schemes such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Beyond development, we offer comprehensive asset management services for all renewable energy types, covering lease, contract and PPA management.

Renewable Energy Development .
We provide a full development service from concept to delivery. Our team are technical experts in solar, wind, battery storage, renewable heating and hybrid systems.

Our services include:
- Feasibility assessments
- Planning and development
- Procurement and delivery
- Project management including principal designer and CDM roles
- Funding and finance
Renewables Asset Management .
We act as trusted partners for clients with operational assets, providing:
- Day-to-day operational oversight
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and export contract negotiations
- Insurance renewals and compliance
- Metering, monitoring, and performance data
- Maintenance contract oversight
- Ofgem accreditations and reporting
- Carbon accounting and sustainability reporting
- Lease management
Large-Scale Renewables and Partnerships .
We support both landowners and developers through every stage of a development:
- Planning applications and stakeholder engagement
- Site identification and mapping
- Site appraisals including feasibility, grid capacity and market demand
- Option and lease negotiations
- Environmental assessments and impact reporting
- Land acquisition and sale of assets
Rural Sustainability .
We help farmers, estates and rural businesses build resilience, unlock new income streams, and adapt to a low-carbon future.

Our areas of expertise include:
- Environmental Schemes
- Natural Capital Assessments.
- Farm Sustainability Plans
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- Nutrient Neutrality Solutions
- Rural Grants
- Woodland & Forestry Management
Energy Cost and Efficiency Consulting .
We help clients take control of their energy use, build long-term resilience and ensure compliance by:
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) – ensuring compliance, identifying improvement opportunities, and future proofing assets.
- Detailed Energy Audits – analysing consumption data and bills to highlight inefficiencies and opportunities for savings.
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Consultancy – providing guidance, and clear plans to ensure compliance and long-term profitability of leased property.

1 /

Our Energy and Sustainability Experts.

Robyn Peat.

With over 30 years’ experience within rural surveying Robyn has developed knowledge and expertise in the valuation and strategic management of rural property and business assets, taxation planning, dispute resolution and planning & development as well as compulsory purchase, landlord & tenant matters and estate & property management. Approachable and able to create additional value, Robyn establishes long term business relationships and delivers a first class service.

View profile
Robert Hamilton.

Rob has over ten years of experience in the renewable energy and low carbon industry. Based in our Newcastle office, he services clients across the north of England, helping landowners, businesses and developers unlock opportunities within the clean energy sector.

View profile
Heather Laws.

Heather plays an active role in renewable energy projects across the Northeast, with a strong emphasis on solar farm development. She provides expert guidance to landowners on leasing land to solar developers, ensuring that each agreement is tailored to the client’s specific objectives, including current agricultural operations, tax considerations, and long-term strategic plans.

View profile