Landowners net 250% hike in rental income from wind farms

By Scott Reid
Published on Wednesday 15 February 2012 00:00

Scottish landowners have enjoyed a 250 per cent hike in rental income from wind farms during the past decade and are set to see further rises this year, research has revealed.

Rents to landlords such as farmers and estate owners increased by up to 15 per cent in 2011, according to property consultancy CKD Galbraith.

However, its study also notes that wind farm developers continue to face challenges in completing projects, particularly with regard to planning consent and grid connections. CKD is forecasting more muted growth in rental incomes during 2012.

The firm, which has 12 offices throughout Scotland, said wind power enabled landowners to generate income from other sources, helping to diversify away from more traditional land use. At the same time, local communities often benefit from the setting up of an investment fund by the wind farm developer.

Mike Reid, a Fife-based partner at CKD Galbraith, said: “Wind farms are not only a highly effective means of generating renewable energy, but they also provide additional investment to create and preserve employment and economic activity in rural areas.

“The best rental figures tend to be seen where it’s easiest to obtain planning consent, wind speeds are the highest and the cost of grid connection is not prohibitive. The big problems have been planning and grid connection and it is not getting any easier.”

The firm’s energy research department found that 13 wind farms became operational last year, though 17 proposed developments were refused planning permission.

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norfolkboy14

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 05:38 PM

We need to get the Government onside, as well as local councils and others, if we are going to stop these wind turbines being built. Are you disillusioned by rising electricity prices, over dependence on the "green" dream [especially uneconomical and inefficient wind farms] and the destruction of our countryside then please register your objection to the Government by GOOGLING "E-PETITION 22958" and following the link.

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nabodican

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 05:03 AM

Mike Reid is talking nonsense, windfarms are anything but a highly effective means of generating renewable energy. It would be interesting to know how many of their domestic clients are losing out because Galbraiths are burning th ecandle at both ends.

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