CASE STUDY: Negotiating an extension to the Crystal Rig Windfarm
Thirteen years ago, Neil Anderson, Farm Manager at Harehead Farms, asked D&R to represent Harehead, negotiating terms with Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited for an extension to the Crystal Rig Wind Farm complex ( CRIV). Beginning in 2003 with 25 turbines, the complex would grow to 102 turbines, generating over 260 MW of electricity, enough to power around 200,000 UK homes.
In 2015, D&R negotiated lease terms for the extension of 4 turbines on Harehead Farms (part of an overall 11-turbine extension). In 2024 construction began, with electricity generation from 2026. D&R’s role was to ensure communication flowed smoothly between the wind farm developer and the landowners, seeking to keep farming operations running during construction and enabling the project to integrate with the farm’s day-to-day activities. Current activity looks to planning for the future, with discussions on reviewing repowering opportunities.
Neil Anderson of Harehead Farm said: “I had no prior knowledge of wind farms, but D&R explained every step of the process to us very well and has made all the work that has gone on feel smooth and straightforward.”
Stuart Baungally, Head of Land (UK) at Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited, commented: “The success of this project was driven by strong relationships and mutual trust, which were evident throughout negotiations, expertly supported by D&R. The commercial negotiations progressed smoothly and facilitated crucial discussions around practical land management. D&R’s solutions effectively balanced the needs of the farming operations and construction activities, ensuring a seamless partnership for all parties involved.”
