Generating a Pathway for Wind-Powered Energy
Wind is an entirely sustainable resource that will last forever. As a result, wind energy projects are being developed and repowered across the U.S. and offshore. At Buchanan, we are at the forefront of wind energy, leading independent power companies, electric utilities and their investors, lenders and sponsors through a wide range of complex wind projects in the U.S., including site acquisition, permitting, real estate, interconnection, regulatory compliance and more. We’re actively involved in government wind energy programs and keep our finger on the pulse of developments that impact and advance wind energy development across the U.S. at the municipal, state and federal level.
Assisting Clients Through a Wide Range of Wind Energy Matters
Our expert team can assist wind energy companies and interested parties with:
- Site Acquisitions & Project Financing – We assist wind energy clients from the start of any project through to its completion and beyond, including project development and site acquisition, approvals, permitting, interconnection, real estate, financing and more. Additionally, we work with wind energy clients to manage a variety of transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions of equity interests and assets, spin-offs, partnerships and joint ventures. When it comes to wind asset-related transactions, our experts can anticipate and head off challenges that can derail a projects or transaction’s completion.
- Tax Incentives, Credits and Strategy – Buchanan’s tax professionals can help wind developers maximize the tax benefits and cash flows from their projects. We have significant experience helping wind energy clients navigate unique issues related to renewable energy, including investment and production tax credits, zero-emission credits, carbon offset programs, tax equity financing, state renewable energy tax credits and more.
- Real Estate, Land Use and Zoning – Wind turbines require large assemblages of land, which places great importance on site control and related matters, such as the type of land rights and permits and zoning. Our attorneys have assisted companies looking to secure these land rights and permits, and manage the land-use, siting and other regulations applicable to these projects in many states. We work closely with national title companies to assure our wind developer and investor clients and their lenders are getting the most complete title insurance coverage available at rates that make sense. We work with clients to secure the necessary approvals and permits from federal and state environmental agencies and can also advise on Endangered Species Act compliance and other environmental regulations as needed.
- Public Utility and Grid Interconnection – The development of wind power generation requires a deep understanding of the complex rules, regulations and tariffs of the public utilities with which the project will be interconnected. Renewable energy companies across the country have relied on Buchanan’s experience to guide them through this process.
- Government Relations – Successful wind project development requires establishing and maintaining close relationships with local, state and federal lawmakers and regulators. Buchanan’s government relations (GR) team has helped many wind developers successfully navigate the strong head winds often encountered in developing these kinds of projects. We keep clients informed on what laws and regulations are coming down the pipeline and ensure our wind energy clients have a say in what that legislation and regulations affecting their project might look like. Beyond lawmakers, we also own close contacts with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and various state regulatory agencies. Our GR team can also support wind project developers through government grant applications as necessary.
- Litigation – When competition is as fierce as it is in the wind energy industry, litigation happens. Our energy litigators are experts in this space and have represented wind industry clients that need to commence or defend litigation relating to their projects, and we often find ways to resolve those disputes without the delay that litigation involves.
Our Wind Experience
With a dedication to supporting clients at every stage of wind project development, we offer comprehensive expertise at the state, local, and federal levels, encompassing both legal and government relations experience. Our hands-on approach includes assisting clients in navigating complex interactions with third parties such as landowners and local municipalities. This unique combination of disciplines and commitment positions us as a valuable partner in driving cost-effective strategies for successful and sustainable wind energy projects.