KIERAN FOLEY

SELF EMPLOYED RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPER 

After learning some of the necessary skills to develop a renewable energy project I hit the ground running and started the process by acquiring a small plot of land suitable for a BESS. Thinking outside the box I decided to target diseased woodland that would need improvement and would be benefited by site development and a woodland management plan to increase chances of success in the planning stages. Using the software I have available to me I was able to check important site information within minutes, Land Grade, AONB, National Parks, Green Belt, Flood Risk, SSSI’s, Grid Capabilities and Local Planning Policies to better understand my angle of approach. 

LAND MANAGER AT AUKERA ENERGY

After just 8 months in the company, I have successfully secured over 400 acres of land, to develop 900MW+ of BESS and 150MW of Solar. I have also brought opportunity to the company, offering over 250MW of RTB projects for purchase before they hit the market. Important skills I have learnt from these projects: 

• Ability to identify appropriate development land 

• Understanding LOA’s, Heads of Terms, Option and Lease / Purchase Agreements 

• Suitable land rent and purchase prices for a landowner 

• Identifying local planning and community objectives to help in the planning process 

• The need for wayleave agreements when required 

• Identifying overage at early stages