Could your land power the UK's clean energy future?
A chat with Simon, our head of planning and development, on how we build renewables.
What if your land could help power the UK's green energy future?
We caught up with Simon, our Head of Planning & Development, to chat about what makes our approach to renewable energy a little different.
At Octopus Energy, we’re all about making green energy simpler, fairer and more affordable for everyone. And over at Octopus Energy Generation, the mission is just as ambitious: accelerating the global shift to clean energy by building renewable projects that work for people as well as the planet.
From rewarding local communities through Octopus Fan Club to helping landowners unlock the potential of their land with Plots for Kilowatts, we're rethinking how renewable energy gets built. It’s a more collaborative approach – one that puts communities and landowners at the heart of the clean energy transition.
Q1: What is Plots for Kilowatts, and why are you inviting landowners to get involved?
"Plots for Kilowatts is a unique platform where we match up farmers who want renewables on their land with communities who want them. We really care about maximising support for the green transition in collaboration with the communities we serve. We have strong demand from both farmers and communities for renewable energy projects."
Q2: What happens after a landowner registers their interest through Plots for Kilowatts?
"Once submitted, we undertake a no-obligation site assessment which we’ve worked hard to make as quick as possible for farmers, who we know have a lot to do! Our in-house specialists will then get in touch and let you know what we think the land might be suitable for, how this can work around your current operations and what the next steps are (there’s still absolutely no obligation to proceed)."
Q3: How is Octopus changing the way renewable energy projects are developed?
"We mean what we say. We’re open, straightforward and will always let you know your options without the hard sell.
We really believe in a transition where farmers and communities are part of the process in a real sense, not as an afterthought. That’s why we’ve built our development platforms around communities and farmers coming to us first.
Using technology and innovative ideas, we don’t just focus on large-scale developments to maximise profits and take up swathes of land. We’re also very interested in making smaller renewable energy projects a big part of the energy transition, like single wind turbine sites, for example."
Q4: What makes land suitable for renewable energy?
"Every site is different, and it’s always worth having a conversation. We learn a lot from the farmers who submit their land and talk us through their concerns. Many are surprised by the opportunities we identify during the initial, no-obligation assessment (we work fast!). Don’t worry, we, like farmers, are very conscious of the environment, so we don’t ignore environmental considerations simply because a grid connection exists."
Q5: Can renewable energy projects work alongside farming & other activities?
"Of course, in the case of a wind turbine development, for example, arable farming can continue beneath the blades, so the land take is minimal. We can even use existing farm tracks where possible. Rest assured, we’ll work with you on layout options throughout the process."
Q6: What financial benefit can renewable energy bring to landowners?
"We are happy to negotiate on a number of different commercial arrangements with farmers, but most choose a lease option which would typically last between 20-40 years. Remember, when we get in touch we talk through the different options, this will include what that would mean for financial returns and land use."
Q7: Beyond financial returns, what other benefits can renewable energy projects bring to landowners and local communities?
"Benefits vary depending on the way farmers want to work with us, which can be discussed. But, sometimes the simple extras such as widened and improved access points have made a big difference to how land is accessed. In some instances, using an unproductive part of the farm can be a pleasant surprise. This can be especially valuable as climate change creates increasing challenges for farmers.
For local communities, benefits can include increased local biodiversity, fun and educational events, ways to bring the community together, energy discounts through our Octopus Fan Club, and even the chance to invest in the project."
Q8: Why should landowners partner with Octopus Energy Generation?
"No cost, no risk - we take care of everything and genuinely want to work with you. We’ll always help you consider your options, and we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team has deep knowledge and expertise spanning the full life cycle of energy infrastructure. We intend to build and operate our projects for the long term. We’re not here for a quick build and sell.
We’re part of Octopus Energy Group, a UK business investing in the UK’s energy security, with customer service and care at the heart of everything we do and everyone we work with, which is why we’re Britain’s most awarded energy supplier."
Want to get involved?
Register your land with Plots for Kilowatts to receive a free, no-obligation site assessment. Discover whether your land could help power the UK’s clean energy future.
Show your support for local renewables by registering your interest in the Octopus Fan Club. Help us decide where to develop next.
