The UK Hydrogen Strategy) is rapidly progressing, offering significant opportunities for developers to contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Managing land acquisition, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement will significantly impact project viability and has to be addressed as early as possible in the project lifecycle.
At Dalcour Maclaren, our extensive expertise in land assembly, compensation, environment and planning, property management and geomatics, uniquely positions us to support these critical hydrogen projects, as we have with BP’s flagship low-carbon hydrogen project, H2Teesside.
The 5 key land consent challenges for hydrogen projects
1. Regulatory compliance
Compliance with environmental regulations is paramount for hydrogen infrastructure projects. Rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) must demonstrate that developments align with environmental standards and effectively mitigate impacts. Securing planning permissions can also involve numerous technical assessment and engagement with multiple stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
At Dalcour Maclaren, our environmental planning experts simplify this process. By proactively managing environmental and planning constraints, we help our clients avoid delays and unexpected costs, ensuring smoother planning journeys. Find out more about our E&P services.
2. Land use and availability
Identifying suitable land for hydrogen facilities can be challenging, especially in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas. Projects often compete with infrastructure initiatives, agriculture and conservation efforts.
Our strategic land services proactively secure and manage optimal land sites. With our extensive network and market knowledge, we effectively negotiate and resolve potential conflicts, ensuring suitable land acquisition. Discover our strategic land services.
3. Land Interest Identification
Identifying all interests in land can be a challenge on any type of project, due to the investigative nature of the work.
Assessing ownership, occupation and all third-party rights, and then engaging with these parties, is imperative to be compliant for a DCO application. At DM, we have an 80-strong team of land referencers and geospatial experts who have extensive experience in delivering timely and accurate data.
4. Infrastructure and connectivity
Successful hydrogen projects require robust infrastructure, including access to essential utilities such as water and electricity and reliable transport logistics for materials and equipment.
Dalcour Maclaren ensures connectivity and logistical efficiency by integrating detailed infrastructure assessments into early project planning stages. This proactive approach mitigates risk and ensures operational effectiveness.
5. Financial and economic considerations
Overcoming funding and investment challenges amidst land consent uncertainties is critical. Our experts provide strategic valuation advice and proactive financial management, ensuring projects remain financially viable and attractive to investors.
Our proven approach
Dalcour Maclaren has a proven track record with more than 20 years delivering land for energy and infrastructure projects, including significant projects such as H2Teesside – bp’s flagship low-carbon hydrogen project. Our comprehensive approach spans the project lifecycle, from feasibility and strategic land advice to geomatics support and survey access.
Strategic land advice
- Working closely with contractors to shape project design from a land perspective and secure the required land rights.
Valuation and negotiation
- Ensuring fair, equitable, and commercially advantageous agreements.
Geomatics support
- Essential mapping and spatial analysis to aid project planning and execution.
Survey access
- Facilitating both non-intrusive and intrusive investigations efficiently.
Client testimonials
Our clients consistently praise our capability to deliver effectively at pace.
Noelle Jupille, Business Development Manager for Hydrogen at bp, says: “The Dalcour Maclaren team has provided consistent strategic, commercially focused advice throughout our collective work. Their collaborative approach, timely pragmatic guidance and attention to detail have been invaluable and we would not hesitate to recommend them to other developers working in this space.”
Commitment to excellence
At Dalcour Maclaren, our ONETEAM ethos drives collaboration and innovation, delivering exceptional results for our clients. Our sector knowledge, client-centric approach and effective stakeholder engagement underpin the successful delivery of hydrogen projects.
Why Dalcour Maclaren?
As the UK Hydrogen Strategy accelerates, developers need partners delivering tailored land and environmental solutions swiftly and effectively. Our integrated approach, grounded in extensive experience across utilities and infrastructure, ensures these projects stay on track, on time and within budget.
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