“In the Clean Energy sector team we are working to deliver renewables projects in the context of a constantly changing policy backdrop. We and our clients are all spurred on by the common goal of achieving net zero.”

Emma is a Director in the Planning team, and has specialised in advising developers of renewable energy projects almost exclusively throughout her career.

Her experience covers the full range of renewable energy technologies, and the whole project development lifecycle from early stage consenting strategy and scoping through to review of application documents, planning inquiries, examinations and appeals, project financing, construction readiness and M&A. She works closely with client project teams to maximise their prospects of obtaining consent, whilst retaining the flexibility that is critical to keep up with the fast pace of change in the clean energy sector.

Sector experience includes:

Admitted

2014: Scotland

Relevant experience

Advising GT R4 Limited on the consenting aspects of the 1.5GW Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm.
Advising SSE on all consenting aspects of the 1075MW Seagreen 1 Offshore Wind Farm, Scotland’s largest operational offshore wind farm, including project financing and divestment to TotalEnergies and early-stage advice on OFTO disposal.
Advising SSE on all consenting aspects of the 4.1GW Berwick Bank Wind Farm, one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms in development.
Advising Moray Offshore Wind (East) Limited on the disposal of the offshore transmission assets for the Moray East Offshore Wind Farm.
Advising several ScotWind developers on their fixed and floating offshore wind projects in Scottish waters.
Advising RWE Renewables on the section 36 and planning applications for:
- c. 62MW Strathy Wood Wind Farm, consented in December 2021 following a public inquiry
- c. 38MW Camster II Wind Farm, consented in July 2021 following appeal to the Scottish Ministers
- c.85MW Golticlay Wind Farm, consented in 2021.
Advising Statkraft on the 49.9MW Slickly Wind Farm, consented in August 2022 following appeal.
Advising a major solar developer on the pre-application elements of the development consent order for a DCO-scale solar project in Wales.
Carrying out due diligence and feeding into transaction documentation for the acquisition or financing of 120+ renewables projects across all UK jurisdictions including onshore wind, solar and BESS.

“Emma’s personal touch, combined with first-rate legal knowledge, makes her a coveted adviser for us. We know we are in safe hands when Emma is acting for us as she’s a true subject matter expert and it is evident that she genuinely cares about our success. She has that perfect balance of professionalism and personable demeanour which creates an environment that encourages open and transparent communication, helping us to quickly get to the heart of the relevant issue.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn client (2025)

Further information:

Recognition and memberships

Member, Scottish Renewables Planning Task and Finish Group (2025)
Member, Scottish Renewables Solar and Finish Group (2023)
Winner of the “Professional” award for outstanding professional services of any kind to the renewable energy sector, Scottish Renewables Young Professionals in Green Energy Awards (2017)