Unleash the Power of Land Professionals: Due Diligence for Energy Projects
You know the stages and checklists for due diligence. We all do. It’s the only way any energy project gets off the ground.
Teams of engineers, lawyers, and land professionals spend months gathering information, documenting findings, and providing you with the intel you need to make the best decision. They present polished reports to stakeholders and financiers. Making sure all the i’s are dotted and all the t’s are crossed.
And then it’s off to the races.
In this article, we’re going to focus on the land-related due diligence process and what having an experienced, likable, and detail-obsessed land agent on your team can do for you. 
Why You Need a Landman
Landmen are responsible for ensuring that your energy projects have the necessary land rights, easements and other agreements in place.
But it’s not all about the paperwork. Your landman is also the face of your company when it comes to dealing with landowners, the public, lenders, and underwriters. Involving your land professional early on means they can navigate potential opposition and smooth the way for your project’s success.
Here are some key reasons why you need a landman on your team:
They help you navigate roadblocks
Things don’t always go as planned. Landmen are adaptable, able to think on their feet and come up with solutions.
In the energy industry, competition is fierce. Finding the right sale can give you the competitive advantage you need. But when roadblocks appear, count on your landman to open doors to their vast network of business development professionals. Professionals they know. Whose work they know. Who will be as dedicated to your project’s success as your landman is.They help you with boots on the ground
While courthouse research is a big part of the landman’s work, they’re also the ones who will drive eight hours to knock on a landowner’s door. Let’s face it, not everyone checks their email or responds to phone calls from unknown numbers. You need a landman who will roll up their sleeves and figure out a way to keep your project moving forward.They build relationships with the community
You know how important it is to create strong connections and maintain good relations with the community when working on securing an energy project. One community organizer can derail a project that would otherwise bring immense benefits to the community. Your land broker will be out there, talking with the locals, listening to their concerns, and acting as your friendly ambassador. They bring people skills and diplomacy, and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
You need a landman people like working with.
You need a landman you like working with.
Essential Tips for Land-Related Due Diligence
Now that you know why you need a landman on your team, let’s look at some tips for performing land-related due diligence:
Start early
Due diligence is a time-consuming process. Bringing your dedicated land professional in early means they’ll know the overall goal of your project and be able to work toward that goal. Are we monetizing or simply building? Are you working on a compressed timeline? How many land agents do you need to meet your objectives, 1 or 15?Address red flags immediately
A skilled brokerage firm always looks down the road at the company’s goals and knows what the exit strategy is. During the mapping and site visit stage, you may find physical restrictions to gaining access. Your right-of-way agent will iron those out before proper surveys and building plans can develop.Prioritize confidentiality and document security
Outsourcing your land work means you need to make sure your brokerage firm has the systems in place to handle your data with care and confidentiality. Don’t be afraid to ask them specifically what their document handling process is.Hire experts
Bring in hired hands for each part of the due diligence process for better efficiency. They’ll know in advance the questions to ask and the next steps to take.Don’t cut corners
Diligence is in the word, after all. While the process can be lengthy and expensive, having all the details up front saves you time and prevents future “show stoppers.” Hire the pros who can get you there.
Commitment to Success
The ultimate goal of the due diligence process for energy projects is to allow you to invest, divest, and build with confidence.
We enjoy the process. And being a part of bringing energy to communities, easing the burden on overextended grids, and finding innovative ways to meet growing energy demands is rewarding.
If you have an energy project in the pipeline, reach out today and let us help you navigate the complexities of land-related due diligence.
Our clients like working with us, and we’re sure you will, too.
