Hall Of Fame

Energy, project finance and PFI in North West

DLA Piper

DLA Piper continues to consolidate its market leading position in the region’s energy projects sector, receiving high-level instructions advising on renewables, new technologies, innovative battery storage projects, as well as government procurement processes. Andrew S. Davies, specialist in the waste, water and nuclear sectors, heads up the group of specialists, including Liam Cowell who is known for his expertise in handling complex deals in the infrastructure market and is lead partner in advising the MoreWater Consortium in their bid to be appointed contractor of the HARP DPC water tunnelling project where he acts with legal director Ben Morton who has particular expertise in the energy efficiency sector. Legal director Lorna Pattison acts for sponsors and funders in PPP and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Andrew S. Davies


Other key lawyers:

Liam Cowell; Ben Morton; Lorna Pattison; Lauren Fisher; Hayley Mason


Testimonials

‘The team we work with on a regular basis thoroughly understand the complex nature of our sector and are skilled in communicating complex legal principles to ensure the Client can consider the legal and commercial risks to ensure the correct decision is made for the business.’

‘The team are responsive and will swiftly act on any queries, fully supporting the Client’s requirements to enable project matters to close successfully.’

‘Excellent team. DLAP are able to deal with complexity while listening carefully to the clients’ needs. They do not condescend, apply a lot of creativity, and work to time.’

‘Andrew Davies team specialising in projects and project finance is excellent. The team keeps itself informed and can appear seamless at times as tasks hand over between the team and/or someone is unavailable to attend a meeting. Always pleasant and enjoyable toward with.’

‘Great team with great industry knowledge both generally and in terms of legal documentation. Commercially focussed advice and drafting with end result in mind.’

Key clients

Welsh Ministers


Tees Valley Combined Authority


Yorkshire Water Services Limited


Kelda Water Services Limited


Sellafield Limited


Renewi UK Services Limited


Vital Energi Solutions Limited


LondonEnergy Limited


Wastefront AS


Pilkington


London Energy Limited


Aviva Public Private Finance Limited


Greater Manchester Combined Authority


Bank of Scotland Plc


Dexia Credit Local SA


Investec


Market Operator Services Limited


Magnox Limited


Ambac Assurance UK Limited


Avrenim Facilities Management Limited


Consort Healthcare (Salford) Plc


Consort Healthcare (Tameside) Plc


Lloyds Bank Plc


St James’s Oncology SPC Ltd


Integrated Bradford SPV Limited


SGN Commercial Services Limited


Indaver Rivanhall Ltd


Bio Capital Ltd


FCC Environment Services (UK) Ltd


Surrey County Council


Biffa Waste Services


Invesis


Allied Irish Bank


Bank of Ireland


Alix Partners


Circor


Flotech Fluidpower


KEPCO


Solein Energy


Aqua Power


Work highlights


  • Advised Tees Valley Combined Authority on the procurement of an energy recovery facility to treat c450,000 tonnes of residual waste each year.
  • Advising the MoreWater Consortium in relation to their bid to be appointed as Contractor on the HARP project.
  • Advising KEPCO in relation to its bid for the finance, construction, operation and maintenance of a nuclear new build project for two 1400 MW reactors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP boasts an established team of specialist construction, energy and natural resources lawyers, advising on large-scale projects, including regeneration, waste nuclear, offshore wind and energy from waste projects, in the region as well as internationally. The group, co-led by projects expert Mark Job and construction specialist Michael Hopkins, has built a reputation for its offering in both owner and supplier-led transactions. Graham Alty led the team advising Sellafield Limited in relation to over £20bn of capital projects at its nuclear decommissioning site in Cumbria. While Scot Morrison  is the key name for PPP projects, Siân Hughes specialises in construction and civil engineering disputes and legal director Jo Falencka is called upon to advise on transactional construction projects, most notably in the utilities sector. Senior associates Laura Tetlow and Simon Stubbs are also noted.

Practice head(s):

Mark Job; Mike Hopkins


Other key lawyers:

Graham Alty; Anthony Bradley; Scot Morrison; Siân Hughes; Jo Falencka; Laura Tetlow; Simon Stubbs; Peter Feehan


Testimonials

‘Use Pinsent Masons team for “Project” work more generally – they are strong as they have a broad team with good reach into the diverse areas of specialism that we would look to engage them on. Very good at getting “into” a business and understanding what the aims are that we are trying to achieve. Not solely out of London – but also use expertise at regional offices well, without you feeling that the offering is disjointed’

‘Nick Ogden – makes you really feel as though he is on the client’s side. Thinks strategically and if he isn’t finding you answers to problems, is thinking of what may be a problem that you will need an answer too. Andrew Brydon – just strong technically across a number of different disciplines and with a manner that stakeholders like.’

‘We have dealt with the team on a solar energy project. They have a great deal of relevant experience, and are very responsive and pragmatic. They have really added value to our project, and work well with our other non-legal consultants. In fact they have suggested other firms who can help us in other disciplines, which has been invaluable. They are flexible in how they work, have a a great level of partner involvement on the project (which not all big firms do), they don’t bring people to meetings who aren’t necessary and they don’t chase us unnecessarily.’

Key clients

Sellafield Ltd


Ministry of Justice


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


The Silvertown Partnership LLP (TSP), a joint venture between Starwood Capital and Lendlease


Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council


London Borough of Wandsworth


Yapı Merkezi İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş


Southern Water


United Utilities


Tees Valley Combined Authority


Heathrow Airport Limited


Balfour Beatty


Ferrovial Construction


Anglian Water


Connect Plus Services


Laing O’Rourke


Work highlights


  • Advising Transport Infrastructure Ireland on the procurement of the Dublin Metrolink project.
  • Advising Sellafield Limited in relation to over £20bn of capital projects at its nuclear decommissioning site in Cumbria.
  • Advising The Silvertown Partnership LLP (TSP) on a regeneration project at The Royal Docks site in Silvertown.

Addleshaw Goddard

Drawing on in-depth knowledge and bench strength across a wide sectorial landscape, most notably, the infrastructure, healthcare and utilities sectors, Addleshaw Goddard‘s team acts for public sector bodies, private sector sponsors as well as debt and equity investors. The group is jointly led by Michael O’Connor, leading expert on public-private transactions, Andrew Pettinger, expert on major regeneration and PPP/PFI projects, and high-level energy project advisor Sara Gilmore. While Philip Dupres, who joined the partner ranks in May 2022, handles the utilities side of the practice, co-head Stephanie Townley maintains both an advisory and contentious practice.

Practice head(s):

Michael O’Connor; Andrew Pettinger; Sara Gilmore; Stephanie Townley; Philip Dupres


Testimonials

‘Excellent background knowledge and experience in PPPs and PFIs and good breadth of support across the wider team when dealing with recent complex refinancing transaction’

‘Prompt response and good availability led by Sara Gilmore and with strong supporting cast’

‘The team has a wealth of regulatory power experience and an ability to deal with complex power and tolling agreements with ease. The team are incredibly friendly, professional and responsive.’

‘As above, the power regulatory experience the individuals have is excellent. Both Matthew and Sara (who we deakt with) were incredibly professional and helpful and have the capcity to explain complex regulatory provisions in an easily digestible format and provide practical, commercial solutions to issues arising.’

‘The Team we worked with had a great, wide knowledge base in their relevant areas. There was a also a deep availability of knowledge on call where specialist advice was required in specific areas.’

‘The Team have been very friendly, personable and approachable. They are considered and measured in the approach with quick and comprehensive responses. Andrew Pettinger, Chris Hardy and Steph Townley have all been great throughout the transaction’

Key clients

Gresham House Investment Management (Guernsey) Ltd


Liberty Charge Limited


Green Investment Group


Manchester Metropolitan University


Muse Developments Limited


National Grid plc


National Grid Electricity Transmission plc


National Grid Gas plc


Network Rail Infrastructure Limited


Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited


Opus Energy


Scotia Gas Networks (SGN)


SGN Place Limited


Southern Water Services Limited


SSE Enterprises


SSE plc (Retail)


SSE plc (Seagreen)


Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


Anglian Water


Cheshire East Council


Cheshire West and Chester Council


Department for Transport


Greater London Authority


HCP


Health & Safety Executive


High Speeds Two (HS2) Limited


Kingston-upon-Hull City Council


Imagile Group Ltd


Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust


Leeds City Council


Luton Borough Council


Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust


MUFG Bank Ltd


Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust


The Council of the City of Salford


Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council


Transport for London


United Utilities plc


University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust


Wakefield City Council


West Midlands Combined Authority


Shell Energy Europe Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising United Utilities on its £1.75billion DPC Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme.
  • Advising Shell on one of the largest gas tolling agreements in the UK conventional power market.
  • Advising the East London Waste Authority on its waste disposal PFI contract, and the re-procurement of waste disposal services.

CMS

Based between Manchester and Sheffield, CMS acts in an array of redevelopment and infrastructure projects and is leading on significant nuclear power projects across the country, providing commercially-focused advice on all aspects of the built environment. In the transport space, a recent highlight includes acting for the new high-speed train project HS2’s construction partner for the transformation of Euston Station and the construction of the new Birmingham Curzon Street Station, with practice head Chris Hallam leading on the matter. He jointly heads the team with dispute resolution specialist Nigel Lewis. Of counsel Chris Henshaw draws on deep experience advising public and private sector clients and funders on infrastructure and development projects, including PFI/PPP projects.

Practice head(s):

Chris Hallam; Nigel Lewis


Other key lawyers:

Chris Henshaw


Key clients

Landsec


Muse Developments


Lendlease Construction


Mace Construction


Galliford Try Construction


The UK Health Security Agency


Dragados Construction


Goldman Sachs


The MEH SZC Alliance (a JV comprising Balfour Beatty, NG Bailey, Altrad Babcock, Cavendish Nuclear, Bilfinger and Altrad SA)


Moorfields NHS Trust


University College London


Manchester Airport Group


Arc Group


Ipsen Pharma


Equinor New Energy


Blackrock


CBRE


GRS Roadstone Group


Lodha Group


Imtech


Work highlights


  • Advising the MEH Joint Venture (comprising Balfour Beatty, Altrad, Cavendish Nuclear, Altrad Babcock, Bilfinger and NG Bailey) on a multi-billion pound alliance contract for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.
  • Advised Lendlease on a £140m+ multi-party dispute concerning the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital – the largest dispute to have been heard by the Technology and Construction Court in the last 15 years.
  • Advising the Mace Limited/Dragados S.A. joint venture on the transformation of Euston Station and the construction of the new Birmingham Curzon Street Station as part of the UK’s new High Speed 2 railway development.

DWF

With a vast geographical reach and drawing on substantial energy and natural resources expertise, the team at DWF services a diverse client base, most notably, in green hydrogen production, the renewable technologies space, including electric vehicle charging point infrastructure, and advises on high-profile nuclear mandates. Based between Liverpool and Manchester, practice co-head Darren Walsh also leads the firm’s global energy team which allows the group to access cutting-edge energy projects. Manchester's Catherine Haslam co-heads the team, focusing on landlord and tenant issues relating to projects. Liverpool-based solicitor Christine Williams advises clients on complex energy purchase arrangements and leads on the negotiation of complex battery energy storage joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Darren Walsh; Catherine Haslam


Testimonials

‘A very strong team, knowledgeable and dynamic with industry specific focus as well as commercial awareness of complimentary interrelated disciplines such as financing and real estate.’

‘Darren Walsh is pragmatic with industry wide experience.’

 

Key clients

BT PLC


Yorkshire Gas and Power


Homes England


Ryze Hydrogen


Element 2 Hydrogen


Enfinity Solar International


Yemene Solar (formerly Yingli Namene Solar Limited & Yingli Green Energy Europe GmbH


Doosan Power Systems SA


Whitbread Group plc


Vensys Energy AG


Canary Wharf Group


Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and Moray Council


Dundee City Council and Angus Council


South Staffordshire plc


Steag energy solutions GmbH


Discovery Park Limited


Farm Energy Partnership LLP


United Utilities Renewable Energy Limited


Quartzelec


WM Morrisons Supermarkets Limited


Marks & Spencer plc


Places for People


Essar Oil UK Limited


MRC Global


Ansaldo Nuclear Limited


Q-Park Limited


Welsh Government


Cavendish Nuclear Limited


HyGen Energy Holdings


Mostyn Sea Power


The Carbon Trust


KP Snacks Limited


Trina Solar Limited


Trina Storage Limited


COSTA Coffee Limited


Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Go Neutral


Firma Energy Limited


Cornwall Council


Northumberland Estates


Fortune Power


Mura Technology Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Enfinity Energy on a significant portfolio of ground-mounted solar PV projects in Italy.
  • Assisting HyGen Energy Limited with the development of a 13,000 kg/day green hydrogen production facility that will be co-located with an onshore wind farm in the UK.
  • Advising Northumberland Estates in connection with their development of over 1GW of new ground-mounted solar PV and battery energy storage systems on 2000 acres of its estate.

Squire Patton Boggs

The Manchester-based practice at Squire Patton Boggs stands out for its activity in renewable energy, clean air and decarbonisation projects, increasingly advising a diverse client base ranging from major project sponsors, governments, lenders and investors to construction companies. Most notably, the group has secured increasing work for clients in the energy storage and battery space next to its busy infrastructure practice. While practice head Nick Helm is leading the space in net zero projects, Julian Scott has extensive experience of a wide range of projects including energy storage projects, solar projects and off-shore wind farms.

Practice head(s):

Nick Helm; Julian Scott


Key clients

Transport for Greater Manchester


Sheffield City Council


Galliford Try Investments


Amber Infrastructure


Dolphin (Costain Pension Fund)


InfraRed Capital Partners


EDF Group


Vital Energi


Leeds City Council


Rendesco


Ampowr


Atkins/SNC Lavalin


Government of Georgia


Work highlights


  • Supporting TfGM as a panel advisor and supporting on the GM Clean Air scheme.
  • Advising infra funds including Amber, on operational projects in which they have an investment as well as advising a bidder for the O&M contractor role on the Birmingham Highways PFI project.

Aaron & Partners LLP

Based between Chester and Shrewsbury, the energy projects team at Aaron & Partners LLP, advises clients, predominantly non-plc energy developers, often backed by venture finance, on a range of energy matters at the intersection of planning, environmental, regulatory as well as corporate and property issues. The team is particularly strong in the renewable energy and natural resources sectors and is headed by ‘extremely knowledgeable, passionate and commercial’ David Harries. Consultant Richard Forrester specialises in minerals.

Practice head(s):

David Harries


Other key lawyers:

Richard Forrester; Hannah Fynn


Testimonials

‘The is a very efficient firm that gets to grips with new areas of law swiftly and effectively’

‘David Harris is a stand-out partner who is totally on top of the cases.’

‘Aaron and Partners has always punched well above its weight. Headed by the very passionate David Harries it does exceptional work for its clients. They have been at the cutting edge of renewable energy schemes.’

‘David is extremely knowledgeable, passionate and commercial. He provides a great service to his clients always fighting their corner and trying to find creative solutions to their issues. he is always on hand and nothing is too big or small for him to deal with.’

Key clients

Cornish Lithium plc


Dwr Cymru Welsh Water


Hendy Wind Farm Ltd


Rhoscrowther Wind Farm Ltd


North Wales Tidal Energy & Coastal Protection Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising Cornish Lithium plc on the acquisition of the rights necessary for it to exploit deep underground superheated brines containing dissolved lithium.
  • Advising the board of North Wales Tidal Energy & Coastal Protection Ltd on the options for progres in tidal power.