E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s dedicated energy and infrastructure practice has extensive experience in overseeing the construction of both public and private renewable energy projects, including wind parks and PV installations, in addition to handling matters pertaining to a broad range of infrastructure projects. The practice’s leadership group combines a number of specialisms, with Tatjana Katalan taking on matters of public law, including EIAs and plant operations, and Ulrike Sehrschön handling public procurement matters and tender bids, while Marco Steiner is sought after for M&A and real estate transactions in a variety of regulated industries. Christoph Lejsek advises private equity investors on transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Projects and energy in Austria
E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Practice head(s):
Marco Steiner; Tatjana Katalan; Ulrike Sehrschön
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Lejsek; Marie Reitinger; Titus Kahr
Testimonials
‘Christoph Lejsek is very dedicated, always available for his clients and extremely quick in implementation.’
‘Exceptionally good knowledge of public law, especially environmental law, very quick responses.’
‘Tatjana Katalan has very extensive knowledge of public law, a creative approach to finding solutions and a very good standing with authorities.’
Key clients
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Burgenland Energie Group
ECOWIND Handels- & Wartungs-GmbH
KELAG
Kommunalkredit Austria AG
öGIG Group
Wien Energie GmbH
Wiener Stadtwerke Group
Windpark Bärofen
Work highlights
- Represented KELAG in an EIA procedure concerning Windpark Lavamünd in Carinthia.
- Advised ECOwind on entering into a joint venture with a subsidiary of EVN, which has constructed the largest floating photovoltaic plant in central Europe.
- Acted for BE Energy GmbH regarding various tender procedures and the structuring of the construction of photovoltaic power plants.
Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)
With ‘huge experience’ in handling complex projects, Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) is frequently instructed on energy generation projects requiring special permits and environmental impact assessments, having assisted with such matters in connection with several major renewable energy projects. The team also advises clients on applying for project tenders and represents clients in appeals following unsuccessful bids, while acting for successful bidders in procurement matters. Leading the team is the trio of Bernd Rajal, who assists with administrative, energy and environmental law issues, planning and environmental specialist Christian Schmelz, and Johannes Stalzer, who focuses on public procurement matters. Christoph Cudlik is noted for his administrative and constitutional law work, with a particular niche in climate change and planning law.
Practice head(s):
Bernd Rajal; Christian Schmelz; Johannes Stalzer
Other key lawyers:
Benjamin Schlatter; Christoph Cudlik
Testimonials
‘Highly specialised people, best performers in all areas.’
‘Huge experience, well-connected with decision makers, strong reputation as authors.’
‘Excellent know-how and engagement.’
‘Bernd Rajal is exceptionally smart & great to work with.’
‘Christian Schmelz is for sure the leading expert in his field. He is setting the standards of high quality in regulatory work in Austria and he is the no. 1 you rely on when it comes to highly complex matters.’
‘Benjamin Schlatter and Christoph Cudlik are among the strongest lawyers in environmental law in Austria.’
‘Christian Schmelz is always very accessible and extremely reliable for us. Topics are dealt with in a factually sound manner and briefly summarized in memos.’
‘The team is very committed and has a very high level of knowledge in the field we need. We can expect a satisfactory response to our inquiries at any time and are very well and professionally supported in the relevant areas of law.’
Key clients
Abbott Medical Group
Allianz Capital Partners
Alpiq
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Austrian Association of Pharmacists
Austrian Medical Association
ASFINAG
BASF SE
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H.
Contour Global
EBG MedAustron
Ecoplus Alpin
Energie Steiermark
Energiepark Bruck/Leitha
Energiewerkstatt
ENWA
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
European Commission
Essity Austria
EVN AG
EXAA Energy Exchange
Federal Minister of Energy of Austria
Flixbus
Gas Connect
Gewista
Grand Hotel Semmering
ImWind
Infoscreen (GEWISTA)
Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe
Internationale Rheinregulierung
JCDecaux
Kals municipality
Klinik Ottakring
Klinik Wiener Neustadt
Laakirchen Papier AG
Lime
Monier Group
Netz Niederösterreich
Neue Heimat Tirol
Ökoenergie
OMV AG (E&P)
Österreichische Bundesbahn (ÖBB)
Österreichische Bundesforste (ÖBF)
Österreichische Post AG
Püspök
Prezero
Red Bull
Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy
Sony
SpaceX/Starlink
Stadt Wien
Thales Austria GmbH
TINETZ-Tiroler Netze GmbH
TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft
Trans Austria
UBER
UniCredit
Ventureal
VERBUND
Vienna International Airport
Vienna Technical Museum
WEB Windenegie AG
Wien Energie
Wien IT GmbH
Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG
Wiener Lokalbahnen
Wiener Netze
Wiener Stadtwerke Holding
Windkraft Simonsfeld
Windlandkraft
WIPARK
Zellstoff Pöls AG
Work highlights
- Advised the City of Vienna and Wien Energie on all legal and regulatory aspects concerning the decarbonisation of the entire city.
- Assisted TIWAG with several Tyrolean hydropower plant including the Kaunertal Expansion Project.
- Acted for the International Organisation for the flood regulation the river Rhine in relation to project “Rhesi,” one of the largest flood protection and EIA projects in Austria and Switzerland.
Cerha Hempel
Cerha Hempel‘s matters in the projects and energy field are handled by lawyers spanning the firm’s M&A, real estate, finance and public law teams, with a strong track record in assisting clients with projects that are tied to transactions. The firm acts for a number of public bodies but also maintains a strong presence in the real estate market, where it advises developers in relation to a range of construction projects. A three-man team consisting of Clemens Hasenauer, a public M&A specialist, EU and public law expert Hans Kristoferitsch and Stefan Huber, whose practice spans environmental and constitutional law, leads the group.
Practice head(s):
Clemens Hasenauer; Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber
Other key lawyers:
Claudia Hanslik-Schneider
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of national energy/electricity law and European frameworks.’
‘Hans Kristoferitsch has strong personal skills and knowledge and is dedicated to providing professional work for clients.’
‘The whole CERHA team showed incredible legal knowledge, strategic thinking, availability and 100% dedication to us as their client. In the end, getting what you engaged a team for is the most convincing proof of their quality.’
‘Hans Kristoferitsch is a fantastic strategic thinker, well-connected and an extremely diligent lawyer.’
‘Stefan Huber pairs excellent legal knowledge with exceptionally short turnaround times and has a good sense of realism necessary to “achieve the achievable.”’
‘Claudia Hanslik-Schneider has incredibly deep knowledge of administrative law and is extremely diligent and besides this, always friendly and easy to work with.’
Key clients
OMV
ASFINAG
Vienna International Airport
Republic of Austria
CEGH
Austrian Power Grid AG
EnBW Trust e.V.
via donau
Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH and subsidiaries, including Wien Energie GmbH
Voith Group
STRABAG AG
Elin Motoren GmbH
TSR Recycling Holding GmbH and TSR Recycling GmbH & Co KG (part of Remondis Group)
RHIM
Stadler Rheinthal AG
Energie Burgenland AG
Work highlights
- Advised as transaction counsel OMV on the sale of its AVANTI service stations in Germany to the PKN Orlen Group.
- Obtained a regional regulation allowing SES to enlarge its flagship Europark Shopping Center in Salzburg, following proceedings lasting over a decade.
- Assisted Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH/and subsidiaries, including Wien Energie on various infrastructure projects.
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s projects team spans the firm’s public procurement and energy and climate change practices, advising across a range of renewable energy and other infrastructure projects, while also assisting investors with the purchase of ongoing projects. Further sector focus areas include healthcare, water and waste and telecoms. Leading the group are Bernt Elsner, head of the public procurement practice, energy and climate change team lead Thomas Hamerl, and Nikolaus Weselik, whose practice encompasses construction and real estate law and disputes in the aforementioned fields.
Practice head(s):
Bernt Elsner; Nikolaus Weselik; Thomas Hamerl
Other key lawyers:
Marlene Wimmer-Nistelberger
Testimonials
‘Strong team capabilities alongside the project team outside the CMS organisation. Specificity, durability, creativity.’
‘Excellent collaboration within the CMS team but also with other external advisors.’
‘Thomas Hamerl and Bernt Elsner are outstanding both in legal competence but also in their behaviour towards clients, other advisors and even counterparts. This is true competence!’
‘Collaborative approach, welcoming, reasonable to deal with.’
‘CMS’ commitment to responsiveness, industry expertise, diversity, and technological innovation make them a standout choice for clients seeking not just legal support but a true partnership.’
Key clients
PORR Beteiligungen und Management
VNext/VX Fiber
Feistritzwerke-STEWEAG, G31 Glasfaser Bezirk Weiz
SEFE Securing Energy for Europe
HABAU
Swietelsky Baugesellschaft
commonsun
Enerox/Cellcube
greensource
eFriends Energy
Magenta Telekom
DKV
WEALTHCORE Investment Management
ABB Asea Brown Boveri
Work highlights
- Advised Phillips 66 on the development of a European hydrogen filling station network with H2 Energy Europe.
- Assisted Wealthcore on the acquisition of two residential real estate projects, including reviewing construction and energy supply contracts and ESG compliance.
DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH holds a strong position in the Austrian and European gas markets, where it advises a range of industry stakeholders on infrastructure developments and investments, while also expanding its renewables practice, handling matters concerning wind energy and biogas. The firm is also active in the PPAs sphere, acting for both energy buyers and providers. Jointly heading the team are Andreas Gunst, who offers ‘unrivalled expertise’ in relation to the entire lifecycle of energy projects, and Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik, with her practice encompassing PPP transactions and privatisation advice.
Practice head(s):
Andreas Gunst; Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik
Other key lawyers:
Ivan Maleš; Valentina Eigner
Testimonials
‘Andreas Gunst has unrivalled expertise and can be relied upon to provide sound advice on a wide range of issues.’
‘Well-respected local practise with strengths in M&A and infrastructure.’
‘Hard-working, putting the client first. Good local knowledge.’
‘We appreciate their integrative approach.’
‘They act very professional and have impressive experience and expertise in the requested fields. They are very conscious of their client’s requirements.’
‘We feel that we are in very good, safe hands with Andreas Gunst and Valentina Eigner. They have been providing us with excellent legal support. They are always available to discuss any questions that arise. We really appreciate their flexibility and their delivering on time.’
‘It is a very knowledgeable team.’
‘Jasna Zwitter-Tehovnik has been very competent, professional and careful on the issues submitted to her.’
Key clients
Ardagh Group
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
MYTILINEOS S.A
Central European Gas Hub AG
AGCS Gas Clearing and Settlement AG
ACT Commodities B.V.
Uniper Hydrogen GmbH
Ocean Breeze Energy GmbH & Co. KG
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
HyExchange & European Federation of Energy Traders
European Federation of Energy Traders
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
OMV AG
WEB Windenergie AG
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH‘s projects team is ‘geared toward delivering value and satisfaction’ to clients from, among others, the gas, renewables and telecoms sectors, whom they support with both the construction of projects, disputes with regulators and contractors, and on transactions for critical infrastructure. The practice’s leadership group includes the competition expertise of Heinrich Kühnert, a telecoms sector specialist, regulatory and public law expert Bernhard Müller and Gunnar Pickl, whose practice marries construction law with dispute resolution. Patricia Backhausen handles M&A deals in the renewables sector and also advises on PPP matters.
Practice head(s):
Heinrich Kühnert; Bernhard Müller; Gunnar Pickl
Other key lawyers:
Patricia Backhausen
Testimonials
‘Very hands-on and solution-oriented.’
‘This practice is unique due to its innovative problem-solving approach and its unwavering commitment to tailoring solutions to each client’s needs. This practice stands out with its client-centric approach, making it a preferred choice for clients seeking legal assistance.’
‘They prioritise the needs and goals of our clients above all else. This client-centric approach ensures that every decision and action is geared toward delivering value and satisfaction.’
‘The DORDA team is very good at project management and has a lot of experience and knowledge about the project matters at hand. They are well-organised and coordinated, always trying to satisfy the client’s needs.’
‘Patricia Backhausen is very client-oriented and trustworthy, and has a broad set of skills necessary for the successful completion of projects.’
‘Immediate responses, good understanding of software and very understanding of client needs.’
Key clients
carbonify GmbH
DigitalBridge Group, Inc
Brookfield
TotalEnergies SA
ENGIE SA
Work highlights
- Advised an Austrian financial institution on the roll-out of a major photovoltaic project in Austria.
Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners
Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners boasts a combination of ‘brilliant lawyers and great expertise,’ with a projects and energy team that advises private and public bodies on regulatory and environmental matters tied to developments in the photovoltaic, wind and transport sectors. The team, led by planning, environmental and procurement law expert Michael Hecht, also assists public authorities with the drafting of legislation. Josef Peer is sought after for administrative and environmental matters.
Practice head(s):
Michael Hecht
Other key lawyers:
Josef Peer; Christina Klapf
Testimonials
‘fwp is a trusted one-stop-shop law firm with brilliant lawyers and great expertise. They do not operate in silos and communication within the firm is very efficient. It also has the necessary breadth and depth to complete projects successfully.’
‘Michael Hecht is very reliable, pragmatic, quick and solution-oriented. Josef Peer gives clear, sharp advice and is very reliable.’
‘Very efficient, fast response times, good network.’
‘Very good accessibility, fast response times, understandable communication of legal matters.’
‘High competence in environmental legislation and procedural law.’
Key clients
ARGE Oberes Hausfeld
Bertsch Energy
Kommunalkredit Austria AG
Raiffeisenlandesbank Burgenland and Revisionsverband eGen
Shareholders of GREENoneTEC Solarindustrie GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium consisting of 19 developers on the development of the new Oberes Hausfeld district in Vienna.
- Assisted Raiffeisenlandesbank Burgenland und Revisionsverband eGen with the foundation of a number of renewable energy communities in the State of Burgenland.
Niederhuber & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Niederhuber & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH has built a strong client base with both state and federal bodies in Austria, accompanying them throughout the lifecycle of projects in renewable heating and energy. Head of the firm's Salzburg office Paul Reichel guides clients, including wind and hydropower developers, through EIAs and matters of conservation law and leads the practice alongside regulatory and contracts expert Florian Stangl and name partner Martin Niederhuber.
Practice head(s):
Martin Niederhuber; Florian Stangl; Paul Reichel
Testimonials
‘Very strong focus on developing topics.’
‘Florian Stangl: always up to date regarding EU law and legislation; exceptional knowledge of the energy sector.’
‘Best Austrian lawyers for energy law. With a very deep understanding of Austrian energy law, the team at Niederhuber & Partner is also frequently invited by Austrian authorities, including the parliament, to make contributions in the development process of new legislative solutions.’
Key clients
Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Energy
Verbund AG Group
Austrian Power Grid AG
EVN AG
Salzburg AG
Osterreichs Energie
Enery
ImWind
CCE – Clean Capital Energy
Windkraft Simonsfeld
Püspök
neoom Group
Bundesarbeitskammer
Städtebund
EWS Consulting
Photovoltaic Austria
ARWAG Energy GmbH
WindLandKraft
Cycleenergy
Gas Connect Austria
WEB Windenergie
Dachverband für Energieeffizienz und Contracting Austria
Work highlights
- Advised the Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Energy on the implementation of the REPowerEU-Plan and Renewable Energy Directive III in national legislation.
- Assisted ImWind on the conclusion of a renewable Power Purchase Agreement for the electricity generated from two solar power plants.
- Represented Verbund in administrative and court proceedings regarding theStegenwald hydropower plant and the Limberg 3 pumped-storage power plant.
Schima Mayer Starlinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH
With an ‘absolute focus on the essentials,’ Schima Mayer Starlinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH is noted for its work for the gas and electricity sectors, with the former in particular forming the bedrock of the firm’s energy practice in recent years. Under the guidance of founding partner Thomas Starlinger, the firm has grown its renewables practice, advising on innovative projects in the renewable energy and geothermal heat sectors. The energy group is closely aligned with the firm’s competition, finance and real estate teams, enabling it to provide a full service to its energy sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Starlinger
Testimonials
‘Schima Mayer Starlinger excels in all matters related to energy law, offering in-depth knowledge and unmatched expertise. Their dedication, precision, and cost-effective solutions, combined with deep insights into the Austrian energy market, make them the go-to choice.’
‘Great to work with, reliable, passionate, dedicated.’
‘Very efficient, to the point legal advice. Absolute focus on the essentials.’
‘Probably the best energy law firm/know-how in Austria.’
‘Thomas Starlinger has excellent expertise and experience in energy law.’
‘Thomas Starlinger has great knowledge in the energy sector and it is a great pleasure to work with him.’
‘Thomas Starlinger adds his personal experience and contacts to his professional advice, which is outstanding in the energy sector.’
‘Thomas Starlinger is very knowledgeable about all relevant energy laws/regulations and as such provided great services in guiding the strategic direction.’
Key clients
AGGM Austrian Gas Grid Management AG
Sizzle Acquisition
Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH
Wien Energie
Work highlights
- Advised Wien Energie on the establishment of a joint venture with OMV AG regarding the exploitation of geothermal energy for district heating in Vienna.
- Supported Wien Energie in a cooperation project with RheinEnergie and Verbund at the Donaustadt power plant in Vienna, concerning a test using blended hydrogen and natural gas fuel.
Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
Demonstrating a ‘deep know-how and functional expertise,’ Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG advises clients from sectors as diverse as pharmaceuticals, telecoms and energy on the development, disposal and acquisition of major projects, in addition to representing them in related disputes. Leading the practice are Andreas Schmid, a project finance specialist, procurement practice co-heads Manfred Essletzbichler, Silvia Fessl and Sebastian Oberzaucher, who between them assist with procurement and tendering procedures for a wide range of sectors, and regulated industries expert Kurt Retter.
Practice head(s):
Manfred Essletzbichler; Silvia Fessl; Sebastian Oberzaucher; Kurt Retter; Andreas Schmid
Other key lawyers:
Harald Strahberger
Testimonials
‘Deep know-how and functional expertise, high responsiveness.’
‘Very strong, both in terms of numbers, quality & experience.’
‘The team is very dedicated and committed to its clients.’
‘Andreas Schmid makes a big difference in relationships as a partner advising us as a client, or even as a partner advising our counterparties. Different team members are experts in their areas and solution oriented.’
‘Truly impressed with the level of engagement and solution focus brought by Andreas Schmid, regardless of the level of complexity we put in front of him.’
‘The firm covers a broad range of legal fields and is also well-connected to law firms abroad. Their work is quick and reliable. They have high expertise in project finance, especially (but not limited to) in the financing of wind power.’
‘Andreas Schmid and his team provided good and fast responses. Good allocation of resources to manage complex procedures, plus easy access to senior partner to discuss issues.’
‘Andreas Schmid, good and fast access. Very flexible approach to topics which materialise unexpectedly. Always good to discuss issue with him to acquire a different view.’
Key clients
Arge H 51 Pfons Brenner
Boehringer Ingelheim
Wiener Gesundheitsverbund Projektentwicklungs
BeMo Tunneling
Österreichische Gesundheitskasse
ContourGlobal
Enery Green Power
Marti
Hartree Partners
HABAU Hoch- und Tiefbau
Swimsol
Magenta
Deutsche Telecom
Brookfield Business Partners/Cellnex Telecom
H2O
Jade Power
Wiener Linien
HOCHTIEF Infrastructure
ÖSTU-STETTIN Hoch- und Tiefbau
Swietelsky
ENGIE
UniCredit Bank
KELAG Energie & Wärme
European Investment Bank
Meridiam
Work highlights
- Advised Österreichische Gesundheitskasse on a tender procedure for a contractor for the construction of the new pavilion 6 on the premises of the Hanusch Hospital in Vienna.
- Assisted Boehringer Ingelheim with the construction of its new production plant in Bruck an der Leitha, Lower Austria.
- Advised a global energy and commodities trading company on a €20m project for the construction of a biomass gasification plant in Burgenland.
Binder Grösswang
Binder Grösswang supports financial institutions in their funding of energy and infrastructure projects and is also called upon by project developers on matters of regulation and financing, with additional expertise in environmental, procurement and planning law. Advising on all manner of regulatory issues and representing clients before a variety of state authorities and courts is Johannes Barbist, whose practice spans across energy, competition and state aid.
Practice head(s):
Johannes Barbist
Testimonials
‘Very personal and individual support and processing of legal issues.’
‘Excellent expertise and collaborative work.’
‘Binder Grösswang have been very helpful in guiding us through the contract process for Austrian projects. We have encountered complex situations and Binder Grösswang’s advice has been on point and helpful.’
‘We have worked mostly with Johannes Barbist and his team. Johannes is quite knowledgeable on various topics and what makes him stand out are his creative ideas in solving problems.’
Key clients
VERBUND AG
Lenzing
UniCredit Bank Austria AG
Mubadala
Smurfit Kappa Nettingsdorf
Kärntner Beteiligungsverwaltung
ÖBB Group
CUBE Infrastructure Fund II
Orlen
viktor kaplan muerz gmbh
TIWAG-Tiroler Wasserkraft AG
Netz Burgenland
Cryoshelter
Work highlights
- Advised ORLEN S.A. on the acquisition of the petrol station operator Turmöl.
- Acted for Lenzing Fibers GmbH on acquisition of a biomass co-generation plant in Heiligenkreuz.
- Advised Cryoshelter on public law aspects relating to Hexagon’s entry into Austrian liquefied natural gas and liquefied hydrogen market.
bpv Hügel
Under the leadership of the highly experienced regulatory and competition lawyer Christian Schneider, bpv Hügel assists clients with issues of Austrian and EU state aid law, with a broad client base consisting of stakeholders in the electricity, gas and biofuels industries. The team is also active in the telecoms sector, and has additional expertise in handling matters of environmental law.
Practice head(s):
Christian Schneider
Testimonials
‘Christian Schneider identifies problems quickly and proposes serious solutions. The biggest upside to his advice is that he makes us aware of potential risks as opposed to simply going ahead with the client’s wishes even when there is no prospect of success.’
‘The flagship regarding energy law within bpv is Christian Schneider. His accuracy, knowledge and competence are outstanding.’
‘Effectiveness, this is the first word that comes to mind when I think about Christian Schneider, success is the second one because we won all of our litigations with him.’
Key clients
VERBUND AG
OMV AG
KELAG
Österreichs Energie
Erdöllagergesellschaft
Fachverband Gas Wärme
Kärnten Netz GmbH
IG Holzkraft
TIGAS
Gas Connect Austria
Nawaro
Vienna Airport
Work highlights
- Advised VERBUND AG on energy matters and represented it before the courts.
- Acted for OMV AG on energy matters and represented it before the courts.
- Asssted KELAG on energy matters and represented it before the courts.