Projects and energy in Austria

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) has ‘an extremely competent and broad team in all the necessary specialist areas for the evaluation and implementation of projects in the energy sector'. The group is particularly focused on environmental and climate change law, as well as planning and permitting procedures. The trio leading the team comprises Bernd Rajal, Christian Schmelz, and counsel Johannes Stalzer, who focuses on public procurement matters. In team news, Christoph Cudlik was promoted to counsel in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Bernd Rajal; Christian Schmelz; Johannes Stalzer


Other key lawyers:

Christoph Cudlik; Benjamin Schlatter


Testimonials

‘The legal advice and the strategic approach are first-class. Absolutely competent, fast and always up to date. Clients receive the best possible legal and strategic advice. We have never experienced anything comparable.’

‘Christian Schmelz, Christoph Cudlik and the team are skilful. Good cooperation with the authorities has contributed to accelerating the proceedings. The quick and reliable work, as well as the excellent legal and strategic knowledge, is priceless. Clients receive advice that is easy to understand and sophisticated down to the last detail.’

‘Christian Schmelz is an outstanding senior partner. For me he is the best Austrian lawyer in the field of projects and energy.’

‘Christian Schmelz’s work is characterised by meticulousness, speed and perfection.’

‘Benjamin Schlatter is an excellent expert. He delivers sound analyses of complicated problems, brings in new ideas and helps to develop good solutions.’

‘Christian Schmelz, Christoph Cudlik and Benjamin Schlatter are always available to solve even the most intractable problems. The preparation and elaboration of the topics for our projects was perfect. This has also enabled us to obtain legally binding approval for all our projects so far.’

‘The firm has an extremely competent and broad team in all the necessary specialist areas for the evaluation and implementation of projects in the energy sector.’

Key clients

Autobahnen- u Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG (ASFINAG)


Vienna International Airport (VIE)


Internationale Rheinregulierung


Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)


Laakirchen Papier AG


EBG MedAustron


TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft


Zellstoff Pöls AG


European Commission – DG Energy


Alpiq


EXAA Energy Exchange


EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)


OMV Petrom


Austrian Chamber of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich)


Red Bull


TINETZ-Tiroler Netze GmbH


OMV AG (E&P)


Österreichische Post AG


EVN AG


Federal Minister of Energy of Austria


Netz Niederösterreich


Gas Connect


Trans Austria


Energie Steiermark


ImWind


Verbund Green Power


Püspök


Allianz Capital Partners


Windlandkraft


Energiepark Bruck/Leitha


Windkraft Simonsfeld


WEB Windenegie AG


Contour Global


Ökoenergie


Energiewerkstatt


Ventureal


Work highlights


  • Advised SpaceX on the rollout of its Starlink satellite internet constellation services to Austria and the broader CEE region.
  • Advised the European Commission on the development of European hydrogen infrastructure, advising on regulations in 12 jurisdictions with regard to existing hydrogen-permitting regimes.
  • Advised Vienna International Airport and the state of Lower Austria on environmental impact assessment approval proceedings for a third runway at the airport.

Cerha Hempel

The cross-practice group at Cerha Hempel is a strong player in the Austrian market, with a client base is formed of both public and private entities; the group advises the Austrian state as well as Wiener Stadtwerke and all of its subsidiaries. In terms of sector specialisms, the group is active in energy, infrastructure, electronic tolling, oil and gas, and real estate. Hans Kristoferitsch, Clemens Hasenauer, Johannes Aehrenthal, and Peter Vcelouch are the key names at leadership level.

Practice head(s):

Clemens Hasenauer; Johannes Aehrenthal; Hans Kristoferitsch; Peter Vcelouch


Other key lawyers:

Claudia Hanslik-Schneider


Testimonials

‘I am particularly impressed by the quality of the whole team. If one lawyer is not available, I can call any of their colleagues who is not only fully briefed but also gives the same top level advice. Their legal knowledge is as fantastic as is their strategic thinking.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is very diligent and has broad knowledge. Moreover, he knows the whole Austrian legal community which is a real asset.’

‘Claudia Hanslik-Schneider gives top quality advice.’

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 all of its 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


Work highlights


  • Advised OMV on the sale of its filling station business in Germany.
  • Advising Austrian Power Grid on the conclusion of contracts to cover peaks in energy demand with energy producers.
  • Advising the Austrian operator of all waterways on the implementation of a pan-European communication and logistics system which is to be used for all vessels in the EU.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH

The group at CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH works across the energy sector, and has recently been highly active in mandates relating to transport and renewable energy. Bernt Elsner leads the firm’s public procurement group, while Thomas Hamerl leads the energy and climate change sector group. Construction law expert Nikolaus Weselik completes the roster of key contacts at leadership level. The group is consequently able to operate as a cross-practice team with a broad offering, as well as a targeted national team with deep sector knowledge.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Hamerl; Bernt Elsner; Nikolaus Weselik


Testimonials

‘Large team with availability when it comes to urgent requests.’

‘Deep legal knowledge combined with a high level of service and an outstanding approach to clients, other advisors and even negotiation counterparts.’

Key clients

Arena Hospitality Group


Breitbandholding


VX Fibre (Austria) and VNext (Sweden


Equitix


Verbund Green Energy


Hydrofy


Enerox


Swietelsky AG Bahnbau


GREEN SOURCE


eFriends Energy


commonsun


Porr Beteiligungen und Management


MLP Group


ENCAVIS Asset Management


ADX ENERGY


Swietelsky Tunnelbau


Siemens Gebäudemanagement & -Services


Projektgemeinschaft Brenner Basistunnel Nord


Strabag


European Investment Bank


Raiffeisen Landesbank OberösterreichOeEB Austrian Development Bank


DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH

At DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH, the projects and energy practice gives ‘clear advice on complex cross-border matters‘, and offers clients access to dedicated sector sub-groups, including the automotive and mobility group, and the construction and infrastructure group. Bernhard Müller heads up the team alongside Heinrich Kühnert, who is also head of the firm’s competition team. Associate Mirko Marjanovic advises on issues with a nexus to competition and antitrust law.

Practice head(s):

Bernhard Müller; Heinrich Kühnert


Other key lawyers:

Mirko Marjanovic; Patricia Backhausen


Testimonials

‘DORDA has technical and business knowledge and skills which are part of their solutions. They are up to date in a number of different areas and will inform themselves in advance or during an engagement on the background.’

‘Great availability and clear advice on complex cross-border matters.’

‘The team is both hard working and very available, and that has been essential for us in a fairly complex and rapidly moving cross-border deal.’

‘Strong technical skills, availability, fast turn-around, relevant industry experience and a deep bench. This allows them to support in all aspects of a complex project.’

‘Patricia Backhausen is professional and easy to work with, as well as being diligent and thorough. She takes in and understands different customers and commercial perspectives of legal matters.’

Key clients

Sandoz


Novartis Pharma Austria


EuroParcs Österreich GmbH


Inductive Energy A/S


TrailStone Renewables


DIF Capital Partners


DIF Infrastructure IV (DIF IV)


DigitalBridge Group, Inc


Kommunalkredit Austria


Cellnex Austria GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised DigitalBridge on the Austrian aspects of the GD Towers acquisition.
  • Advised DIF on the sale of its stake in an Austrian PPP-project (radiooncology-stations at two hospitals in Vienna).
  • Assisted Europarcs with its entry into the Austrian market, including advising on energy law issues.

E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Between them, the ‘pragmatic‘ and multi-disciplinary team members at E+H Rechtsanwälte GmbH have expertise in regulatory, finance, and corporate law. Marco Steiner, Ulrike Sehrschön and Tatjana Katalan-Dworak jointly lead the team, with Steiner being the main point of contact for many of the firm’s key clients in the projects and energy area. Christoph Lejsek is a key contact for transactional issues, particularly those with a cross-border element, and often works matters with a nexus to private equity.

Practice head(s):

Marco Steiner; Ulrike Sehrschön; Tatjana Katalan-Dworak


Other key lawyers:

Christoph Lejsek


Testimonials

‘The team has swift response times.’

‘Ulrike Sehrschön is highly professional in her legal analyses. She and the team are strongly focused on attaining a positive result for the client, in a way which is both legally sound and pragmatic.’

Key clients

Wien Energie GmbH


Energie Burgenland Green Energy GmbH


KELAG


Three Seas Investment Funds


Global Infrastructure Partners


Allianz Capital Partners


Verbund AG


Kommunalkredit Austria AG


Bioenergiewärme Gruppe


Klade Verwaltungs Gmbh


Holding Graz – Kommunale Dienstleistungen GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising, as local Austrian counsel, the consortium of GIP, KKR, and Stonepeak on the bidding process for Deutsche Telekom’s radio tower division.
  • Advising Energie Burgenland Green Energy and its subsidiary Sonnenbau on the construction of 500MW photovoltaic power plants.
  • Advised Österreichische Glasfaser-Infrastrukturgesellschaft, a 100% subsidiary of Allianz Group, on its co-operation with Breitband Holding for the further expansion of the fiber optic network in Lower Austria.

Niederhuber & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH

With offices in Vienna, Graz and Salzburg, boutique firm Niederhuber & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH has a significant presence across Austria. Paul Reichel, who is an expert on environmental law proceedings, is head of the Salzburg office and also leads the overall team alongside Martin Niederhuber and Peter Sander. Florian Stangl is a key name to note on the regulatory side, and comes recommended for his ‘high level of commitment and quick comprehension'.

Practice head(s):

Martin Niederhuber; Paul Reichel; Peter Sander


Other key lawyers:

Florian Stangl


Testimonials

‘Florian Stangl has a high level of commitment and quick comprehension in order to understand the client’s concerns as best as possible.’

 

Key clients

Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Transport and Innovation


VERBUND AG Group (VERBUND Hydropower, VERBUND Green Power GmbH; VERBUND Energy4Business)


Austrian Power Grid AG


EVN AG Group (EVN Wärme GmbH; EVN Wärmekraftwerke GmbH; EVN Naturkraft GmbH)


Salzburg AG für Energie, Verkehr, Telekommunikation


ECOWIND Handels-& Wartungs-GmbH


ÖWAV (Austrian Water and Waste Management Association)


Österreichischer Städtebund (Austrian Association of Cities)


Neoom Group GmbH


AIT Austrian Institute of Technology


Arbeiterkammer (Chamber of Labour)


Work highlights


  • Advising the Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Energy on various energy law issues, and on connected legal areas, including state aid law, constitutional law and civil law.
  • Advising VERBUND on various legal issues relating to the development of renewable energy projects, including the drafting of energy-related contracts.
  • Advising the Austrian Transmission System Operator on various regulatory issues.

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG

Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG has a strong energy and infrastructure practice, with five senior lawyers heading up the team: Andreas SchmidSilvia FesslSebastian Oberzaucher, and Kurt Retter, and Manfred Essletzbichler. Essletzbichler is described by one client as ‘a five-star lawyer and an excellent decision maker’, while  Fessl is singled out as ‘creative, always well informed and able to think outside the box‘. More widely, the group is also often involved with ESG matters and advises on Covid-19-related issues.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Schmid; Manfred Essletzbichler; Silvia Fessl; Sebastian Oberzaucher; Kurt Retter


Testimonials

‘A great team for success! We always feel that the members of the Wolf Theiss team share our values, clearly understand our needs, allocate the roles according to their expertise and support us fully through our projects.’

‘Wolf Theiss consists of professionals from different practices. This shortens our communication channels and therefore saves us precious time.’

‘I would describe Manfred Essletzbichler as a five-star lawyer and an excellent decision maker.’

‘Sebastian Oberzaucher is a true procurement professional, who does not distinguish between his goals and the goals of his client. He is very precise, fast responding and communicates in a transparent manner. We appreciate his ability to focus on a matter and work hard until the goal is reached.’

‘Silvia Fessl is not afraid to take responsibility for projects of any complexity. She is creative, always well informed and able to think outside the box.’

Key clients

Engie (formerly GDF Suez)


Gazprom


RWE / KELAG Group


PORR Group


Lukoil Group


BP Power Trading Limited


Exxon Mobil Corporation


Vinci Group


Axpo Group


ERG Renew Group


Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH


European Investment Bank (EIB)


SNAM SpA


Meridiam


Vienna Airport (Flughafen Wien AG)


Work highlights


  • Advising Österreichische Gesundheitskasse on the tender procedure for a contractor for the construction of the new pavilion 6 on the premises of the Hanusch Hospital in Vienna.
  • Advising Brightfield Trading and Coöperatieve Rabobank on a commodity repo financing transaction with Gunvor International relating to gas located at a facility in Austria.
  • Advised the global research-based pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim on its plan for a new production plant in Bruck an der Leitha in Lower Austria.

Binder Grösswang

Binder Grösswang‘s regulatory-focused offering is headed up by Johannes Barbist, who is ‘very knowledgeable about Austrian law relating to design and construction issues'. Regina Kröll is another noted practitioner with regulatory expertise; the pair are referred to as ‘absolutely informed about all regulatory developments'. More widely at the firm, there is a close collaboration between teams, and the group is able to provide tailored projects and energy advice.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Barbist


Other key lawyers:

Regina Kröll


Testimonials

‘Johannes Barbist is very knowledgeable about Austrian law relating to design and construction issues. Easy to talk to and to the point.’

‘Johannes Barbist and Regina Kröll are absolutely informed about all regulatory developments and provide fast and highly qualified advice.’

Key clients

VERBUND AG


CORESTATE CAPITAL Fund Management S.à.r.l.


UniCredit Bank Austria AG


Mubadala


Smurfit Kappa Nettingsdorf


Kärntner Beteiligungsverwaltung


ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG


CUBE Infrastructure Fund II


Rail Cargo Austria AG


ÖBB-Holding AG


CAPE 10 Errichtung & Betrieb GmbH


viktor kaplan muerz gmbh


TIWAG-Tiroler Wasserkraft AG


Work highlights


  • Advising Cryoshelter on the entry of Hexagon Composites ASA into the liquefied natural gas business and Hexagon Purus ASA into the liquefied hydrogen business.
  • Advised Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien on the financing of Windpark Berg.
  • Advised Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien on the financing of Windpark Trautmannsdorf.

bpv Hügel

bpv Hügel has a great deal of experience in the energy sector, and focuses on regulatory work. Christian Schneider is at the helm, and assists a range of high-profile clients from the public and private sectors. The practice works closely with the firm’s competition department, and is also adept when it comes to projects with a nexus to EU law issues.

Practice head(s):

Christian Schneider


Testimonials

‘High experience in the energy sector.’

‘The availability and experience of Christian Schneider is key.’

Key clients

VERBUND AG


OMV AG


KELAG


Erdöllagergesellschaft


Fachverband Gas Wärme


Kärnten Netz GmbH


IG Holzkraft


TIGAS


Gas Connect Austria


Nawaro


Work highlights


  • Advising OMV and its subsidiaries on various energy matters.
  • Advising KELAG and its subsidiaries on various energy matters.

PHH Rechtsanwälte GmbH

PHH Rechtsanwält:innen GmbH has a ‘deep and profound knowledge and experience in the energy sector’, and is headed up by Dominik Kurzmann, who founded the practice in 2020, and is described as having ‘excellent know-how‘ in this field. The group is well placed to handle the gamut of relevant issues, but has a special focus on renewable energy sector clients.

Practice head(s):

Dominik Kurzmann


Testimonials

‘Dominik Kurzmann and his team have excellent know-how and provide hands-on advice. The response time is great.’

‘Deep and profound knowledge and experience in the energy sector. High quality output. Great client service.’

‘Highly professional, profound expertise, and fast communication.’

Key clients

Wien Energie GmbH


Amarenco Solar Austria GmbH


PVTechnologies GmbH


value 8 GmbH


PVT International GmbH


Sonnenschmiede GmbH


Kostmann GesmbH


Solarpark Alpha


Work highlights


  • Advising Wien Energie on the purchase of hydropower plants to increase its renewable energy portfolio.
  • Advising Amarenco Solar Austria on the planning and implementation of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, the establishment of energy communities and general issues concerning subsidies for renewable energy power plants.
  • Advising on the establishment of one of the first renewable energy communities in Austria.

Schima Mayer Starlinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH

Schima Mayer Starlinger Rechtsanwälte GmbH is, for one client, ‘an absolute go-to legal adviser for energy matters in Austria and also neighbouring CEE countries.’ Aside from its deep energy sector knowledge and ability to advise on day-to-day energy matters, the team also has a strong competition law aspect to it, and is able to work at the intersection of these two areas. Group head Thomas Starlinger comes recommended for his ‘great practical knowledge and experience in energy law’ and his knowledge of the German energy market.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Starlinger


Testimonials

‘Deep sectoral and institutional knowledge. An absolute go-to legal adviser for energy matters in Austria and also neighbouring CEE countries.’

‘Thomas Starlinger is a longstanding adviser in the energy sector with corporate and private practice experience. He has known the liberalised gas and energy market in Austria since its inception and has been involved in many key cases.’

‘Thomas Starlinger is an attorney who knows this sector like hardly anyone else in Austria. Dedicated, hard working, and extremely knowledgeable.’

‘Deep knowledge and experienced team in the energy sector.’

‘They are to the point, fast, cost-efficient and punctual.’

‘Thomas Starlinger has great practical knowledge and experience in energy law and knows a lot about the Austrian and German energy market.’

‘Thomas Starlinger applies his deep insight into energy businesses and even takes care of minor issues in person. It was astonishing how he helped us increase our efficiency.’

Key clients

AGGM Austrian Gas Grid Management AG


Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised AGGM Austrian Gas Grid Management on the setting up of a legal framework and the procurement of a strategic gas reserve by the Republic of Austria.
  • Advising multiple market participants on possible gas supply restrictions, including potential force majeure claims.
  • Representing different energy traders in cases regarding the possible infringement of EU Regulation No 1227/2011 on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency.