Allen & Overy LLP stands at the forefront of energy-sector legal expertise with ‘a level of excellence beyond the industry’, and a robust portfolio that includes cross-border energy projects and projects in emerging markets through the Belt and Road initiative. The firm supports Chinese state-owned enterprises as they expand internationally, particularly into the realm of renewable energy. The team is under the co-leadership of Yvonne Ho and Ling Li. Ho has a track record of advising leading Chinese banks and corporations on prominent projects such as LNG and power plants, as well as advising on energy financing transactions for banks. Li offers her expertise on outbound and international energy transactions involving Chinese interests, ranging from oil and gas to renewables and mining sectors. Matthew Bisley aids lenders and sponsors in the development of energy and renewables projects, and Benjamin Crawford is known for his work on corporate transactions in the energy sector, especially involving Chinese companies’ expansions into Latin America and beyond. Lucia He offers expertise on both buy-side and sell-side transactions in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Ashurst advises lenders, sponsors, export credit agencies and developers in the realm of project financing and development, particularly in transport sectors like rail, roads, and bridges, as well as the broader infrastructure spectrum encompassing energy, social, and digital avenues. The practice also advises on the development and financing of innovative renewable power projects, such as wind, solar, hydro, and waste-to-energy, as well as projects central to the energy transition, like mineral processing. At the helm of its China team is Chin Chuan Chen, who operates out of both Singapore and Beijing. He brings a wealth of experience in energy and financing transactions across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and mining. Counsel Zhibin Fan is an expert in banking and project finance, particularly within infrastructure, energy, and natural resources, and his experience extends to advising both international and Chinese banks on cross-border financing projects and navigating regulatory issues in China and the US.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP boasts a premier position in the energy sector, providing ‘top-quality advice’ in areas like oil and gas, LNG, power, mining, nuclear, and renewables. The team’s proficiencies also extend to diverse projects ranging from water and waste, to transport infrastructure like rail, airports, ports, and roads, as well as PPP/PFI initiatives. At the leadership core are Monica Sun and Calvin Ho based in mainland China, and Hilary Lau based in Hong Kong. Sun is renowned for guiding Chinese companies on a myriad of overseas energy projects, spanning from petrochemical plants and LNG to solar, hydropower, and wind endeavours. Ho brings rich experience in cross-border transactions, adeptly handling acquisitions, development, financing, and more for the region’s leading energy and infrastructure giants. Of Counsel Jie Li offers insightful advice to Chinese state-owned enterprises and global clients, particularly on greenfield project development and financing across various energy domains such as LNG and wind projects.

Linklaters remains a dominant force within the energy and natural resources sector, providing a ‘one-stop-shop service’ that spans the full value chain, from M&A, banking, and finance to projects and dispute resolution. The team offers experience in Belt and Road Initiative deals, facilitating Chinese corporate investments across Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Xiaohui Ji heads the practice, with a focus on energy and infrastructure and a robust portfolio around sector investment, project development, and financing. His extensive collaborations include major Chinese policy and commercial banks, prominent Chinese corporates in the sector, as well as global ECAs and commercial banks. Counsel Jianbin Wang concentrates his focus on energy, natural resources, and infrastructure, particularly in the context of Belt and Road transactions. He regularly provides counsel to both international and Chinese banks on high-profile financing deals across diverse sectors, from oil and gas to energy, mining, and broader infrastructure.

Baker McKenzie FenXun showcases a broad spectrum of expertise, encompassing development, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, finance, as well as PFI and PPP investments. The practice’s services span international and local tax structuring, capital markets, climate change, energy trading, and dispute resolution. The projects department is spearheaded by Simon Leung in Hong Kong, whose proficiency lies in advising on cross-border PRC-related financing transactions, among other areas. Stanley Jia, leading the energy practice from Beijing, brings valuable insights into foreign indirect investments in China, with a notable emphasis on sectors like energy, mining, and infrastructure construction. Over in Shanghai, Alexander Gong steers the firm’s real estate team, where his expertise covers transactional work, commercial leasing, and private equity funds.

The ‘highly professional team’ at Pinsent Masons serves a clientele that ranges from Chinese state-owned contractors to international financial institutions, with a marked presence in Southeast Asia and an expanding footprint in Africa, especially through Belt and Road Initiative projects. The team is led by Mark Hu, Kanyi Lui, and John Yeap. Hu excels in collaborating with Chinese state-owned entities on substantial outbound projects in renewables, while Lui’s expertise lies in aiding lenders and sponsors in project completion across varied jurisdictions. Yeap’s specialisation encompasses regulatory, project finance and corporate transactions in the energy and power sectors. Amanda Yao navigates legal terrains for Chinese companies’ investment endeavours in energy and infrastructure projects and M&A transactions, with a notable emphasis on greenfield investments and debt financing.

The China projects and energy practice of Clyde & Co LLP, with its expertise in the oil and gas, power, renewables, and mining sectors, is under the leadership of Fei Kwok, based in Hong Kong. Kwok’s speciality lies in corporate commercial contracts for energy projects, project development, and intricate project finance transactions, primarily serving Chinese state-owned companies as well as Chinese and international private entities. Senior Associate Yang Liu in Shanghai excels in areas such as financing transactions, M&As, and LNG procurement and trading, representing Chinese and international companies.

Reed Smith LLP demonstrates proficiency in sectors including energy, natural resources, oil and gas, mining, and LNG. The department is led by Eric Lin, an expert in international M&A, project finance, and energy-related endeavours. Lin’s notable expertise lies in guiding both outbound and inbound investment projects related to China.