Firms To Watch: Energy

Boutique Köchling & Krahnefeld Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB in Hamburg is led by Lutz Krahnefeld, Markus Ehrmann and Claire Pröbstle. The team specialises in public energy law and also advises on interfacing environmental, planning and construction law issues.
Kapellmann und Partner primarily assists with project work in the renewable energies sector, including onshore and offshore wind, photovoltaics and hydropower. Among the client base are energy suppliers, grid operators, project developers, planning companies, plant construction companies as well as local authorities, investors and banks.
Oppenhoff focuses on transactions and project work, here, the team regularly assists with mandates from the renewable energies segment and cooperates with other locations. In March 2022, Carmen Schneider (previously at Chatham Partners LLP) joined the team; her industry expertise covers contracts as well as regulatory and trade matters.
Schalast Law | Tax has a dual focus on transactions and disputes, including contentious regulatory, antitrust and insolvency-related matters in the energy sector. In June 2021, the team welcomed Janka Schwaibold from Becker Büttner Held, Rechtsanwälte Wirtschaftsprüfer Steuerberater, who specialises in access rights and market procedures as well as energy trade contract drafting.  

Energy in Germany

Gleiss Lutz

Gleiss Lutz recently added international infrastructure funds to its client roster, which also includes energy companies, network operators and energy-intensive industrial companies. Co-practice head and M&A expert Cornelia Topf advises funds and energy companies on transactions, which constitute a key advisory focus. Growth areas are e-mobility and the hydrogen economy, as was recently demonstrated in the advice on a cross-border joint venture related to sustainable aviation fuel. Another key area is the regulatory workload, where the team assists with issues pertaining to the coal phase-out, gas sector regulation as well as contract drafting. The regulatory division is headed by co-practice head and public law specialist Jacob von Andreae, who also advises on EEG-related issues and renewable energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Cornelia Topf; Jacob von Andraea


Other key lawyers:

Burghard Hildebrandt; Marc Ruttloff


Testimonials

‘Dr. Burghard Hildebrandt: Comprehensive specialist knowledge of energy law, careful and committed work.’

‘Excellent ability to work in a team, very good and pleasant communication with clients.’

‘The courteous and unpretentious handling of the client paired with excellent specialist knowledge and the ability to familiarize himself with new, especially technical and scientific issues, are all characteristics of Dr. Marc Ruttloff.’

Key clients

Brookfield


InfraVia Capital Partners


Northern Data AG


Senvion


Total/SAFT


RWE AG


E.ON/Preussen Elektra


SEGRO


VKTA und Freistaat Sachsen


Norderland-Gruppe


BayWa AG und BayWa re


TotalEnergies Renewables


Work highlights


  • Advising the owners of the Norderland Group on the sale of the Horizon wind portfolio to the energy company enercity.

  • Advising Total Energies Renewables on  German market entry, in particular on solar projects and self-sufficiency models.

  • Advice to the VKTA – Strahlenschutz, Analytik & Entsorgung Rossendorf e.V. and the State of Saxony on the negotiation and conclusion of a public-law contract to transfer responsibility and liability for nuclear waste from GDR research facilities to the federal government.

Hengeler Mueller

Hengeler Mueller offers comprehensive energy law expertise in transactional and regulatory matters. The practice regularly cooperates with a best friends network as well as the Energy Law Group, thus covering relevant matters in Germany and Europe. Among the key topics are future technologies such as the hydrogen sector, battery storage and e-mobility, where clients are assisted with the development of business models and contract drafting. In the transactional arena, Nicolas Böhm, Jens Wenzel and counsel Andreas Breier recently advised on some of the largest deals in the German energy market, particularly in the offshore wind sector. In addition, domestic and foreign energy suppliers, investors and energy-intensive companies were advised on investments with a special focus on renewable energies, including hydrogen, photovoltaics and wind energy. The team also assists with regulatory issues, where Dirk Uwer and Moritz Rademacher (both public law) as well as Jörg Meinzenbach and Daniel Zimmer (both antitrust law) regularly take the lead in proceedings before the courts and authorities, including matters pertaining to grid expansion, network fees as well as landmark proceedings. This is complemented by expertise in corporate PPA and regulatory changes to the expansion of renewable energies, particularly hydrogen energy.

Other key lawyers:

Dirk Uwer; Jörg Meinzenbach; Nicolas Böhm; Jens Wenzel; Andreas Breier; Sebastian Schneider; Daniel Zimmer; Moritz Rademacher


Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH comprehensively advises energy companies (including conventional energy suppliers as well as onshore and offshore wind farm operators), suppliers, energy consumers and grid operators on energy law with a focus on international arbitration proceedings, regulatory issues and transactions. Most recently, the team represented some of the largest energy suppliers in Europe in arbitration proceedings against states before the ICSID regarding the coal and nuclear phase-out. Practice head and antitrust law expert Holger Stappert frequently takes the lead here, he has additional expertise in merger control proceedings. Gerd Stuhlmacher is a key contact for transactions, while regulatory specialist Angelo Vallone advises on matters pertaining to the growth area energy trading; he is also experienced in contentious energy law issues. Tobias Leidinger (energy, environmental and planning law) is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Holger Stappert


Other key lawyers:

Guido Jansen; Gerd Stuhlmacher; Angelo Vallone; Tobias Leidinger; Stefan Altenschmidt; Richard Happ; Karsten Köhler


Testimonials

‘Tobias Leidinger is a very experienced expert in both nuclear law and administrative procedural law.’

‘In addition to the extraordinarily high level of legal qualifications, the Luther team also brings in-depth economic thinking and very high personal skills. The consultation is very complex; Aspects not addressed by the client are proactively pointed out. The lawyers are very easy to reach. All in all a very successful cooperation.’

‘Holger Stappert: Very competent, always up-to-date, very communicative and pleasant to deal with.’

‘Gerd Stuhlmacher: Specialist at a high level, can grasp extremely complicated issues quickly and assess them legally in a “compact” manner.’

‘Very helpful, efficient and fast, they don’t look for problems but offer effective solutions.’

‘I would like to recommend Gerd Stuhlmacher who is a great professional with many years of experience and has unique insight into the energy industry.’

‘Very efficient processing of requests; Information is carefully forwarded internally so that no “double information” is required from the client side. Predominantly single point of contact with the resources in the background make the communication very effective.’

‘Dr. Angelo Vallone: In addition to the extensive knowledge of energy law, we appreciate the practical cooperation. Commercial, tax and technical issues are also quickly understood and thus lead to very efficient cooperation.’

Key clients

E.ON (und Tochtergesellschaften z.B. PreussenElektra, Avacon)


Uniper


RWE


LEAG


Vattenfall


Statkraft


Eneco


INEOS


BP


Henkel


TrailStone


Aurubis


MET Holding


Lichtblick


RWTH Aachen


Work highlights


  • Advising and representing Aurubis AG on the conclusion of a long-term heating supply contract for the low-CO2 heat supply of Hamburg by means of district heating extraction from the industrial production project.

  • Advising Optimax Energy GmbH on the allegation of market manipulation by the market transparency office due to trading behavior during the near power outages in June 2019 in administrative offense proceedings.

  • Advising and representing Kraftwerk Plattling GmbH, which is part of the E.ON Group, before the Munich Regional Court in proceedings for additional payments of EEG surcharges in the hundreds of millions to TransnetBW GmbH for an alleged electricity supply.

Noerr

Noerr ‘s client base consists of state and federal ministries as well as energy suppliers from the onshore and offshore wind, solar and geothermal energy sectors, which benefit from the team’s expertise at the M&A, corporate and tax law interface. The firm’s renowned dispute resolution practice assists with proceedings such as ICSID  arbitration proceedings – Christian Alexander Mayer is a key contact here – as well as proceedings before the courts. Tibor Fedke and Christoph Spiering cover matters at the M&A interface, while Cornelia Kermel is an expert in concession procedures; she also regularly advises on traditional energy law and regulatory issues, where she frequently joins forces with Martin Geipel. Among the client portfolio are many players from the renewable energy sector, which the team advises on projects, including related acquisition and financing transactions, as well as matters pertaining to the growth area mobility such as electric vehicles and CO2 pooling by car manufacturers. Christof Federwisch (project work, including acquisition and financing) heads the practice, which welcomed  associate partner Carsten Bringmann (environmental and planning law) in January 2022, he joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP.

Practice head(s):

Christof Federwisch


Other key lawyers:

Tibor Fedke; Cornelia Kermel; Holger Schmitz; Christoph Spiering; Katrin Andrä; Martin Geipel; Christian Alexander Mayer; Frank Hölscher; Anke Meier; Carsten Bringmann


Testimonials

‘Extremely good accessibility, high-quality and practice-oriented advice, quick response.’

Key clients

Alte Leipziger/Hallesche Leben


Compleo Charging Solutions


DNV GL SE


E.ON S.E./E.ON Rhein Ruhr GmbH


ENGIE


ENTEGA AG


EWE AG


Bundesrepublik Deutschland


Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz


Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr


Hessische Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Energie, Verkehr und Wohnen


IBERDROLA Renovables


Mazda Motor Europe GmbH


Meridiam


MET Holding AG


Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Innovation, Digitalisierung und Energie des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen


MOIA


Nationale Leitstelle Ladeinfrastruktur


Plenium Partners


Re-Wind


SAIC Motor Corporation Limited


SL Nature Energy Group


Baden-Württemberg; Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg


STEAG


Swisspower Renewables AG


Thüga AG


Veolia Group


Vinnolit


Volkswagen


Volta Charging


Work highlights


  • Representing the Federal Republic of Germany in an ICSID arbitration against Irish investors. The arbitration concerns alleged claims under the Energy Charter Treaty.

  • Representing the Federal Republic of Germany in an ICSID arbitration against Austrian investors from the Strabag Group on the basis of the Energy Charter Treaty and in connection with the change in the legal framework for offshore wind farms in Germany.

  • Advising Iberdrola Renovables on the planning approval process for the construction of the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea with an installed capacity of 376 MW. Iberdrola received the planning approval decision on April 22, 2022.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP ‘s team demonstrates its strength in sector-specific transactional expertise and recently advised some of the largest energy suppliers and investors. The group is well versed in transactions in the renewable energy sector, including onshore and offshore wind, photovoltaics and hydrogen. This focus is not least due to the expertise of practice head Nicolaus Ascherfeld, who also heads the corporate law and M&A team and is supported by Max Landshut (M&A, joint ventures, restructuring). Another central pillar of the practice is financing and refinancing advice, which is further complemented by experience in conflict resolution, where arbitration expert Anna Masser regularly advises energy suppliers in cross-border commercial arbitration proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Nicolaus Ascherfeld


Other key lawyers:

Max Landshut; Hans Schoneweg; Hans Diekmann; Rüdiger Klüber; Wolfgang Melzer; Anna Masser; Udo Olgemöller; Walter Uebelhoer


Testimonials

‘I enjoyed working with them. They adopt a no-nonsense approach to disputes and have avoided distractions from opposing counsel. They are also very fair in their billing and staffing.’

‘Anna Masser is a strong leader – a good ‘First Chair’ Arbitration Attorney.’

Key clients

Uniper SE


VTG Tanktainer GmbH


Hamburger Gesellschaft für Vermögens- und Beteiligungsmanagement


Commerzbank AG


Bundesrepublik Deutschland/Finanzagentur GmbH


Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG


REDAVIA GmbH


Alterric GmbH


ENERCON Gruppe


Work highlights


  • Representing Uniper SE before German courts in a dispute with the Netherlands regarding the admissibility of ICSID arbitrations within the EU under the Energy Charter Treaty.

  • Advising Uniper SE on the key elements of a stabilization package in view of the supply shortfalls in Russian natural gas totaling €15 billion, which Uniper and the German government as well as Uniper’s major shareholder Fortum Oyi have agreed on.

  • Advising VTG Tanktainer GmbH on the sale of its overseas tank container business to Suttons Group.

Becker Büttner Held, Rechtsanwälte Wirtschaftsprüfer Steuerberater

Boutique Becker Büttner Held, Rechtsanwälte Wirtschaftsprüfer Steuerberater focuses on energy and infrastructure law and follows an interdisciplinary approach in advising federal states, federal ministries, associations and project developers. The team handles all regulatory issues as well as planning and approval procedures, as was recently demonstrated in the assistance with the construction of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and a network of hydrogen filling stations for heavy commercial vehicles. The team also advises energy suppliers and investors on transactions as well as project developers in the founding phase. In addition to e-mobility and hydrogen, recent prominent topics include PV, environmentally friendly heating methods and climate neutrality. Among the key contacts are Christian Theobald (grid access), Christian Held (hydrogen sector), Christian Thole (gas and hydrogen sector) and Ines Zenke (compliance, dispute resolution).

Other key lawyers:

Christian Theobald; Ines Zenke; Christian Held; Christian Thole; Malaika Ahlers; Dominique Couval; Christoph Lamy; Tigran Heymann; Jens Panknin; Martin Altrock; Thies Christian Hartmann; Jan-Hendrik vom Wege; Carsten Telschow


Testimonials

‘Thematically very broad team, with a strong attention to detail in special cases, very good networking with authorities, good and timely information on changes in regulations, good opportunities to exhaust legal remedies via collective proceedings.’

‘Dr. Thies Christian Hartmann has a high level of professional competence; good structuring of the topics.’

‘Overall, the law firm has extensive knowledge of the energy industry and all associated legal issues. Fast response times. Close connection to legislation. Goal-oriented work, uncomplicated communication.’

Work highlights


  • Advice to the state of Berlin on the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Stromnetz Berlin GmbH.

  • Representation in 475 complaint procedures against the determination of the equity interest rates for the 4th regulatory period.

  • Advice to KlimaAK with 40 member companies on the conception, development and coordination of the KlimAK, including support for currently 40 municipal utilities in becoming climate neutral.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance recently demonstrated particular strength in advising on investments pertaining to the hydrogen economy, although the team also focuses on onshore and offshore wind, liquefied and natural gas as well as grid expansion matters. Mathias Elpass regularly takes the lead in these projects, he took over the practice management from Björn Heinlein (regulatory issues, M&A, energy-related project work) during the reporting period; Heinlein remains on the team as of counsel. Transactional advice is a key strength of the team, with the two M&A experts Anselm Raddatz and Markus Stephanblome regularly assisting strategic and financial investors as well as energy suppliers with national and cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. Florian Mahler is the key contact for relevant project financing issues. Elspass complements this offer with environmental and planning law expertise, which includes matters pertaining to emissions trading as well as ESG.

Practice head(s):

Mathias Elspaß


Other key lawyers:

Björn Heinlein; Thomas Voland; Anselm Raddatz; Markus Stephanblome; Florian Mahler


Testimonials

‘They make things easier for clients and offer clear and practical solutions to complex problems.’

‘Exceptional industry knowledge and quality.’

‘Mathias Elpass and Björn Heinlein are very client-oriented and have exceptional knowledge of the industry.’

CMS

CMS recently assisted with matters in the hydrogen, offshore wind and e-mobility sector. The workload consisted primarily of transactions, the establishment of joint ventures and project work, including approval and planning procedures. Fritz von Hammerstein and practice head Ursula Steinkemper (both environmental and planning law) are key contacts for the latter segment. In addition, Hammerstein is known for his expertise in mining law, where he advises on exploration permits and natural gas production projects. Recently, the practice’s project work covered grid expansion (including hydrogen), offshore wind farms and photovoltaic systems. Renowned antitrust law expert Rolf Hempel represents clients from the energy sector in antitrust and merger control proceedings before the Federal Cartel Office and the European Commission.

Practice head(s):

Ursula Steinkemper


Other key lawyers:

Cosima von Rechteren; Christian Haellmigk; Shaghayegh Smousavi; Fritz von Hammerstein; Holger Kraft; Rolf Hempel; Friedrich von Burchard


Testimonials

‘The CMS team has extensive wind farm experience, including regulatory issues and financing.’

‘Holger Kraft was responsive and competent both in project development and in the sale of shares and also took on project management functions here.’

Key clients

Phillips 66


Bayernets GmbH


Iberdrola


Wircon GmbH


EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG


Verbund AG


Daimler Truck AG


Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG


Volkswagen AG


Northland Power Inc.


Stadtwerke München GmbH


Bayerngas GmbH


montanSOLAR GmbH


Luxcara


INERATEC


Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg


NeuConnect Konsortium


TransnetBW SuedLink GmbH & Co. KG


50Hertz Transmission GmbH


Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG


Terranets BW


Thyssengas


Work highlights


  • Advising Phillips 66 on the development of a European H2 filling station network with H2 Energy Europe.

  • Advising the international energy group Iberdrola on the development of the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm project in the Baltic Sea.

  • Comprehensive advice to IONITY, one of the largest charging infrastructure operators in Germany and Europe.

Dentons

Dentons focuses on project work and advising financial investors on M&A transactions in the renewable energy sector, including the conventional energy industry as well as the prominent hydrogen sector. This focus is also reflected in the capacities of the team, led by practice head Thomas Schubert (corporate and M&A), which includes Thomas Dörmer, Tim Heitling and Michael Krömker (all comprehensively advise on sector-specific transactions); this combined expertise also benefits clients in matters pertaining to the digitisation of the energy sector. The team also offers industry expertise in the telecoms as well as waste management industry, where it is regularly instructed by financial investors. This is complemented by regulatory expertise in energy contract law, emissions trading, compliance and ESG. The key contacts here are Gabriele Haas in Frankfurt and Florian-Alexander Wesche in Düsseldorf.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Schubert


Other key lawyers:

Tim Heitling; Thomas Dörmer; Florian-Alexander Wesche; Michael Krömker; Gabriele Haas; Josef Hainz; Daniel Neudecker


Testimonials

‘Florian-Alexander Wesche is always quick on the subject and has a good understanding of energy law issues.’

‘The Dentons team is technically excellent and is particularly characterized by an entrepreneurial and pragmatic way of working.’

‘All legal risks are pointed out, so that a trusting relationship has developed. In addition, it is noticeable that the coordination works extraordinarily well.’

‘Tim Heitling is fully committed to bringing a transaction to a successful conclusion. In addition, he manages to explain complex issues in an understandable way and thinks outside the box. I can wholeheartedly recommend him.’

‘Thomas Dörmer is excellent at negotiating SPAs. He adapts excellently to the wishes of the client and is available at all times for coordination and negotiations.’

‘Tim Heitling is an excellent lawyer and a pleasure to work with. He impresses with his specialist knowledge and high level of practical relevance.’

‘Thomas Schubert: professionalism, availability and commitment; entrepreneurial thinking with and for the client.’

‘Florian-Alexander Wesche: Extensive understanding of the energy industry, especially in the areas of trading and metering.’

Key clients

ARLANXEO


Commerz Real


Daimler


Enersis


Infracapital


Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)


Mainsite


MVR (Stadtreinigung Hamburg)


Q-Energy


Solandeo


STEAG


Volkswagen


Work highlights


  • Advising Q-Energy on the acquisition of a portfolio of 16 wind farms in Germany from MEAG. The transaction includes a total of 56 wind turbines in northern Germany with an installed capacity of 109 MW.

  • Comprehensive antitrust and merger control law advice to Volkswagen on the establishment of a joint venture with the Italian energy supplier Enel X to set up the charging infrastructure network in Italy.

  • Advising the technology company Solandeo on a further round of financing, in which, among others, the Oldenburg energy supplier EWE AG is taking a stake in the company as a new minority shareholder, and on the conclusion of cooperation agreements with leading energy suppliers.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper fields renewable energy and gas expert Michael Cieslarczyk and is well versed in advising on energy regulation, energy contract law and energy trading law. Cieslarczyk and his team follow an interdisciplinary approach and regularly advise on projects, transactions as well as contentious matters and arbitration proceedings. Most recently, the workload included mandates in connection with the sanctions against Russia and Belarus and the effects on energy trading in Europe. In the renewable energy sector, the practice mainly assists with offshore wind projects, including relevant financing matters, but is also well versed in advising on future technologies such as e-mobility, charging station infrastructure, battery storage and self-supply.

Practice head(s):

Michael Cieslarczyk


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Ollech; Wolfram Distler


Testimonials

‘Comprehensive coverage of all relevant issues in Germany and across borders.’

‘Michael Cieslarczyk is very client-oriented and developed a real understanding of the topic and why the projects were of great strategic importance to us. This enabled him to prioritize the legal issues correctly and also to set the relevant priorities in the negotiations. This is often not the case with external lawyers.’

Key clients

BASF


Vattenfall


Canadian Solar


EWE


NetConnect Germany GmbH & Co KG


Riffgat Offshore Wind Farm


EWE Trading


EFET – European Federation of Energy Traders


EWE Go GmbH


BASF Renewables


Work highlights


  • Advising BASF on the sale of 25.2% of the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) offshore wind farm in the Netherlands to Allianz.

  • Advising BASF on a partnership with Vattenfall regarding the Hollandse Kust West (HKW) offshore wind farm project.
     

  • Advice to Canadian Solar on its intended acquisition of a solar PV portfolio in Germany, Spain and Portugal.

Linklaters

Linklaters' renowned transaction practice is regularly instructed by investors, project developers and energy suppliers in connection with renewable energies, particularly offshore wind and solar, as well as conventional power plants. In addition to traditional M&A advice, including relevant financing matters, the team also advises on sector-specific joint ventures, investments and restructurings; practice head Thomas Schulz is a key contact here. This offering is complemented by regulatory expertise in EEG conversions and energy audits, as well as experience in future technologies such as hydrogen, e-mobility and battery storage systems.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Schulz


Other key lawyers:

Jens Hollinderbäumer; Christopher Bremme; Jörg Fried; Julia Sack


Key clients

Glennmont Partners


DIF Infrastructure und EDF Invest


Uniper Kraftwerke GmbH


BlackRock Global Renewable Power Plattform


Reliance Industries Limited


Vantage Towers


Westenergie AG


E.ON SE


Vodafone-Gruppe


Enel X


Mercuria Energy Group Limited


Kallista Energy


wpd AG


Sumitomo Electric Industries


Projekt-gesellschaft des GuD-Kraftwerks Herne 6


Work highlights


  • Advising Glennmont Partners on the acquisition of a 50% stake in Ørsted’s Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farm.

  • Advising the Dutch infrastructure fund DIF Capital Partners and EDF Invest on the sale of the gas network operator Thyssengas GmbH as part of a bidding process to the Australian investment company Macquarie.

  • Advising Uniper Kraftwerke GmbH on the sale of their joint venture stake in the 900 MW Schkopau lignite power plant to the EPH Group by way of a combined share and asset deal.

Raue

Raue focuses on litigation in the energy sector, including gas and electricity concession award procedures before the Federal Court of Justice and the repayment of the EEG levy to grid operators. This offer is complemented by regulatory expertise, where the team assists energy suppliers with the development of new business models and infrastructure projects, including the hydrogen sector, as well as experience in advising on transactions and joint ventures; Corporate VC matters are handled in close cooperation with the venture capital practice. Recent growth areas include smart metering, e-mobility and the advice to investors on green investment products. The team is led by Christian von Hammerstein, who covers all contentious and non-contentious energy law matters, he is supported by counsel Peter Roegele (energy law and financial regulatory law) and energy, antitrust and procurement law specialist Hans Heller; the latter made partner in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Christian von Hammerstein


Other key lawyers:

Bernd Beckmann; Anna von Bremen; Hans Heller; Peter Roegele


Testimonials

‘The team responds immediately when contacted. Very good source of information on the topic at hand. Small but very efficient and effective energy team.’

‘Christian von Hammerstein has excellent industry knowledge and is also well informed about the latest topics. He familiarizes himself well with the topics, both contract drafting and negotiations are excellent. Litigation, if necessary, is also dealt with effectively. Anna von Bremen provides very good support. Pronounced detailed knowledge of the respective process.’

‘The standard way in which they deal with clients is at the highest level because the contact person also has the technical expertise. For us, this point of view is particularly important. Every euro is very well invested in Raue’s advice.’

‘Anna von Bremen provides reliable advice at the highest level. She is able to place her advice in a service-oriented, very understandable and helpful manner. i.e. every advice from Ms. von Bremen brings the desired step forward. The advice can be described as precise.’

‘Bernd Beckmann has been a sparring partner for strategic decisions for years because he understands the renewable energy market and the technical issues very well and is always up-to-date – professionally beyond any doubt.’

‘Raue advises comprehensively. For all our subject areas, we always have a competent contact at our side at a high professional level and with excellent specialist depth.’

‘Thanks to Mr. Roegele’s excellent industry expertise in energy and distribution law, we were able to achieve sensational success by interlinking the two legal areas.’

‘Anna von Bremen: Super lawyer, very precise and correct.’

Key clients

EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG/Netze BW GmbH


ENGIE Deutschland GmbH


ENGIE S.A.


GP JOULE Gruppe


RightNow GmbH


Verbund AG


Alpiq AG


BNE


CMB Management GmbH


Compensators e.V.


CrowdTiger GmbH


Donaukraftwerk Jochenstein AG


Dr. Ryll Lab GmbH


Enovos Ener-gie Deutsch-land GmbH


Enovos Renewables GmbH


envia Mitteldeutsche Energie AG


EWS Elektrizitätswerke Schönau eG


FPE Flowerpower Energy GmbH


GASAG AG


Global Tech I Offshore Wind GmbH


Ladegrün! eG


Landwärme GmbH


LEAG


LichtBlick SE


MITGAS Mitteldeutsche Gasversorgung GmbH


Priogen Energy B.V./GmbH


Quadra Energy GmbH


Stadt Bad Belzig


Swiss Krono


Tibber Deutschland GmbH


Trianel Kohlekraftwerk Lünen GmbH & Co. KG


Work highlights


  • Advising EnBW on a number of mandates under concession law.

  • Advising ENGIE on the drafting and negotiation of a power purchase agreement with BASF.

  • Advising GP JOULE on the drafting and negotiation of the power purchase agreement with AIRBUS Helicopters.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Due to its M&A focus, Watson Farley & Williams LLP is regularly instructed by banks, investors, energy suppliers and project developers on large-scale national and cross-border transactions and investments, of which many are in the offshore wind sector. Malte Jordan is a key contact here, he jointly heads the team with Thomas Hollenhorst; Hollenhorst’s strong banking and capital market law expertise is also regularly utilised in energy project financing. This competence in the finance arena was further strengthened with the addition of Riko Vanezis in November 2022 (previously at Clifford Chance). The team’s regulatory advice increasingly focuses on energy and infrastructure projects under public law as well as the energy transition. Torsten Wielsch is a key contact here, he is also experienced in energy law arbitration proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Malte Jordan; Thomas Hollenhorst


Other key lawyers:

Marcus Bechtel; Thorsten Volz; Christian Bauer; Felix Siebler; Sven Fretthold; Torsten Wielsch; Carolin Woggon; Friedrich Maximilian Boemke; Wolfram Böge; Riko Vanezis


Testimonials

‘Excellent negotiation skills, good communication and management of the proceedings .’

‘The team around partner Dr. Marcus Bechtel works extremely professionally, is a strong team and has an excellent “deal-driven” approach. As a rule, possible issues that may arise in the contract negotiations are anticipated at an early stage and proactive solutions are proposed.’

‘We like the high level of transparency with regard to the respective cost levels and the early warning of possible overruns.’

‘Dr. Marcus Bechtel is characterized by his calm and mediating manner. He tries at all times to negotiate his client’s points on the one hand, but on the other hand he also keeps an eye on the other side through a change of perspective, so that the conduct of the negotiations can be described as mediating and is usually very constructive.’

Key clients

Commerz Real AG


Deutsche ErdWärme GmbH


HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG


Naturwärme Kirchweidach-Haslach GmbH


NWG Charging


The Renewable Infrastructure Group Limited und der niederländische Pensionsinvestor APG


aventron AG


Bayern LB


Deutsche Bank


DIF


Fernwärme GmbH Hohenmölsen – Webau


KfW-Ipex Bank GmbH


Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners


Macquarie


Enercity


Work highlights


  • Advising a consortium of international banks on the financing of BASF’s participation in the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm.

  • Advising Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale and EKF Denmark’s Export Credit Agency on the €53.5 million ECA-covered long-term financing of a wind farm portfolio in Poland.

  • Advising Commerz Real AG on the acquisition of the 58.8 MW Kuuronkallio onshore wind farm in Finland from the German project developer wpd by the impact fund KlimaVest.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie‘s Energy, Mining and Infrastructure division specialises in project work and transactions with a particular focus on onshore and offshore wind and PV, although the team increasingly advises on hydrogen, battery storage and e-mobility matters. The transaction work frequently relates to grids and covers regulatory aspects such as unbundling regulations as well as relevant financing issues. In addition, the team is experienced in advising on power plants. The practice is jointly led by Claire Dietz-Polte (M&A transactions, joint ventures, projects and financings in the energy sector) and counsel Holger Engelkamp (M&A, PE and VC).

Practice head(s):

Claire Dietz-Polte; Holger Engelkamp


Other key lawyers:

Silke Gantzckow


Testimonials

‘They are extremely client and business oriented. Well versed in explaining the ins and outs of regulatory matters.’

‘Claire Dietz-Polte and Holger Engelkamp are always available to offer solutions, whether the issue is minor or complex.’

Key clients

EP Power Europe


Gesellschafter von Infareal


Infrastrukturfonds


Cognizant


NordLB


BAE Systems Pension Funds


SCOR Investment Partners


BNP Paribas Asset Management


Chatham Partners LLP

Hamburg boutique Chatham Partners LLP recently advised numerous companies in the hydrogen and wind sector on large-scale German and international projects. Practice head Felix Fischer‘s expertise in regulatory matters and public commercial law is of advantage here. He frequently assists energy suppliers and producers, project developers and investors with energy regulation, energy supply and service agreements as well as clients’ representation in regulatory proceedings before the authorities. In addition, the team is well versed in transactions, where Fischer is regularly supported by Marieke Lüdecke, who also focuses on project work. Former co-head Carmen Schneider (energy contract and energy trading law) joined Oppenhoff in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Felix Fischer


Other key lawyers:

Marieke Lüdecke; Christos Paraschiakos


Testimonials

‘Highest professional competence and expertise paired with impressive customer and service orientation.’

‘Felix Fischer is a very clever, critical and constructive advisor who always keeps an eye on the overall situation, shows solutions based on his profound knowledge and does not limit himself to describing problems. A great lawyer with a great team.’

‘Strong practice in the field of renewable energy. I particularly appreciate their business-oriented approach. Chatham are able to take a holistic view of energy projects because they have a true understanding of the underlying business. Their response time is also excellent.’

Key clients

Ørsted Wind Power A/S


Parkwind N.V.


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (Flagship Fonds CI III und CI IV)


Deutsche ErdWärme GmbH


AquaVentus Projektfamilie


Siemens Energy AG


Veja Mate Offshore Project GmbH


Athos Solar GmbH


CAVENTES Kapitalverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG


RP Global Austria GmbH


Sasol Germany GmbH


Northland Power


 


Work highlights


  • Advising Orsted on the development of the GOW03/BKR03 projects, including all licensing and regulatory issues.

  • Advising various funds of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on various projects on regulatory and licensing issues.

  • Advising Parkwind on the financial close and the realization of the Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind farm.

Dolde Mayen & Partner

Dolde Mayen & Partner 's team is renowned for its expertise in plant construction and advises on power plants, energy lines and wind parks from the planning phase (including planning approval procedures) through to licensing procedures. Bernd Schieferdecker is a key contact for hydropower plants and representing hydropower operators in water law proceedings, while grid access is a core strength of both Christian Stelter and the team. This is complemented by expertise in environmental law, where clients are represented in proceedings pertaining to nature and water conservation. This approach is mirrored in the capacities of practice head Winfried Porsch and Moritz Lange who both advise on planning procedures and environmental law matters. Klaus-Peter Dolde and Markus Deutsch are also part of the core team and are well versed in planning law.

Practice head(s):

Winfried Porsch


Other key lawyers:

Christian Stelter; Klaus-Peter Dolde; Bernd Schieferdecker; Markus Deutsch; Moritz Lange; Matthias Hangst


Testimonials

‘Excellent know-how in complex public approval procedures for major projects.’

‘Great experience, very good reputation with regulatory authorities.’

‘Dr. Winfried Porsch: High-quality legal reviews and statements, clear statements and recommendations, enjoys a high reputation with the approval authorities.’

Key clients

XGen Strom


ALTUS AG


Amprion GmbH


Großkraftwerk Mannheim AG (GKM)


Land Baden-Württemberg (Landratsamt Göppingen)


Schluchseewerk AG


TenneT TSO GmbH


terranets bw GmbH


TransnetBW GmbH


Uhl Windkraft GmbH & Co. KG


Work highlights


  • Advising a gas grid operator of a southern German natural gas pipeline on the submission of various legal opinions on the effectiveness of planning approval decisions and advising on natural and water law issues, among other things.

  • Representation of the district office of Göppingen in the legal proceedings of an environmental association against the immission control approval for a wind energy test field.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher recently acted on behalf of numerous new clients, particularly investors and banks from the solar and wind energy sectors. This is mainly due to the transactional strength of the team, which leads to regular instructions from project developers as well as banks and investors on the acquisition and sale of energy projects and relevant financing matters. Practice head Daniel Marhewka also focuses on domestic and international transactions and covers the interface with corporate law.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Marhewka


Other key lawyers:

André Happel; Tanja Rüth; Alexandra Mützelburg


Testimonials

‘Very good professional and holistic support.’

‘Highest professional know-how. Very good e-invoicing.’

‘Very competent team around the partner. Timelines are met. Good quality assurance when creating documents. Quick responses to inquiries.’

Key clients

ENOVA IPP GmbH & Co. KG


IKAV Group


HANSAINVEST


Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG


LHI Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH


MaxSolar GmbH


KGAL Group


Work highlights


  • Advising the KGAL Group on the takeover of 50% of the limited partner’s share in GP JOULE Projects GmbH & Co. KG and a 50% limited partner’s share in GP JOULE Projects Holding GmbH & Co. KG.

  • Advising the shareholders of MaxSolar GmbH on the sale of the project developer MaxSolar GmbH to the private equity company Nature Infrastructure Capital (NIC) and Greenvolt for around €75 million.

  • Advising the IKAV Group on the acquisition of the remaining shares in Geysir Europe GmbH from Daldrup & Söhne AG.

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB is experienced in the renewable energies sector and regularly advises on the construction and operation of onshore and offshore wind farms, hydropower, PV and biomass plants as well as energy storage systems. The team frequently covers regulatory matters pertaining to the market integration of renewable electricity as well as power generation, e-mobility and integrated energy. Both practice group heads, Achim Compes and Thoralf Herbold, complement this offer with expertise in M&A transactions and due diligence. Compes is also experienced in project work, joint ventures and investment projects, while Herbold is well versed in regulatory issues, including energy trading.

Practice head(s):

Thoralf Herbold; Achim Compes


Other key lawyers:

Wibke Schumacher; Liane Thau; Christoph Riese


Key clients

CEE Group


DHL Express


ENERCON Renewable Energy Fund S.A.


Energiewerke Hamburg GmbH / Gasnetz Hamburg


Fraport AG


GasNetz Hamburg


Global Tech I Offshore Wind GmbH


Green City


Kraftwerke Mainz-Wiesbaden AG


KSBG Kommunale Beteiligungsgesellschaft GmbH & CO. KG


Land Brandenburg (Landesamt für Bergbau, Geologie und Rohstoffe)


Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern


NaGa Solar Holding B.V.


Pacifico Renewables Yield AG


Repower AG (Schweiz)


Sächsisches Oberbergamt / Freistaat Sachsen


Schmeing Energy Holding GmbH


Trianel Gruppe


Work highlights


  • Advising Global Tech I Offshore Wind GmbH on legal proceedings against a grid operator to assert claims for compensation due to the delayed grid connection and EEG remuneration claims.

  • Advising the Trianel Group on the acquisition of a portfolio of eleven wind farm projects in Germany from ABO Wind AG.

  • Ongoing advice to a subsidiary of NaGa Solar Holding BV based in Maastricht on the development of innovative solar parks in Germany.

GvW Graf von Westphalen

In July 2021, GvW Graf von Westphalen welcomed the energy law team from ADVANT Beiten, consisting of Toralf Baumann, Antje Baumbach, Reinald Günther, Dominik Greinacher, Sebastian Rohrer, Guido Brucker and Maximilian Emanuel Elspas and thus significantly strengthened its team and regulatory capacities. The team advises on emissions trading, EEG levies, supply contracts and grid expansion projects as well as contentious energy law issues. German and international project developers, grid operators and energy suppliers also benefit from cross-practice cooperation, where the team covers matters at the interface with environmental, planning and construction law. Additionally, the practice handles insolvency-related matters and offers assistance with transactions. The latter constitutes a key strength of practice head Helmut Kempf.

Practice head(s):

Helmut Kempf


Key clients

50Hertz Transmission GmbH


getenergy GmbH


Amprion GmbH


Amprion Offshore GmbH


TransnetBW GmbH


VESTOLIT GmbH


Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband e.V.


Syneco Trading GmbH


STX Commodities B.V.


Stromnetz Berlin GmbH


PreussenElektra GmbH


NeuConnect Britain Ltd.


MVV Umwelt Asset GmbH


MVV Energie AG


MVV Trading GmbH


Klinikum Bremerhaven-Reinkenheide gGmbH


Hitachi Europe GmbH


Hellenstein Solarwind GmbH


Covivio Construction GmbH


E.ON Energie Deutschland GmbH


bmp greengas GmbH


Encevo Deutschland GmbH


EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG


BEEGY Better Energy GmbH


G+E GETEC Holding GmbH


Hamburger Energiewerke GmbH


Ministerium für Infrastruktur, Energie und Digitalisierung Mecklenburg-Vorpommern


Netzgesellschaft Ostwürttemberg DonauRies GmbH


RISE Holding GmbH


Sales & Solutions GmbH


SHS – Stahl-Holding-Saar GmbH & Co. KGaA


Siemens AG


ViMAP GmbH


VNG – Verbundnetz Gas Aktiengesellschaft


Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH


Work highlights


  • Regulatory advice to NeuConnect on the implementation of the first power line between Germany and the UK.

  • Advising Amprion Offshore GmbH on the drafting, negotiation and conclusion of the construction contracts for the DolWin4 and BorWin4 offshore connection lines.

  • Support for TransnetBW GmbH in the examination and judicial assertion of EEG levy claims in so-called disc lease models.

Heuking

Heuking advises energy suppliers, project developers and investors on a wide array of matters. The Düsseldorf team, led by practice head Marc Baltus, assists with strategic projects, such as cooperation agreements, contract drafting and regulatory issues, particularly in the renewable energies sector; this approach was further strengthened with the partner appointment of Tobias Woltering in January 2022. The team in Hamburg complements this advice offering with capacities in contentious energy law matters; while Stefan Bretthauer is experienced in antitrust proceedings and merger controls. The Cologne-based team, including Oliver von Rosenberg, primarily advises energy companies as well as private equity and venture capital investors on transactions.

Practice head(s):

Marc Baltus


Other key lawyers:

Tobias Woltering; Sonja Groht; Christina Dahmen; Stefan Bretthauer; Oliver von Rosenberg


Testimonials

‘Marc Baltus is a very good contact person.’

Jones Day

Jones Day increasingly advises energy suppliers, infrastructure developers and investors on takeovers, joint ventures and transactions in the renewable energies sector, including hydrogen, wind and solar. Other core areas are litigation and arbitration proceedings as well as matters at the antitrust law interface. Practice head Johannes Willheim handles contentious issues, including those at the antitrust law interface. Former co-head Kerstin Henrich (M&A, project work) joined Ernst & Young Law in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Willheim


Other key lawyers:

My Linh Vu-Grégoire; Courtney Lotfi


Testimonials

‘Jones Day offers a very good team in the energy sector. The cross-border cooperation works extremely well.’

‘What I like is that the transactions are actually managed by partners. At other law firms, the partners pitch and then some juniors work on the projects.’

‘Very good team around Dr. Johannes Willheim in the field of international arbitration.’

‘Incredible level of genuine commitment to the client.’

Key clients

AREAM Advisory GmbH


Athos Solar


Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)


EDF (Electricité de France)/EDF Deutschland GmbH/Hynamics SAS


Parkwind Ost GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Parkwind Ost GmbH on the financing of the Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind farm.

  • Advising Hynamics Germany (EDF Group) on the establishment of a joint venture for green hydrogen and e-methanol.

  • Advising Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) on its participation in the record €200 million investment in Hy2gen AG.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s advice offering includes M&A, project work, financing, regulatory matters and antitrust law and frequently pertains to the onshore and offshore wind, solar and photovoltaic sectors. Investors, funds and energy suppliers are among the client base. Dirk Trautmann is an expert in asset and project financing, while practice head Klaus Bader regularly advises on German and international M&A and PE transactions as well as joint ventures, also in connection with hydrogen, geothermal and e-mobility projects.

Practice head(s):

Klaus Bader


Other key lawyers:

Dirk Trautmann; Sebastian Frech; Tim Schaper


Testimonials

‘At NRF one never feels like just a number, instead the staff and lawyers strive to solve problems quickly and to the point.’

Key clients

BayWa r.e. Energy Ventures


Brookfield


CarVal


Gesellschafter von ConUti GmbH


EGS Stromtankstellen GmbH


Gore Street Capital


JERA Co., Inc.


Munich Re/MEAG


reev (emonvia GmbH)


Smart Energy Innovationsfonds AG


Solarenergie Boitzenburger Land


SUSI Partners AG


TAUBER-SOLAR Gruppe


Tiger Infrastructure Partners


Total Renewables S.A.S


Unicredit Bank AG


wpd invest GmbH/Green Return Fund 3


Work highlights


  • Advising Brookfield on the acquisition of Sunovis, a project developer and general contractor for turnkey photovoltaic systems.

  • Advising JERA Co., Inc. on the strategic investment in Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH.

  • Advising CarVal on the financing of a portfolio of PV projects with a total volume of over 2.5 GW in Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain of the ASE Group.

Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB

Led by Sönke GödekePinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB ‘s energy practice focuses on the interface between energy and corporate law, which includes cross-border transactions, market entries and the introduction of new business models. The latter primarily pertains to the hydrogen sector, while the advice offering covers all renewable and conventional energies as well as matters in connection with Smart City projects. The regulatory capacities were strengthened with the partner appointment of Valerian von Richthofen in May 2022, he is also well versed in energy tax law and clients' representation before the authorities and courts.

Practice head(s):

Sönke Gödeke


Other key lawyers:

Christian Lütkehaus; Marc Salevic; Valerian von Richthofen; Peter Roesgen


Testimonials

‘The highly professional team has been working for us on our complex projects in all areas of the energy industry and in hydrogen technology for many years. Jointly developed solutions then form the basis for successful, legally secure business processes.’

‘With Sönke Gödeke we have a central contact who controls the individual project steps and coordinates the cooperation with other specialist departments of the law firm.’

‘Sönke Gödeke: Very high technical expertise; pragmatic and creative, especially when developing solutions; goal-oriented project management; very communicative.’

Key clients

Aker Offshore Wind Europe GmbH


Aker Solutions AS


AWG Abfallwirtschaftsgesellschaft mbH Wuppertal


CABB GmbH


ENTEGA AG


Everfuel A/S


GETEC Energie GmbH


Hamburger Rieger GmbH


Lok-Viertel-OS GmbH


Stadtwerke Bielefeld GmbH


WSW Energie & Wasser AG


WSW mobil GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising the project development company Lok-Viertel-OS GmbH on the development of a Smart City project in the form of a new urban district in the city center of Osnabrück with regard to all energy and corporate law issues.

  • Strategic advice to several German operators of thermal waste incineration plants, including Entega AG and AWG Abfallwirtschaftsgesellschaft mbH Wuppertal, on the introduction, expansion and implementation of projects for the production of green hydrogen as part of their group-wide strategies for integrated energy.

  • Ongoing advice and representation for various energy-intensive companies, including the Hamburg Rieger Group, on all energy regulatory and energy tax issues, emissions trading and the increased use of CleanTech. In addition, support in the design of suitable decarbonization strategies.

Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing focuses on transactional and financing matters, primarily in the sectors onshore wind and photovoltaics. In the plant construction sphere, the team mainly advises on offshore wind with additional expertise in other power plants. Carsten Bartholl and Tillmann Pfeifer in Hamburg are key contacts for transactional support, including advice on investments in technologies to avoid or reduce CO2 emissions. This is complemented by regulatory experience, where salary partner Markus Böhme in Düsseldorf is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Carsten Bartholl; Tillmann Pfeifer; Markus Böhme


Other key lawyers:

Janina Pochhammer


Testimonials

‘Carsten Bartholl’s team is available to us at all times, even outside of the agreed mandate.’

‘Carsten Bartholl’s reaction time is really fast.’

‘The team acts in a very client-oriented manner and is well positioned across the various areas of competence that are relevant to energy supply contracts. Partners and associates act on an equal footing and the cross-location cooperation works excellently.’

‘Carsten Bartholl: Excellent competence in energy management project topics and with a focus on financing and the ability to finance energy supply contracts.’

‘Dr. Markus Böhme: Exceptional competence with regard to regulatory energy issues and with regard to energy supply contracts.’

‘Good mix of skills with good cooperation across locations.’

Key clients

Berenberg


CEE Group


Covestro


Encavis AG


Encavis Asset Management


GARBE Unternehmensgruppe


Landesbetrieb Berlin Energie


Unicredit


Vestas Wind Systems


Work highlights


  • Ongoing advice to CEE Group & Encavis Asset Management on the acquisition and sale of various renewable energy portfolios and the sale of various portfolios in the renewable energy sector.

  • Advising the private bank Berenberg on financing the construction and commissioning phase of the Hungarian 65.2 MW solar park in Szügy.

  • Advising the materials manufacturer Covestro on the conclusion of a PPA contract with EnBW.

White & Case LLP

Practice head Thomas Burmeister at White & Case LLP is experienced in transactions and regulatory matters, which is characteristic of the team’s advisory approach with a focus on the former segment. This is complemented by Florian Degenhardt‘s project financing expertise. Recently, the team advised investors and energy companies on large-scale national and cross-border transactions in the sectors gas, wind, solar as well as power grids. The regulatory advice covers matters pertaining to hydrogen and contentious energy law issues.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Burmeister


Other key lawyers:

Jörg Kraffel; Florian Degenhardt; Petra Kistner


Key clients

EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg


Baltic Cable AB


TransnetBW GmbH


Amprion GmbH


50Hertz Transmission GmbH


EWE AG


JP Morgan Infrastructure Investments Fund (IIF)


Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc


Ecobat Technologies


Tesvolt


E.ON


OMV


Development Bank of Japan Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising JP Morgan Infrastructure Investments Fund on the acquisition of GETEC from EQT and Getec Energie Holding.

  • Representing EnBW as a generation company in an energy industry complaint and legal appeal before the BGH against the confirmation of the scenario framework for the gas grid development plan 2020-2030.

  • Advising the German-Swedish interconnectors Baltic Cable AB in proceedings before the ECJ, the Federal Network Agency and ACER.

ADVANT Beiten

After the departure of the former energy team to GvW Graf von Westphalen in July 2021, ADVANT Beiten rebuilt its practice. The advisory focus is on renewable energies, above all solar and photovoltaics, while contentious matters have frequent ties to the conventional energies segment. The team's advice covers corporate and M&A, public procurement law and regulatory matters. Due to its combined industry expertise in energy and automotive, the practice also advises on e-mobility mandates, such as the construction and sale of charging station infrastructure. The practice is headed by Christian Ulrich Wolf and Christof Aha (both transactions and project contracts) and Stephan Rechten (procurement law).

Practice head(s):

Christian Ulrich Wolf; Stephan Rechten; Christof Aha


Other key lawyers:

Sebastian Berg; Ralf Hafner


Key clients

Hamburg Energie


MOBILIZE Power Solutions


TransnetBW GmbH


N-ERGIE AG


Work highlights


  • Advice to TransnetBW on the structuring and implementation of an award procedure for an innovative network booster.

  • Advising the Renault charging service MOBILIZE Power Solutions on establishing a joint venture with GP JOULE CONNECT.

  • Advising the municipal Hamburg energy company, Hamburg Energie, among other things on public procurement law relating to the expansion of the Wedel power plant to include a cogeneration power plant.

Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP recently demonstrated particular strength in advising domestic and foreign funds on the acquisition and sale of energy portfolios, which reflects the practice’s focus on transactions. Practice head Maximilian Uibeleisen regularly advises foreign energy suppliers on German market entry as well as project developers on the construction, acquisition and sale of power plants, predominantly in the renewable energies sector such as PV and geothermal energy, as well as on regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Maximilian Uibeleisen


Other key lawyers:

Benedikt von Schorlemer


Key clients

DIF Capital Partners


Commerz Real


Vulcan Energy Resources


adidas


Engie


Bullfinch Asset AG


Ductor AG


Work highlights


  • Advising DIF Capital Partners on the acquisition of a majority stake in ib vogt for the Infrastructure VI fund.

  • Advising Commerz Real AG/KlimaVest-Fonds on entering into a strategic partnership with AMPYR Solar Europe to develop a pipeline of PV projects in Germany.

  • Advising Vulcan Energy Resources on the acquisition of a geothermal power plant in Insheim from Pfalzwerke AG.

Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP focuses on renewable energies and is well versed in supporting national and cross-border transactions and the launch of funds. Onshore and offshore wind farms (in particular offshore wind farms in the German North Sea) as well as solar and geothermal power plants are among the key strengths, while the hydrogen sector constitutes a recent growth area. René Voigtländer (regulatory, energy, public procurement and environmental law) in Munich and Matthias Lang (energy, regulatory, state aid and environmental law) in Düsseldorf head the practice.

Practice head(s):

René Voigtländer; Matthias Lang


Other key lawyers:

Hermann Rotfuchs; Lars Kyrberg


Key clients

Association of European Border Regions


Itron Inc


JDR Cable Systems Ltd.


TenneT TSO GmbH/TransnetBW GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Itron Inc. on the sale of its global gas regulation business and European commercial and industrial gas metering business to Dresser Utility Solutions.

  • Advising JDR Cable Systems Ltd. on the negotiation, project management and litigation/arbitration regarding various purchase contracts as well as EPC project contracts for the internal cabling of offshore wind farms.

  • Advice to TenneT TSO GmbH/TransnetBW GmbH on the award of contracts for converter systems for wind power lines.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland predominantly assists renewable energy producers and investors with transactions and joint ventures. This expertise is reflected at practice head level in Werner Brickwedde. He is supported by Martin Weitenberg, who is experienced in energy law and frequently advises on energy infrastructure projects such as pipeline access.

Practice head(s):

Werner Brickwedde


Other key lawyers:

Martin Weitenberg; Alexander Dartsch; Philipp Büsch; Arndt Scheffler


Key clients

RWE Renewables


Norges Bank Investment Management


Marquard & Bahls


Hanwha Q Cells


TAUBER-SOLAR


Altana


Enel Green Power Germany


Fontavis


Shell


Greencoat Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising RWE Renewables on the establishment of a joint venture with the Canadian power producer Northland Power for the development and operation of three offshore wind farms in the German North Sea with a total capacity of 1.3 GW.

  • Advising Norges Bank Investment Management, the investment arm of the Norwegian State Bank, in connection with the acquisition of 50% of the shares in the Dutch offshore wind farm Borselle I & II from the Danish energy group Ørsted for €1.4 billion and the establishment of a corresponding joint venture.

GSK Stockmann

GSK Stockmann regularly advises on the construction, operation and acquisition of wind farms, including potential contentious matters. Another focus is on regulatory advice, frequently in connection with the municipal power and electricity supply sector. The team covers various interfacing matters, above all planning, environmental and real estate law; the latter is regularly utilised in the context of sustainable Smart City and district developments. Stefan Geiger (energy law, public construction and planning law, environmental law) and Sören Wolkenhauer (decentralised power supply) jointly head the practice.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Geiger; Sören Wolkenhauer


Other key lawyers:

Justus Jansen ; Jan Hennig; Andreas Geiger; Oda Wedemeyer; Andreas Geiger; Claudia Busch


Key clients

50Hertz Transmission GmbH


Bergamt Stralsund


TenneT


Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg, Behörde für Umwelt, Klima, Energie und Agrarwirtschaft Amt Energie und Klima


Ikea Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG


Smart Power GmbH


Stadt Neuruppin Amt für Stadtentwicklung


Primo Marine


Work highlights


  • Advising 50Hertz Transmission GmbH on the planning, approval and new construction of an underground high-voltage tunnel construction project across the western part of Berlin.

  • Planning and environmental law advice to the Stralsund Mining Authority on the construction and operation of the Nord Stream 2 high-pressure natural gas pipeline, including the onshore facility.

  • Advice to TenneT on new construction, replacement construction and the modification of 380 kV extra-high voltage lines.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP offers expertise in the sectors coal, gas, power, nuclear and renewable energies. The practice advises a similarly versatile client base, which consists of energy suppliers, logistics companies, funds and investors. These frequently instruct the team in connection with national and international M&A transactions, joint ventures and carve-outs, where practice head Tobias Larisch regularly takes the lead. Dispute resolution constitutes another mainstay.

Practice head(s):

Tobias Larisch


Other key lawyers:

Rainer Traugott


Key clients

Antin/Eurofiber


BayWa AG


Flender


IFM Investors Pty Ltd


NordLB


RWE AG


STORAG Etzel GmbH


Swiss Life Asset Management/Gelsenwasser AG


Swiss Life Asset Management/Vauban Infrastructure Partners


Ukraine


LEITFELD Rechtsanwälte

Boutique LEITFELD Rechtsanwälte, which specialises in the regulated industries and launched in September 2021, has strengthened its advisory capacities with the arrival of antitrust law expert Konrad Riemer and conflict resolution specialist Stefan Tüngler (both previously at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer) in January 2022. The advice offering is tailored to the regulatory requirements of gas and electricity suppliers, regional and municipal suppliers, energy-intensive industries and public sector clients. In addition to Riemer and Tüngler, the other key contacts are Thilo Richter (public commercial law, energy contract law, antitrust and state aid law), Christoph Sieberg (public commercial law, energy contract law) and Margret Schellberg (energy and regulatory law, public procurement law).

Practice head(s):

Thilo Richter; Christoph Sieberg; Stefan Tüngler; Konrad Riemer; Margret Schellberg


Testimonials

‘The practice has excellent lawyers from different areas of commercial law, who undertake an analysis of the legal issues focused on the important points and think along with us as a client.’

‘Dr. Christoph Sieberg analyzes the legally relevant questions in a very thorough manner, also on the basis of his extensive experience from comparable cases, and presents this analysis in a very understandable and convincing way, even for foreign clients. Working with him is very pleasant.’

‘Stefan Tüngler has a high level of expertise in energy law.’

Key clients

E.ON


BDEW


RWE


Tennet TSO


Open Grid Europe


ONTRAS Gastransport


Uniper


Gasnetz Hamburg


EWE Netz


Gasunie


Netzdienste Rhein-Main


WSW Energie und Wasser


Work highlights


  • Advising RWE AG and RWE Power AG on state aid issues relating to the phase-out of coal, in particular representation in the EU Commission’s state aid investigation proceedings.

  • Representation of Uniper Global Commodities in complaint and legal appeal proceedings before the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf and the Federal Court of Justice against the reduction of the price limit for offers of balancing energy in the German balancing energy market ordered by the BNetzA (Federal Network Agency).

  • Representation of numerous network operators (including E.ON grid operators) in complaint and legal appeal proceedings regarding the BNetzA’s (Federal Network Agency) determination of a general sectoral productivity factor.

Loschelder

Loschelder‘s energy law team closely cooperates with the regulatory practice and utilises this combined expertise in advising on infrastructure developments such as grid access and grid charges. Practice head Raimund Schütz and his team act in a purely advisory capacity as well as representing clients in complaints proceedings before the higher regional and federal courts. This offer is regularly called upon by state regulatory authorities.

Practice head(s):

Raimund Schütz


Other key lawyers:

Kristina Schreiber


Key clients

1&1


Regulierungskammer Bayern


Regulierungskammer Rheinland-Pfalz


Regulierungskammer Saarland


Regulierungskammer Hessen


Work highlights


  • Representation of network operators in a number of complaints proceedings against the determination of revenue caps by the Bavarian Regulatory Chamber before the Munich Higher Regional Court and the Federal Court of Justice.

  • Representation of network operators in a number of complaint proceedings against the determination of revenue caps by the Regulatory Chamber of Rhineland-Palatinate before the Koblenz Higher Regional Court and the Federal Court of Justice.

  • Representation of network operators in a number of complaints proceedings against the determination of revenue caps by the Saarland Regulatory Chamber before the Saarland Higher Regional Court and the Federal Court of Justice.

Oppenländer Rechtsanwälte

Oppenländer Rechtsanwälte is well versed in contentious matters and fields practice head Markus Köhler, who is a renowned expert for mass and model proceedings; he also assists with arbitration proceedings. Andreas Hahn and Martin Fink complement this offer with expertise in contentious energy matters under antitrust law and merger control proceedings. The team also advises on transactions, e-mobility and regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Markus Köhler


Other key lawyers:

Andreas Hahn; Malte Weitner; Martin Fink


Testimonials

‘High legal level, pragmatic solutions, speed, fair price.’

Key clients

Deer GmbH


EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG


EnBW mobility+ AG & Co. KG


EnBW Ostwürttemberg DonauRies AG


Encevo SA, Luxemburg


Energiedienst AG, Rheinfelden


Erdgas Südwest GmbH


Fluxys Deutschland GmbH


Fluxys TENP GmbH


GF Casting Solutions Leipzig GmbH


ENCW


Land Baden-Württemberg


Netze BW GmbH


Schwarzwald Energy GmbH


Stadtwerke Böblingen GmbH


Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG)


Universität Konstanz


 


Work highlights


  • Advising EnBW mobility+ AG & Co. KG on energy antitrust law and conducting merger control proceedings before the Federal Cartel Office regarding the acquisition of a 25.1% stake in SMATRICS GmbH & Co. KG.

  • Representation of the SWG in a cartel administration process before the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt. The SWG is defending itself against a price abuse order by the state cartel authority of Hesse.

  • Representation of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment before the Federal Administrative Court regarding the interpretation of Section §38 EnWG (basic supplier determination).

Osborne Clarke

The advice on national and international transactions in the sectors wind and solar is a cornerstone of Osborne Clarke‘s practice, which is headed by Daniel Breuer. Head of decarbonisation Alexander Dlouhy assists with regulatory issues, such as energy trading law and the digitisation of the energy sector. Thomas Funke complements this with antitrust law expertise, which is utilised in contentious proceedings, administrative fine proceedings and merger controls.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Breuer


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Dlouhy; Thomas Funke


Testimonials

‘The support was particularly solution-oriented and pragmatic. Clear statements that are risk-conscious but not fearful are particularly helpful to us.’

‘The accessibility is always good and the extremely complicated and (legally as well as practically) difficult questions were dealt with competently.’

‘Very well positioned team for consulting in the energy sector around Dr. Daniel Breuer, in particular on energy trading, PPA and electricity marketing from renewable energies.’

‘High technical understanding and many years of experience in the offshore sector. Solution-oriented and practical advice, quick to react.’

‘The practice is characterized by reliable processing of commissioned mandates and a high degree of practical orientation, which always has the legal and economic interests of the client in mind.’

‘Dr. Breuer has excellent expertise and is always familiar with new products on the market and their structuring. The balance with which both the own point of view is represented and at the same time the effort is made to find a solution for all parties involved is impressive.’

Key clients

Breeze Three Energy GmbH & Co. KG


HTGF, eCapital und Demeter


Deutsche Leasing Finance (DLF) und Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing (DAL)


Foresight Group


EDF Renewables Deutschland


Obton A/S


re:cap global investors


Next Kraftwerke GmbH


bauverein AG


Centrica Energy Trading A/S und Centrica Energy Limited


Deutsche Windtechnik AG


Elexon GmbH


Ernst & Young


Europäische Kommission


RheinEnergie AG


solarparc GmbH


ZURICH


Work highlights


  • Advising EDF Renewables Deutschland in connection with the project development and acquisition of various wind and solar projects.

  • Advising Swiss-based re:cap global investors AG and its fund RE Infrastructure Opportunities on the acquisition of a photovoltaic portfolio from Vattenfall AG.

  • Representing the European Commission in a total of sixteen proceedings before the General Court of the European Union, in which various companies in the German energy industry challenged the Commission’s two approvals for the E.ON/RWE asset swap.

Redeker Sellner Dahs

Redeker Sellner Dahs primarily focuses on renewable energies and advises on grid access and price regulation issues, here, antitrust expert and practice head Stephan Gerstner is the key contact. Further mainstays are regulatory proceedings and the interfaces with construction and planning law. The strategic partnership with Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is utilised in matters pertaining to the US and the UK.

Practice head(s):

Stephan Gerstner


Other key lawyers:

Olaf Reidt; Frank Fellenberg; Gernot Schiller


Key clients

50Hertz Transmission GmbH


Bundesamt für Naturschutz


EnBW


GASCADE Gastransport GmbH


Hanseatic Energy Hub GmbH


RWE Power AG


TransnetBW GmbH


Vattenfall Wärme Berlin GmbH


W & G Transport Holding GmbH, Lubmin-Brandov Gastransport GmbH


Avacon Netz AG


Bundesnetzagentur


Dänisches Energieunternehmen, TenneT Offshore sowie TenneT TSO B.V.


Dow Olefinverbund


Edis AG/Edis Netze GmbH


EnviaM Mitteldeutsche Energie AG


Hamburg Wärme GmbH


Klärschlamm-Kooperation Mecklenburg-Vorpommern GmbH/Warnow-Wasser- und Abwasserverband


Klimaschutz- und Energieagentur Niedersachsen


Netze BW GmbH


Wasserversorgungs- und Abwasserzweckverband Güstrow-Bützow-Sternberg


Rittershaus

Rittershaus advises on the entire value chain of energy projects, including construction, operation and sale with a focus on the renewable energies sector. Wind and photovoltaic matters are frequently covered by practice head Wolfgang Patzelt (construction law and project work, including approval procedures and clients’ representation in court); he joined the firm with Ulrich Loetz (power plant projects) and other lawyers from Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein in October 2021.

Practice head(s):

Wolfgang Patzelt


Other key lawyers:

Christoph Rung; Ulrich Tödtmann; Ulrich Loetz; Anne Dankowski; Monika Bandel


Key clients

EHG Energie Handel GmbH


Hermann Oberhauser, Gut Weitmoos


LE Windenergie GmbH & Co. KG


NEW erneuerbare energien GmbH


RENAIO Infrastrukturfonds S.C.A., SICAV-RAIF; RENAIO Hydro Italia S.r.l.


WindEV GmbH & Co. KG


Work highlights


  • Representation of a landowner in securing the area as well as in project development and obtaining building rights for one of the largest photovoltaic parks in Germany.

  • Advising LE Windenergie GmbH & Co. KG on wind farms: securing land, drafting contracts, attacking competing contracts, advising on public law on land use plans and development plans.

  • Ongoing advice to EHG Energie Handel GmbH on contractual matters, the design and ongoing maintenance of various contract templates and general terms and conditions clauses; also representation in price adjustment cases in the electricity sector.