A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP act on a diverse range of complex and high value projects in the sector, with particular strength in energy regulation, solar farms and batteries, and on- and offshore wind projects. Team lead Mark Stockdale is a dedicated energy specialist, with experience in wind, solar, gas, and electricity infrastructure projects, among others. Core team members include Mark Thompson, who has particular expertise in high value M&A transactions, and public law specialist Micaela Diver. John Tougher is known for his work on onshore wind farms. John Palmer joined the team from Shoosmiths LLP in January 2024.
Energy, project finance and PFI in Northern Ireland
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP
Practice head(s):
Mark Stockdale
Other key lawyers:
Mark Thompson; Ciaran McAlinney; Micaela Diver; John Tougher; John Palmer; Ruth Forbes
Key clients
Energia Group
SONI
Orsted
Granville Ecopark
Foresight Group
Renewable Energy Systems
Statkraft Ireland
ESB
SSE plc
NIE Networks
Work highlights
- Advising Energia on a collaboration project with Translink to provide hydrogen fuelled buses in Belfast.
- Advised Asper Investment Management on their first investment in NI through the acquisition of two wind farm development projects (Altgolan and Dooish) from DW Consultancy, a specialist UK project developer.
- Advised Granville Ecopark on the construction of the first gas to grid project in NI, whereby green gas is produced from food waste, and then injected directly into the public gas network.
Carson McDowell
Carson McDowell acts for a broad range of energy clients, including utilities, electricity network owners and operators, and conventional and renewable generators. The group works as part of the firm’s full service offering, and offers comprehensive coverage of real estate, corporate, banking, and regulatory matters. Senior partner Neasa Quigley is team lead, and specialises in M&A and equity funding work. Core team members include planning expert Gary McGhee, real estate specialist Emma Cooper, and Dawson McConkey, a key name for on-shore wind farm projects. Senior associate Le-ann Campbell specialises in mergers and acquisitions, and is experienced in the renewable energy sector.
Practice head(s):
Neasa Quigley
Other key lawyers:
Gary McGhee; Sinead McGrath; Emma Cooper; Dawson McConkey; Le-Ann Campbell
Testimonials
‘They are professional, punctual and have the same attention to detail be it a small or large transaction. The team are very professional, always at the end of a phone and never miss a deadline.’
‘The renewable team is headed by Neasa Quigley who is just outstanding in her field.’
‘The team has a broad range of skills and knowledge and are efficient and helpful at all times. They have excellent contacts within their industry.’
‘They are extremely knowledgeable, professional and helpful. They are accessible and available when needed, with impressive response times. Neasa Quigley requires specific mention as she provides an excellent, professional service at all times.’
‘The team at Carson McDowell are dynamic and responsive with a genuine collaborative and tailored approach to the required scope or task. Having access to a wide breadth of expertise within one firm provides confidence and connection as required.’
‘Neasa Quigley and Le-Ann Campbell bring vast experience in what is a highly technical and challenging sector. They understand both the policy and commercial landscape and provide honest and clear advice on all elements of deal structure.’
‘Commercial, pragmatic, approachable, collaborative.’
‘Neasa Quigley – commercial, highly skilled, approachable.’
Key clients
Firmus Energy
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company t/a Translink
Newry Energy Storage Limited
Firmus Energy
Evermore Energy
Renewable Energy Systems
Islandmagee Energy Limited (part of Harland &Wolff Group Holdings PLC)
SONI
NIE
Glenmore Generation
Work highlights
- Advising the Firmus Energy business on the Energy Price Guarantee Scheme for domestic customers introduced by BEIS that Firmus was obliged to join in response to the cost of energy crisis.
- Advising Islandmagee Storage Limited in relation to the judicial review proceedings launched against its recently approved Marine Licence, Discharge Consent and Abstraction Licence obtained to construct the Gas Storage Project. Planning Permission has previously been successfully obtained.
- Advising RES, a longstanding client in respect of the disposal of a consented eleven wind-turbine in County Londonderry to ERG SPA. Subsequent to sale, RES have been retained by the buyer to develop out the 47MW project, with construction due to begin in 2024.
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP‘s multidisciplinary practice is active across the all-island energy market, and spans the full range of energy and regulatory matters. The group works alongside the firm’s other offices across the UK to offer comprehensive coverage. Team lead Richard Murphy is a recognised thought leader in the energy industry, and is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Associate Matthew McMurray is experienced in electricity and gas regulation.
Practice head(s):
Richard Murphy
Other key lawyers:
Matthew McMurray
Testimonials
‘Richard Murphy was the first solicitor in Belfast to specialise in energy and anticipate the forthcoming growth in the renewables sector. Through his work as Chair of the RenewableNI Markets Working Group and his media contributions, he is a key voice in our industry.’
‘My work is primarily with Richard Murphy, who provides expertise in renewable electricity markets legislation and policy.’
Key clients
NTR
VIOTAS
firmus Energy
Mutual Energy
Strategic Power Projects
Green Hydrogen Int.
Energia Group
Statkraft
Bluefield
AIB
Work highlights
- Advising Rabobank on the financing of an 80 MW solar and wind portfolio in the UK.
- Advising leading renewables investor Bluefield on the repowering of 17 wind farms in Northern Ireland.
- Advising Mutual Energy on the collaboration partnership with B9 Energy, Islandmagee Energy Ltd and the Net Zero Technology Centre to deliver phase one of the Power-to-X Project as part of the UK Government’s Department of Business Energy & Industry Strategy (BEIS) Longer Duration Energy Storage (LODES) Demonstration innovation competition.
Arthur Cox Belfast
Arthur Cox Belfast‘s all-island energy practice is active across the electricity, gas, renewables, and natural resources sectors, and has particular expertise in regulatory matters. William Curry, whose expertise covers all aspects of public procurement and project delivery, co-leads the group with corporate partner David White, who specialises in the energy sector. Other key names in the group include Alan Taylor and associate Erin Carruthers.
Practice head(s):
David White; William Curry
Other key lawyers:
Alan Taylor; Chris Ritchie; Erin Carruthers
Testimonials
‘I have found that the team has a wide range of knowledge across the energy and property sector.’
‘Friendly, pragmatic, knowledgable and experienced staff, excellent continuity of staff for clients.’
‘I’ve worked in conjunction with David White for common clients for many years and his knowledge and professionalism continue to impress. Always reliable, responsive and pragmatic, it’s been a genuine pleasure working with him.’
‘In addition to the knowledge and expertise, Arthur Cox focuses on a strong working relationship facilitating open discussions and demonstrating the ability to listen to and learn from their clients. In summary, Arthur Cox provides an efficient and effective service.’
‘David White has demonstrated on numerous occasions his knowledge of the energy sector and his legal expertise. This has been very important when we have engaged Arthur Cox in complex projects.’
Key clients
ERG SpA
Mutual Energy Group (including Moyle Interconnector Limited, Belfast Gas Transmission Limited and Premier Transmission Limited)
Arena Capital Partners Limited
HHT Management Limited
Everun Limited
Phoenix Natural Gas Limited
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited
Instavolt Limited
SONI Limited
arc21 (grouping of 6 district councils in eastern region of Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Ulster University
Department of Finance (LPS)
Apex Housing Association
Radius Housing Association
Tourism Northern Ireland
SSE plc
Work highlights
- Advising Mutual Energy Group on projects, energy regulatory, commercial and procurement matters in relation to its electricity interconnector and gas transmission businesses.
- Advised ERG SpA, a leading independent clean energy producer, on the acquisition of a 100% equity interest in Corlacky Energy Ltd, which holds the permits for the construction and operation of the 47MW Corlacky wind farm in Northern Ireland.
- Advising arc21 on all aspects of an Energy from Waste Facility, which is the largest PFI/PPP Project, and the first procurement of its kind ever to be undertaken in Northern Ireland.
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Cleaver Fulton Rankin fields a team of planning, regulatory, property, and corporate lawyers, with experience in a broad range of energy matters. Team lead Stephen Cross advises energy companies, investors, and financial institutions, and is particularly experienced working on wind, solar, and biomass projects. Planning expert Karen Blair and property specialist Joe Marley are key names in the team.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Cross
Other key lawyers:
Joe Marley; Karen Blair; Brendan Martyn
Testimonials
‘My overall impression of this practice is that of a very professional team with a wide range of expertise across many areas of law.’
‘Joe has great experience in this area and provides expert advice that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the business. Joe is very approachable and easily contactable.’
Key clients
Dalradian Gold Limited
EirGrid / SONI
Assured Energy LLP
Close Brothers Asset Finance
Assured Energy LLP and Gravis Capital Partners
NIE
Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR)
HSBC UK Bank PLC
Harland & Wolff plc / Islandmagee Energy Limited
Global Infrastructure Management LLC
Work highlights
- Advising EirGrid on a dispute under the Capacity Market Code, referred to the Capacity Market Dispute Resolution Board, in relation to modifications made by EirGrid to the capacity market auction process.
- Acting for Close Brothers Asset Finance in its financing of the repowering of wind turbines across Northern Ireland.
- Advising on the restructuring of Gravis Capital Partners’ investment in the Assured Energy portfolio of 11 anaerobic digester plants.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP advises developers, investors, and funders on a range of clean energy development, energy procurement and sustainability matters. Core team members include corporate partner Grant Edwards.
Other key lawyers:
Grant Edwards
Testimonials
‘What makes this practice so unique is the level of service that you receive, and that the professional manner and the quality of the knowledge that this provided from the team is second to none.’
Key clients
ABO Wind
ERG spa
Capital Dynamics
Obton Limited
MPG Wind (development entity) and MPG Wind Services (O&M entity)
Green Energy Hub
Ark Enviro Limited
Regen
Hadstone Energy
Reserflex Ltd
Industrial Financing and Leasing Limited
Skylark Control Limited
Green HaaS
B9 Energy Storage
Newbridge Energy
Solo Renewables
Lisleen Energy
Cape Renewables
LBBW
AIB Group (UK) plc
Work highlights
- Advising Kells BES Ltd in respect of the transmission connection agreement and regulatory permitting to energise a 50MW BESS project at Kells C. Antrim.
- Advising B9 Energy Storage to structure and negotiate the collaboration and contractual arrangements for the BEIS funded Hydrogen demonstrator project for super long duration storage (storing green hydrogen in underground salt caverns for later use as carbon free fuel).
- Advised ABO wind on its 25MW wind project at Cullion, Co. Tyrone with a co-located electrolyser.
TLT
TLT acts for prominent domestic and international clients on a range of matters. The team has expertise handling on- and offshore windfarm projects, and has notable strength in infrastructure planning applications. Team lead Andrew Ryan is a key name for knowledge of the Northern Irish planning system. Ryan is supported by real estate lawyer Kevin Murphy and senior associate Sarah Mulholland.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Ryan
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Murphy; Sarah Mulholland
Key clients
ABO Wind NI Ltd
Albion Capital
Alpha Real Capital
Deepbridge Capital
EP Kilroot Limited
Low Carbon
SSE Renewable Developments
EP UK Investments
Greenville Energy Limited
Energia Renewables Company
Work highlights
Tughans
Tughans fields a multidisciplinary team, with significant experience in corporate and financing transactions. The group has particular strength in the utilities and waste sectors. Andrew Kirke, whose practice includes power purchase agreements, specialist energy regulatory matters, and grid connection agreements, co-leads the department with real estate partner Chris Milligan, who exclusively focuses on energy, natural resources, and infrastructure.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Kirke; Chris Milligan
Other key lawyers:
Maria O’Loan
Testimonials
‘I have instructed Tughans on matters within the energy and projects field and have found them to be excellent. They are friendly, approachable and extremely knowledgeable. They have provided the advise requested within the timeframes set and demonstrated expertise in their fields.’
‘Chris Milligan and Maria O’Loan are excellent. Their knowledge of this area of the law is comprehensive, and the advice is delivered clearly and effectively.’
‘Engaged, responsive and able to provide high quality advice in the tightest of timelines.’
‘Andrew Kirke is unflappable, affable, with regulatory knowledge second to none. Chris Milligan as relationship partner was always available to help negotiate some of the trickier moments.’
‘There are few similar departments in Northern Ireland with similar expertise.’
‘Chris Milligan is a leading individual within the team. He brings with him a wealth of experience from other similar projects he has worked on in England. He is clear and concise in his advice, approachable and always provides value added.’
‘Fast and efficient turnarounds.’
‘Knowledgeable and experienced in the energy industry.’
Key clients
SONI Limted
SSE Plc
ESB Group
Adman Civil Projects Limited
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (t/a Translink)
Indaver NV
Greencoat Capital,
ERG S.p.A.
Natural World Products
Northern Ireland Water
Work highlights
- Advising Indaver on a waste to energy facility.
- Advising SONI, the sole operator of the high voltage electricity transmission network in Ireland, and works alongside the distribution network operator, Northern Ireland Electricity Limited, to run the electricity network for suppliers, generators and customers.
- Advising Greencoat, the largest renewables investment manager in the UK and Europe, on a number of specialist regulatory enquiries.
Mills Selig
Mills Selig has a strong focus on renewables, particularly wind, solar, anaerobic digestion and battery storage. The group covers investment, acquisitions, and disposals. Real estate specialist Anna-Marie McAlinden leads the team, and is regularly active for landowners, funders, institutional lenders and developers. Glenn Watterson leads on corporate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Anna-Marie McAlinden
Other key lawyers:
Glenn Watterson; Emma McCloskey
Testimonials
‘This practice are a team that focus on the client’s success. They spend time getting to know you and your business. This reaps benefits when things get complicated or contentious, because they then are able to adapt and anticipate the assistance we require.’
‘The individuals are evidently skilled, knowledgeable, clear and succinct. They have no airs or graces about them. The professionalism is clear and, most importantly, acknowledged by their competitors and other businesses.’
Key clients
Natural World Products Limited
Power On Technologies Limited
Girona Energy Limited
BSI Wind Ltd
3T Power Limited
Alpha Real Renewables (England)
Rengineers (Dutch)