Hall Of Fame: Electricity And Renewable Energy

Hall Of Fame: Oil And Gas

Next Generation Partners: Electricity And Renewable Energy

Next Generation Partners: Oil And Gas

Firms To Watch: Energy

Under the leadership of Jens Naas-Bibow and Frode Støle, 1,5 Advokatfirma AS has a specialised offering that spans renewable energy, infrastructure and sustainability mandates, handling regulatory issues, contractual work, transactions and disputes.

Energy in Norway

Arntzen de Besche

The full-service energy offering at Arntzen de Besche spans commercial contracts work, regulatory advice, financing mandates, and M&A deals, acting for contractors and construction companies on developments, offshore wind projects, and contentious mandates. Karl Erik Navestad leads the oil and gas team, while Odd-Harald Berg Wasenden takes point on electricity and renewable energy matters. Rune Omdahl focuses on licensing, field development, and transactional matters for major oil, gas, and energy companies, particularly on the offshore side. The core team also includes energy tax specialist Rune Tjomsås Andersen, seasoned oil and gas adviser Anders Rødland, and associate Aleksander Dypvik Myklebust, who is recommended for international electricity projects.

Practice head(s):

Karl Erik Navestad; Odd-Harald Berg Wasenden


Other key lawyers:

Anders Rødland; Rune Omdahl; Rune Tjomsås Andersen; Aleksander Dypvik Myklebust


Testimonials

‘The team is a good mixture of experience and new talent.’

‘Odd-Harald Wasenden has a very good understanding of the functioning of the energy markets along with a deep knowledge of the regulation.’

‘Very active in the market and good market insight to legal and M&A activities.’

‘Availability and level of service.’

‘Flexible and forthcoming to discuss complex issues. Highly available and service-minded. Anders Rødland is a very good lawyer.’

Key clients

Agdereierne


Nortura SA


Gassco AS


Eviny AS (formerly BKK AS)


Bulk Infrastructure Group AS


Trollfjord AS


Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS


TrønderEnergi AS / Aneo AS


Nasdaq Spot AB / Nasdaq Oslo ASA / Nasdaq Clearing AB


Elkem ASA /Elkem Iceland ehf.


Enova SF


Norsk Hydrogenforum


Biokraft AS


Lime Petroleum AS


The government of Iceland


Fram Wind Solutions AS


Nyrstar Corporation/Nyrstar Høyanger AS


Ecopro AS


DNO ASA


Vår Energi AS


OMV


INPEX Idemitsu Norge


Altera Infrastructure


E.ON SE


Edison S.p.A.


Pandion Energy


Work highlights


  • Advising energy companies Trollfjord AS and Andøy Energi Holding AS in connection with entering into transaction agreements with Nordkraft AS with a deal value of NOK7.5bn.
  • Assisting Ecopro AS, a major biogas producer, in connection with its factory that currently holds a production capacity on 45,000 tonnes of food waste and sludge per year, providing approximately 37GWh biogas per year.
  • Advised Lime Petroleum AS on all aspects of the process in connection to a NOK1.25bn FRN Senior Secured Bond.

BAHR

Attracting praise for its ‘profound understanding of the oil and gas business’, BAHR maintains a market-leading transactional offering across the full range of energy sectors, handling high-value and complex consolidations, acquisitions, and cross-border M&A for leading industry players. Managing partner Thomas K. Svensen focuses his practice on oil and gas work, Stig Klausen Engelhart leads on petroleum law mandates, and the ‘deeply experiencedJon Christian Thaulow oversees the energy and environmental law group; the trio jointly lead the firm’s energy practice. Other core names to note include Rune Svoren, who is highly recommended for his expertise in electricity transactions, tax and litigation specialist Jan Jansen, and Trond Lingaas, who handles regulatory and contractual issues in the oil and gas industry.

Practice head(s):

Thomas K Svensen; Jon Christian Thaulow; Stig Klausen Engelhart


Other key lawyers:

Rune Svoren; Jan Jansen; Trond Lingaas; Haakon Flaatten; Morten Smørdal; Sondre Nobel Skalleberg


Testimonials

‘Very strong team with a strong commercial mindset that is very focused on protecting and maximising value and minimising risk for their client.’

‘Clear strategy/roles/responsibilities and very good preparation. Very good understanding of the oil and gas business fundamentals and the client’s needs.’

‘Stand-out partners include Jon Christian Thaulow, Thomas K. Svensen, Trond Lingaas. Stand-out associate – Sondre Nobel Skalleberg.’

‘Haakon Flaatten and Morten Smørdal, both are hands-on and excellent in advising on complex matters.’

‘The team always delivers timely and high-quality legal support to our business. They understand our needs and our business.’

‘They have a profound understanding of the oil and gas business and deliver high-quality legal advice that is fit for purpose. A special mention to Trond Lingaas for his excellent support.’

‘Jon Christian Thaulow – Deeply experienced, collaborative and solution-oriented. Executes difficult and complex matters.’

‘Stig Engelhart – Very dedicated, service-minded and experienced across transactions, projects and other corporate matters. Has unique and broad capabilities within the energy industry and provides candid advice that helps guide developing and mature companies through complex matters.’

Key clients

Hafslund AS


Statnett


Oslo Municipality (Oslo kommune)


Vanir Green Industries


Aquila Capital


Ymber AS


Mainstream Renewable Power


Celsio (formerly Fortum Oslo Varme)


FreyrBattery SA


Aker Carbon Capture ASA


Aker Horizons Asset Development


Norsk Vannkraft


Sognekraft AS


Aker Group


HitecVision


Equinor


Neptune


Shell


OMV


TOTAL


Vår Energi


Silex Gas Norway


DNB


INEOS


Work highlights


  • Advising Mainstream Renewable Power on the Norwegian offshore wind auctions, including regulatory matters, joint venture agreements with BP and Statkraft, and project structuring, as well as on restructuring its investments in Latin America.
  • Advising Aquila Capital in connection with the permitting, construction and financing of the Øyfjellet wind farm, including high-profile litigation work.
  • Advising Neptune Energy and its shareholders on the sale of Neptune Energy Norge AS to Vår Energi, which is part of the simultaneous sale of the entire Neptune Energy group (excluding its business in Germany) to Eni for an aggregate enterprise value of $4.9bn.

Advokatfirmaet CLP DA

Advokatfirmaet CLP DA’s ‘hands-on and experienced‘ team has notable experience advising on large-scale renewable energy and electricity transactions, project development issues, and energy concession mandates. Lars Gunnar Aas and Amund Erdal jointly lead the group; Aas has significant expertise in handling hydropower and wind power-related transactions, while Erdal advises leading Scandinavian utilities companies on development projects.

Practice head(s):

Lars Gunnar Aas; Amund Erdal


Testimonials

‘In addition to very good legal skills, the individuals we work with have a detailed knowledge of the Nordic power market and are commercial minded. This means they extend the clients commercial team in a good way, making it a high-performance team.’

‘Always available, understands our thinking.’

‘CLP provides a hands-on and experienced team that covers the relevant aspects of a transaction process in the renewable energy sector.’

‘The team provides a large pool of knowledge that we can utilise when we construct new types of PPAs.’

‘Partners are heavily engaged in the projects, good availability.’

‘Very high competence, good service level.’

Key clients

Å Energi AS


Arendals Fossekompani ASA


Fortum Oyj


Fortum Strøm AS


Agder Energi Vannkraft AS


Volue ASA


Climate Fund Managers B.V.


Ånstadblåheia Vindpark AS


Nygårdsfjellet Vindpark AS


Vest-Telemark Kraftlag


Entelios AS


Green Hyco AS


Meventus AS


Sørfjord Vindpark AS


Rune Isachsen Holding AS


Baze Technology AS


Enfo Technology AS


Møre og Romsdal Havn IKS


Å Energi Invest AS


ECO Stor AS


Intex Resources ASA


eSmart Systems AS


Resoptima AS


Otovo


Mirova


Hy24


CMS Kluge

CMS Kluge’s energy, industry and climate department handles the full range of transactional, regulatory, and contentious work across the oil and gas, renewables and electricity sectors. License transactions, E&P development projects, and offshore mandates are key areas of expertise on the oil and gas side, and a core pillar of work for the team includes advising oil and gas companies on the transition into the renewable energy space; the ‘service-minded, efficient, and experiencedOlav Hasaas oversees the team and is a key contact for the latter. Other core individuals include litigator Asle BjellandSiv Madland, who takes point on upstream and oil services industry contract work, and Stig Even Jakobsen, who is the name to note for M&A deals. Kjetil Stensvik left the team in December 2022 and is now at Wiersholm and Camilla Grytten departed to Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS in early 2024.

Practice head(s):

Olav Hasaas


Other key lawyers:

Siv Madland; Asle Bjelland; Stig Even Jakobsen


Testimonials

‘Great at communication. Good understanding of the law. Pragmatic. Fast. Result-oriented.’

‘Self-motivated and effective team members.’

‘The team has good knowledge of the renewable energy sector, and are able to draw on experience from other sectors such as oil and gas to provide advice for new sectors, such as offshore wind.’

‘Olav Hasaas is service minded, efficient and experienced.’

‘All of the partners, including Olav Hasaas, responded to our request and inquiry in very short time which made our tight process feasible in time. We appreciate their genuine dedication over the whole period of the service.’

‘Great knowledge of EU regulations important for the district heating sector in Norway.’

‘Within oil and gas, we have worked with several partners such as Olav Hasaas and Siv Madland – all delivering excellent legal advice in a time and cost efficient manner.’

Key clients

Gassnova


Kansai Electric Company/KPIC Netherlands


Drammen Municipality


KLP Pension Fund


Hydro Rein


CO2 Capsol


Norsk Hydro


Aarbakke AS


AF Aeronmollier AS


Densiq AS


Endvision AS


Gassnova SF


LOTOS Exploration and Production Norge AS


Optilift AS


Petoro AS


Pandion Energy AS


Repsol Norge AS


Scandinavian Fittings and Flanges AS


The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy


Total E&P Norge AS


Wellesley Petroleum AS


Work highlights


  • Advising Gassnova on the Longship CCS full-scale demonstration project, subsidised by the Norwegian state.
  • Advised Drammen Municipality as the majority owner of Glitre Energi on the merger between Agder Energi and Glitre Energi, two of the leading Norway-based power companies, to form Å Energi.
  • Advised LOTOS Exploration and Production Norge AS on a suite of commercial agreements for the fields in the Yggdrasil (formerly NOAKA) area, the largest field development on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

DLA Piper

Kaare Oftedal leads the energy team at DLA Piper, which handles M&A, debt offerings, project finance work, and regulatory mandates for clients in the wind and hydropower sectors. Oftedal has a broad practice with a focus on transactional work relating to renewables, including asset sales, M&A, project financings and investments. Siren Skalstad Ellensen has extensive experience advising domestic and international renewables and infrastructure players on M&A, equity transactions, and reorganisations.

Practice head(s):

Kaare Oftedal


Other key lawyers:

Siren Skalstad Ellensen


Key clients

GE Vernova


Swiss Life Asset Manager AG (SLAM)


Norsk Vannkraft


Repvåg Kraftlag


Ljustjok Kraftlag


Nordkynn Kraftlag


Aqualung Carbon Capture


STX Group


Biopower


Arbaflame


RaKon


Ming Yang Wind Power Group


Odal Vindkraftverk


Renantis (Falck Renewables)


Nordic Wind Power


Energy Infrastructure Partners


Cloudberry Clean Energy


Cube Infrastructure Managers


Cube Energy III


Frevar


OX2 Wind


Emerging Acquisitions


Gassnova


Credit Suisse


Sarpsborg Avfallsenergi


Work highlights


  • Advised GE Vernova’s Digital Business on the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Greenbird Integration Technology AS.
  • Advised Cloudberry Clean Energy on the sale of Åmotsfoss, Selselva and Nessakraft hydropower plants to Norsk Vannkraft AS.
  • Advising Repvåg Kraftlag, Ljustjok Kraftlag and Nordkynn Kraftlag on the potential merger between the three companies, becoming a major energy player in the northern part of Norway, and handling the following merger between their grid company subsidiaries.

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Counting leading E&P players, major contractors, and large domestic power and grid companies among its impressive roster of clients, Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS leverages the firm’s strength in the construction and offshore industries to provide a broad offering spanning the full range of industry-specific issues. On the renewables front, Aksel Tannum heads up the practice and takes point on issues related to power generation as well as contentious mandates, working alongside regulatory expert Jøran Sandvik and litigators Mari Reitzel Bjerke and Pål Martin Abell. On the oil and gas front, the team has a strong track record in advising leading oil and gas contractors on field developments and offshore construction mandates, overseen by Christopher Sveen. Bård Sandstad handles M&A and corporate work on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, while oil and gas disputes are the area of focus for Mikal Brøndmo.

Practice head(s):

Aksel Tannum; Christopher Sveen


Other key lawyers:

Mari Reitzel Bjerke; Bård Sandstad; Mikal Brøndmo; Jøran Sandvik; Pål Martin Abell


Testimonials

‘The Haavind team is unmatched in its knowledge and competence within its field. The team is always ready to solve any issue its faced with.’

‘The Haavind team has a variety of skills and competencies within the (Norwegian) Electricity and renewable energy business. The team is big enough to be robust and answers requests quickly. The Haavind energy team has a good reputation.’

‘The advisers we work together with at Haavind have broad network spanning the Norwegian authorities, other companies and the renewable energy sector as such. They are pragmatic and speak/write in a tone that is likeable and ‘down to earth’ to us.’

‘Unique knowledge of watercourse law and property rights.’

‘Good legal advice and very good at court proceedings. Nice team.’

‘Professional knowledge from the front.’

‘The team is very good at identifying the specific resources needed per subject, and the resources are always competent. They are aware of the political changes impacting our business and give good advice accordingly.’

‘I recommend Mari Bjerke.’

Work highlights


  • Representing major Swedish renewable player Eolus and Øyfjellet Wind AS in a dispute regarding the validity of the license to establish Norway’s largest stand-alone wind power plant, Øyfjellet wind power plant.
  • Advised the owners of the large regional power company Glitre Energi AS on the negotiations with the owners of Agder Energi AS relating to the merger of the two companies.
  • Representing Elvia, Norway’s largest grid company, and industry organisation Renewables Norway in legal matters and dispute resolution regarding the implementation and installation of ‘smart metering’ solutions and equipment.

Advokatfirmaet Hjort

Acting for wind farm operators, local authorities, power companies and grid operators, Advokatfirmaet Hjort’s renewable energy team handles the full range of regulatory, operational and contentious mandates. Practice head Kristin Bjella has significant expertise in grid development projects, regulations, and concessions and also handles contentious mandates concerning human rights, land acquisitions, and expropriation issues. Jørn Uggerud takes point on M&A in the renewable energy sector and also handles green hydrogen and ammonia production projects, carbon capture and storage work, and offshore wind developments. Also in the core team are seasoned litigator Frode Innjord and Kenneth Høgevold, who stands out for his district heating expertise.

Practice head(s):

Kristin Bjella


Other key lawyers:

Kenneth Høgevold; Frode Innjord; Jørn Uggerud


Testimonials

‘Hjort is one of very few Norwegian law firms with in-depth knowledge of the district heating sector in Norway.’

‘Very good knowledge and much experience in energy law, advice in relation to license validity, administrative law, human rights.’

‘Kristin Bjella and Frode Innjord – Both: high competence and availability, nice form.’

‘I recommend Kenneth Høgevold.’

‘The renewables team at Hjort has some individuals that have long experience advising within the renewables sector.’

‘Kristin Bjella has long experience from the renewables sector in Norway, and has been engaged in a variety of cases within this sector.’

Key clients

Nordix Data AS


Å Energi group


Energiselskapet Hardanger group


Source Galileo Norge AS


Statkraft SF


Fosen Vind DA


Roan Vind DA


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners


Borg CO2 AS


Hydropower AS


Svabo Industrinett AS


NODES Market


Carbonor AS


Statnett SF


Aneo AS


Sogn og Fjordane Energi AS with subsidiaries


Volda Kommune


Norsk Fjernvarme


Work highlights


  • Advised Source Galileo Norge AS and Odfjell Oceanwind AS in connection with the joint ventures with Kansai and Ingka related to Utsira Nord offshore wind project, and with Kansai related to the Goliatvind offshore wind project.
  • Advising Fosen Vind DA and Roan Vind DA on all legal matters, including mediation and negotiations, related to the question of license for continued operation of the wind farms in Fosen.
  • Acting for Svabo Industrinett AS, the owner of the power grid within an industrial park in the north of Norway, Mo Industripark, in ongoing proceedings before regulatory authorities regarding flicker problems in the power grid.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

Kvale Advokatfirma DA ‘commands a broad understanding of the energy sector and energy law‘ and stands out for its extensive expertise in advising leading domestic and international players on the Norwegian Continental Shelf on the full range of transactional, regulatory and contentious issues. On the oil and gas front, Gry Bratvold specialises in international offshore and oil and gas projects, while Yngve Bustnesli attracts praise for his ‘deep knowledge of the petroleum law system in Norway‘. Working alongside them is Andreas Stang Lund, who is the key contact for contentious mandates. Over on the renewables side, the ‘excellentChristian Poulsson focuses on regulatory issues and litigation in the hydropower and wind power industries. Per Conradi Andersen takes point on transactions and restructuring work for clients in the electricity sector. Also in the core team is Kristin Ourom, who has extensive expertise in advising on the full range of renewable energy operational and regulatory issues.

Practice head(s):

Christian Poulsson; Gry Bratvold; Yngve Bustnesli


Other key lawyers:

Kristin Ourom; Andreas Stang Lund; Per Conradi Andersen


Testimonials

‘Skilled lawyers with extensive experience from the renewable energy industry. A lot of industry knowledge is required to be able to give good and precise legal advice when you work with electricity and renewable energy so this is very important.’

‘Deep knowledge about the E&P industry. Always quick to help. Rapid response. Solid help when establishing Sales and Purchase Agreements.’

‘Yngve Bustnesli has very good knowledge of the petroleum law system in Norway. Helpful and always interested.’

‘We have worked with Kvale since our first major deal. Kvale is probably the best Norwegian law firm when it comes to understanding the regulatory regime on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and our go-to firm when it comes to regulatory issues.’

‘A lot of knowledge of the energy and especially renewable energy industry. Very competent and quick reacting.’

‘Kristin Ourom knows the energy field, and we are happy to use her as our lawyer.’

‘Excellent team; in general, it commands a broad understanding of the energy sector and energy law. They excel in renewables and electricity. They have a no-nonsense approach, are very pragmatic and just pleasant to work with.’

‘Christian Poulsson is excellent. He combines many years of experience in the field of energy law with a strategic approach and practical knowledge of procedural law. He works very quickly and efficiently.’

Key clients

Alta Kraftlag


aventron


Captiva Capital Management


Hafslund Eco Vannkraft


Energeia


Hallingdal Kraftnett


Hammerfest Energi


Hemsedal Energi


Hålogaland Kraft


Notodden Energi


Saudefaldene


Sykkylven Energi


Stranda Energi


Stryn Energi


Norsk Hydro


Telemark Energi


Tinn Energi


TrønderEnergi


Volue Market Services / Markedskraft


Steindal Kraftverk


Glitre Energi


Syversætre Foss Kraftverk


Gismarvik Vindkraft


Sirdal Kraft


Markåni Kraftverk


Ytre Oppedal Kraftverk


Kjerringnes Kraft


Nettalliansen


Skjåk Energi


Luster Energi


Jæren Energi


Drangedal Energi


Hardanger Energi


Luosterjok Kraftlag


Repvåg Kraftlag


Hålogaland Kraft


Rauland Kraftlag


Svorka Energi


Sunndal Energi


Nord-Salten Kraft


Eidsiva Energi


KUFPEC


Equinor


M Vest Energy


Wintershall Dea Norge


BW Offshore


Pandion Energy


Solution Seeker


EagleBurgmann Norway


CiTECH Energy Recovery Solutions UK


Noble Corporation (formerly Maersk Drilling)


Work highlights


  • Advised Pandion Energy on establishing the contractual framework related to the Fenris fields use of Valhall/Hod infrastructure and construction of new shared facilities to be located at the Valhall field as part of the development of the Fenris field.
  • Led negotiations on behalf of BW Offshore, with Energía del Pacífico (EDP), for a set of contracts for risers and umbilicals to a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-to-power project at the Port of Acajutla, El Salvador.
  • Advised KUFPEC on all aspects of the structured tender process in the $68m sale of its 10% participating interest in the Yme field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

SANDS

The energy team at SANDS has a multidisciplinary offering that spans M&A, project financing and development, dispute resolution, and regulatory expertise. Lars Berge Andersen has a ‘large pool of practical experience and understanding of industry processes‘ and heads up the firm’s oil and gas team; Andersen focuses on upstream oil and gas mandates, including international offshore projects, contentious mandates, and transactional work for asset owners and suppliers. Alf Øystein Skudal leads the renewables team and is a key contact for hydropower and grid sector clients.

Practice head(s):

Alf Øystein Skudal; Lars Berge Andersen


Testimonials

‘Sands is great within this area.’

‘Lars Berge Andersen stands out.’

‘Professional and always responds on time.’

‘I work with Lars Berge Andersen, who is my contact in Sands. He is very professional in practice and has structural thinking. He always gives me valuable advice when I raise questions and concerns.’

‘Skilled and know segment well.’

‘High availability and efficient solutions.’

‘Working with Sands related to several projects and frame agreements has proved to be a positive experience. The coverage of all questions has been very helpful in steering our discussions with suppliers and customers around potential pitfalls and has as such been beneficial to our company.’

‘Lars Berge Andersen has been one of the most receptive and responsive people in the legal trade that I have been working with in the last 20 years. His guidance, based on ample experience, has been extremely beneficial. It is evident that Lars draws from a large pool of practical experience and understanding of industry processes.’

Key clients

Login Vinterbro AS


Captiva Capital


Kraftanmelding AS


Gudbrandsdal Energi


Dønnesfjord Vindpark AS


Kraftia Energi AS


Vesterålskraft AS


Aventus Green Technology AS


Sira Kvina Kraftselskap


Ren Røros AS


Småkraft AS


Buskerud Salg


Energihuset Marked AS


GNP Energy AS


Marwil Energy


DeepOcean AS


OSM Thome


Dakarnave Shipyard


Ezone


Biomarine S.r.l


Hammerfest Industriservice


Scana ASA


DeepOcean Group


Archer ASA


Høegh LNG


Atlantica Tender Drilling


Borealis/Australis Maritime


Empower Oilfield Services


Global Green Capital


Sensorlink


Frydenbø Group


Safelink


Umoe Group


Managed Pressure Operations


MHWirth (now part of HMH, a JV with Baker Hughes)


Nekkar ASA


PG Flow Solutions


Data Gumbo


Work highlights


  • Advised Akastor ASA (listed subsidiary of Aker ASA) on the sale of global oil service provider AGR Group to ABL.
  • Advised listed Scana ASA, and its subsidiaries on a wide range of national and international project assignments.
  • Advised Höegh LNG, the leading global provider of Floating LNG solutions on the tendering, contact negotiation and structuring and post-execution work of a long range of international projects related to the provision of floating LNG storage and regasification units.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS fields a ‘very strong’ team which acts for a diverse group of clients operating on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including oil and gas players, onshore and offshore wind companies, and green hydrogen producers. Leveraging its network of offices across Scandinavia, the firm is well-placed to advise both international and domestic clients on cross-border transactions and high-profile disputes. Sindre Søndenå Andersen leads the practice in Bergen, while Oslo-based private equity expert Preben Willoch oversees the renewables offering. Also in the core team are oil, gas and offshore expert Christian Fredrik Michelet, as well as Claus Severin Mørch, who takes point on transactional mandates. Camilla Grytten joined the practice from CMS Kluge, adding her energy and petroleum expertise to the group. Sverre Bjelland departed in early 2024, as did Torkjel Grøndalen, who left to Wiersholm.

Practice head(s):

Sindre Søndenå Andersen; Preben Willoch


Other key lawyers:

Christian Fredrik Michelet; Claus Severin Mørch; Camilla Grytten


Testimonials

‘Schjødt made a real commitment to this space. Schjødt’s ability of the partners to handle any matter that arises on a transaction is particularly impressive. They also take a problem-solving and creative approach to transactions.’

‘Partner Sindre Søndenå Andersen has been very valuable to us over many years. His knowledge of different parts of our business allows him to quickly turn around when more detailed support is needed.’

‘Claus Severin Mørch: Claus is our go-to-person for all oil and gas related matters in Norway. He always displays a very measured and objective approach to things, with a calm but firm style. He helps us make good decisions, is a great and knowledgeable deal lawyer, pragmatic and is always there when you need him. A real pleasure to work with.’

‘Very strong team.’

‘Schjødt has a great team of lawyers with oil and gas competence! Their experience is broad and covers both the regulatory and commercial aspects.’

‘Hands on, highly competent, always available for short chats and sparring.’

Key clients

Elmera Group ASA / Fjordkraft AS


Norsk Vind and its owner Valinor AS


Magnora ASA


Nysnø Klimainvesteringer AS


VårGrønn AS


Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets


Norsk Havvind AS


TotalEnergies Renewables


Seagust AS / Arendal Fossekompani / Ferd


Clemens Kraft AS


Fossberg Kraft AS


Skjoldblad


Tafjord Kraft AS


Lyse Energi AS


SFE Produksjon AS/ Sogn og Fjordane Energi


Norsk eFuel


Vår Energi ASA


PGNiG Upstream Norway AS


Total E&P Norge AS


Petoro AS


Wintershall Dea Norge AS


Neptune Energy Norway AS


Harbour Energy Norge AS


Kistos Energy (Norway) AS


Source Energy AS


Petronor E&P ASA


Work highlights


  • Advised Cadre AS on establishing itself as a new player within the small scale hydro industry in Norway, raising investment and acquiring assets from HitecVision and Nordkraft with aggregate proceeds of NOK1.2bn.
  • Advising several offshore wind joint ventures and project companies, including many of their investors and partners, on the ongoing public tenders for establishing offshore wind at Utsira Nord and Sørlige Nordsjø II.
  • Advised Vår Energi ASA on the $2.3bn acquisition of Neptune Energy Norway AS, being part of an international transaction where ENI acquired the rest of the Neptune Energy Group for $2.6bn.

Selmer

The ‘strategic and clever’ group at Selmer handles a broad mix of renewable energy and oil and gas mandates, including M&A, licensing transactions, contract work, and development projects. Instructions relating to hydropower, solar power, and wind power, both onshore and offshore, form core pillars of work on the renewables side, overseen by practice head Håkon Sandbekk. Other key names on the renewables front include electricity sector expert Liv Monica Stubholt and Martin Tandstad Ege, who focuses his practice on advising clients in the supplier industry. Thomas G. Michelet leads the oil and gas team and handles corporate, licensing and transactional mandates. Michelet works alongside regulatory specialist Øyvind Olimstad as well as Nicolai Myren, who is also recommended for cross-border work.

Practice head(s):

Håkon Sandbekk; Thomas G. Michelet


Other key lawyers:

Øyvind Olimstad; Nicolai Myren; Liv Monica Stubholt; Martin Tandstad Ege


Testimonials

‘Top legal skills, strategic and clever.’

‘Thomas Michelet offers the kind of legal advice you want and need in difficult M&A negotiations. His eye for detail goes beyond most lawyers. Øyvind Olimstad is the perfect match for Thomas with his in-depth understanding of the regulatory regime on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. With his straightforward, “devil’s advocate” attitude, Øyvind differentiates himself from many other lawyers.’

‘Highly skilled lawyers.’

‘I have worked with several legal practices in Norway on oil and gas transactions over the past decade and Selmer stands out. Definitely my go-to advisers.’

‘For us, Selmer covers all relevant legal areas. As an oil and gas client, we find their team and support best in class.’

‘Nicolai Myren has a long term relationship with our Company. In our clear opinion, Myren is the most valuable lawyer, also in our region of Norway. He brings in-depth legal knowledge combined with commercial understanding.’

‘We enjoy working with Selmer, especially in the oil and gas areas. They have very good skills and experience. And most of all these people are very innovative, come up with creative solutions.’

‘The individual we work with most is Thomas Michelet. He is a very dynamic person with overwhelming knowledge from the energy sector.’

Key clients

Statnett


Statkraft


BKW Energie


Solør Bioenergy


Havfram


Varanger Kraft


Å Energi (formerly Agder Energi)


Norseman Wind


Iberdrola


Morrow Batteries


Green Ammonia Berlevåg


EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg


Corio Generation


Dragefossen


Ny Energi


Finnmark Kraft


Renewables Consulting Group Nordic


Wind Catching Systems


Norwegian Export Credit Agency (GIEK)


SR Bank


Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore


Stena Drilling


COSL (China Oilfield Services)


TechnipFMC


Hafslund Oslo Celsio


Haliburton


OKEA


Petrolia NOCO


Ocean Installer


Vår Energi


Rosenberg Worley


IKM Gruppen


WellConnection


Swire Energy Services


Semi


HitecVision/Moreld


Carbon Circle


Gasum


KANFA


Intelligent Mud Solutions


Apply


Work highlights


  • Advised Hafslund Oslo Celsio on its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at the waste-to-energy plant at Klemetsrud, which is one of two large-scale CCS projects in Norway developed in conjunction with and in its initial phase co-funded by government financial support.
  • Advised a consortium consisting of Å Energi and Corio Generation on, among others, a joint venture set-up; and bid preparation in the first allocation round for floating offshore wind projects in Norway.
  • Representing KANFA in relation to a project for the construction of a new topside for a major FPSO currently under construction in China, which is to be delivered to one of the major FPSO owners and operators.

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig has a strong track record in advising leading industry players on the full range of work, including regulatory, transactional and operational mandates. Bjørn-Erik Leerberg and Gunnar Espeland jointly head up the full-service oil and gas team; Leerberg is an expert in petroleum law and regulatory issues, while Espeland takes point on oil and gas procurement matters, decommissioning projects, and construction work. The team is also highly regarded for its expertise in the electrical utilities sector, handling power grid issues, electricity transmission work, project developments, and project finance issues. Offshore and onshore wind projects and transactions are other core pillars of work for the renewables and electricity group, which is overseen by Robin Aker Jakobsen and Peter Aall Simonsen. Jakobsen takes point on energy and grid sector mandates with an emphasis on commercial and contractual matters, while Simonsen is recommended for large-scale energy projects.

Practice head(s):

Peter Aall Simonsen; Robin Aker Jakobsen; Bjørn-Erik Leerberg; Gunnar Espeland


Other key lawyers:

Jahn Egil Osestad


Testimonials

‘SVW provides sincere and high quality services related to our practice, especially toward major projects. They are extremely service oriented towards their clients, and possess a broad competency within the electricity and renewable energy business through a diverse team of highly committed people.’

‘High competency, flexibility and high understanding of what we need as a company and why, high customer focus with respect and commitment as underlying values in their practice.’

‘In my opinion Simonsen Vogt Wiig possesses insight into the energy sector in Norway, which I doubt any other law firm can compete with. Jahn Egil Osestad may be the best utilities procurement law specialist in Norway. Robin Aker Jakobsen may be the best energy law specialist in Norway.’

‘Skilled and trustworthy.’

‘We find that the practice has very good knowledge when it comes to the utility sector in which we operate. They are quick to identify the problem we are facing and help us focus on the issue of most importance.’

‘I have found their main strength to be their broad understanding of the electrical utility sector in Norway and the complex legal challenges that the grid companies encounter.’

‘Great team bringing together regulatory knowledge, business experience and construction law experience. The team is outstanding in cooperating but also guiding other supporting parties like technical and commercial advisors.’

‘Peter Aall Simonsen provides excellent advice, judgment and recommendations on all aspects of the energy market, legislation and approach towards authorities.’

Key clients

RWE AG


Prime Capital AG


DNB Bank ASA


Statkraft AS


Vestas Norway AS


Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA


Eksfin (Export Finance Norway)


SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA


Société Générale


Fornybar Norge


HyCap Group / Vedra Partners Limited


Neptun Tromsø AS


Horisont Energi AS


Tibber AS


Biojet AS


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


CapMan Infra Oy


NAEV Solventus S.a.r.l.


REN AS


Tensio AS


Haugaland Kraft AS, including Fagne AS


Å Energi AS (formerly Agder Energi AS) / Glitre Energi AS / Glitre Energi Nett AS


Wergeland Base AS


Work highlights


  • Advising SADCO, the ultimate parent company of the Saudi Aramco Group, on the acquisition of Aker BP ASA’s 7, 4% shareholding in Cognite AS with which Saudi Aramco also entered into a strategic JV for the digitalisation of the petroleum, energy, industrial processes and core infrastructure sectors of Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised the Norwegian export credit agency Eksfin (as export guarantor) in relation to the Dogger Bank wind farm projects (phases A, B and C), located between 125 and 290km off the east coast of Yorkshire, UK.
  • Advising the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority in connection with its Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) regulatory practices concerning offshore petroleum activities and offshore renewable energy projects.

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS attracts praise for its ‘deep industry knowledge‘ and routinely advises clients on the full spectrum of regulatory, contractual, M&A, restructuring and contentious mandates. Christian Hals leads the oil and gas team and takes point on M&A and capital markets transactions on the Norwegian Continental Sshelf. Hals works alongside Pål Lieungh and Audun Stornes; Lieungh has an impressive track record advising Norwegian companies undertaking offshore and oil and gas international projects and also handles disputes, while Stornes works with clients in the upstream and oil service sectors, handling contentious mandates. On the renewables front, Bendik Christoffersen oversees a strong group with expertise in project development and structuring, project finance, and expropriation and valuation issues. Gunnar Martinsen is the key contact for regulatory mandates and energy-related litigation, while June Snemyr heads up the renewables team in Stavanger.

Practice head(s):

Bendik Christoffersen; Christian Hals


Other key lawyers:

Pål Lieungh; Gunnar Martinsen; Kai-Ståle Kristiansen; Audun Stornes; June Snemyr


Testimonials

‘Thommessen have some of the best people available to carry out the work.’

‘Nice, skilled, broad expertise areas and proactive.’

‘Audun Stornes should be mentioned as a very competent and helpful person with great knowledge of the E&P business in Norway.’

‘From my experience with them, Thommessen has strong experience in the energy sector in Norway, and is very well connected to the energy eco-system which is very useful for a foreign investor with limited experience in the country.’

‘I worked with Kai-Ståle Kristiansen who has been very impressive, probably one of the best lawyers I have worked with: very thorough and knowledgeable while being pragmatic and looking for solutions to make deals happen.’

‘Gunnar Martinsen has deep industry knowledge and network combined with law to create practical, feasible solutions.’

‘Unique and broad competence in all relevant legal areas, always available for us as a customer, excellent discussion partner and adviser that helps us find the best solutions growing our businesses and securing compliance in all relevant matters.’

Key clients

Green Investment Group


Akershus Energi AS


Eidsiva Energi AS with subsidiaries


Lyse AS / Lyse Energi AS with subsidiaries


Nordkraft AS with subsidiaries


FREYR AS


Haugaland Kraft AS with subsidiaries


Tonstad Vindpark AS


Zephyr AS


Haram Kraft AS


Lutelandet Energipark AS


Glitre Energi AS/Å Energi AS with subsidiaries


Vardar AS with subsidiaries


Sira-Kvina Kraftselskap


Småkraft AS


Tysvær Vindpark AS


Østfold Energi AS


Yve AS (incl Kraftriket AS and Polar Kraft AS)


Beyonder AS


HitecVision


Epex Spot


Encavis AG


Multiconsult Norge AS


Northern Lights JV DA


Deep Wind Offshore AS


Norway Fortescue Future Industries AS


Cadre AS


SWEN Capital Partners


InfraVia Capital Partners


Fu-Gen AG


Solgrid AS


Scatec ASA


Release Solar AS


Endra AS


Havfram AS


Cloudberry ASA


Vianode AS


BP International


Equinor


Kongsberg Gruppen


Seadrill


DOF


Island Offshore


Island Drilling Company


Vard Group AS


Odfjell Drilling


Transocean


Shelf Drilling


Vår Energi


BW Offshore


Wellesley Petroleum


TGS-Nopec


MOL Norge


Myklebust Verft


TTC Norge


Veolia Environmental


DNV GL


A/S Nymo


BW Energy


Longboat Japex Norge


Longboat Energy plc


LOTOS Exploration and Production Norge


Wintershall Dea Norge


DNO ASA


Hav Energy AS


Wellgrab


Petoro AS


TotalEnergies E&P Norge AS


Optime Subsea AS


ECOnnect Energy AS


OMV Norge


Work highlights


  • Advised HitecVision in connection with the establishment of Aneo AS, a renewable JV.
  • Advising Norway Fortescue Future Industries AS in connection with the development of a major hydrogen production facility in Holmaneset (Bremanger, Norway), and in connection with other potential projects relating to the production of green hydrogen and ammonia.
  • Advised Longboat Energy plc. on the establishment of a joint venture with Japex Corp.

Wiersholm

Lauded by clients for its ability to bring ‘a wealth of experience and technical know-how to transactions‘, the energy team at Wiersholm runs the gamut of renewable and traditional energy work, handling commercial agreements, project financing work, regulations, and project development. Inge Ekker Bartnes and Jon Rabben jointly oversee the renewables offering; Bartnes is recommended for work relating to M&A, financing deals, and financial restructurings, while Rabben assists domestic and international clients with regulatory issues, contract negotiations, and corporate matters. On the oil and gas front, the team’s expertise spans the full range of petroleum law and regulatory work, as well as commercial agreements, disputes, and transactional mandates. Sondre Dyrland oversees the oil and gas group and has extensive expertise in petroleum law and contractual matters, while Thomas Naalsund handles contentious work. At associate level, the ‘technically very sharpSvanhild Vesterheim specialises in regulatory matters in the renewable energy sector. Torkjel Grøndalen joined the practice in early 2024 from Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS.

Practice head(s):

Inge Ekker Bartnes; Jon Rabben; Sondre Dyrland


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Naalsund; Svanhild Vesterheim; Torkjel Grøndalen


Testimonials

‘Wiersholm is a firm which provides excellent legal services within most fields of business and has good expertise within oil and gas. They also have a number of very skilled arbitration lawyers. Generally easy to cooperate with and sufficient resources to handle the cases expediently.’

‘Sondre Dyrland is one of the most competent oil and gas lawyers in Norway with strong focus on this business. He analyses the cases very thoroughly and is always very well prepared. You always feel safe that all aspects of the case have been taken into account when working with Mr Dyrland and he is also a very good litigator.’

‘In addition to bringing a wealth of experience and technical know-how to transactions, the team demonstrates an ability to quickly become an extension of our internal team, understanding the genuine commercial drivers for the transaction and ensuring that our ultimate objective is baked into all analysis, considerations and key decisions.’

‘Svanhild Vesterheim – technically very sharp and able to pinpoint and provide commercially sophisticated advice on the key commercial and risk decisions on a transaction. Takes a proactive approach, delivers advice in a “user friendly” format and is fully aligned with our internal team. She is a pleasure to work with and operates at Partner level.’

‘Inge Ekker Bartnes utilises his extensive experience and expertise to provide real “value-added” insight at key points of the transaction, the type of support you want (and need) from a top-quality partner in this sector. Exceptional at “cutting through the noise” on transactions and facilitates key decision-making. Again, he is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Great work done! Outstanding work from all employees, and especially the partners, pushing the work forward to be done. Excellent work.’

‘Jon Rabben is a star of the Wiersholm team with a proactive and agile approach.’

Key clients

Statkraft AS


Statkraft Mer Holding AS


Statkraft Energi AS


The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy


NTE AS


NTE Energi AS


TrønderEnergi AS


ANEO AS


Equinor ASA


Hydro Energi AS


Kyoto Group AS


Green H AS


Infranode AB


Å Energi AS


Dalane Energi AS


Dalane Kraft AS


Dalane Vind AS


Enida AS


Infracapital Ltd


Recharge AS


Thermalstore Norway AS


PATRIZIA Infrastructure


Østfold Energi AS


Siso Energi AS


Inherit Carbon Solutions AS


Istad AS


Istad Nett AS


Istad Fiber AS


Kymppivoima Hydro Oy


Skagerak Energi AS


Mainstream Renewable Power Limited


Ringerikskraft AS


Ringerikskraft Produksjon AS


Statnett SF


Suomen Voima Oy


SV Vattenkraft AB


Troms Kraft AS


Kinect Energy AS


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


Abrdn plc


Northern Lights JV DA


Gassco AS


Petoro AS


ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS


TotalEnergies EP Norge AS


TotalEnergies S.A.


Chrysaor Norge AS


Work highlights


  • Acting as legal counsel of Equinor Energy AS, Petoro AS and ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS as participants in the Breidablikk Unit in a lawsuit brought by the fourth partner in the unit, Vår Energi, against the Norwegian Government and the clients.
  • Assisted OKEA with its acquisition of a portfolio of producing assets from Wintershall Dea.
  • Acting as legal counsel for Northern Lights on developing new contractual concepts, mechanisms and solutions for the commercial transport and storage of CO2.

Wikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein leverages its international network of offices to advise international and domestic rig companies, onshore wind producers, and owners, developers, and operators of energy plants on the full range of contentious and non-contentious work. Oil and gas disputes, both domestic and international, feature prominently in the ‘truly outstanding’ group’s caseload; Aadne Haga is a key contact here. Haga works alongside Cathrine B. Hetland, who attracts praise for her ‘absolutely unparalleled’ expertise in regulatory matters and leads the oil and gas group. On the renewables side, key individuals include ‘very intelligent and knowledgeable‘ global practice head Tormod Ludvik Nilsen, Caroline Skaar Landsværk, and Christian James-Olsen. Landsværk heads up the energy, renewables and infrastructure team in Oslo and has notable expertise in regulatory, development, and contract work, while James-Olsen leads the Bergen team and works primarily with project development and contractual issues in the offshore industry.

Practice head(s):

Cathrine B. Hetland; Tormod Ludvik Nilsen; Caroline Skaar Landsværk; Christian-James Olsen


Other key lawyers:

Aadne Haga


Testimonials

‘Unique experience within the sector.’

‘Wikborg Rein’s oil and gas team is one of the few teams in the Norwegian market that understands both domestic oil and gas issues and also has the capability to advise on complex oil and gas matters internationally.’

‘I would describe Cathrine Hetland as one of the best oil and gas lawyers in Norway. She has absolutely unparalleled knowledge of the Norwegian regulatory framework for oil and gas issues and is able to provide crystal clear advice on very complex questions. She combines this skill with several years of experience in high-stakes, international energy dispute resolution.’

‘The Wikborg Rein team has a unique ability to quickly understand the core issues and provide high-quality support. The distribution of tasks internally in the team is seamless, and communication with us is excellent. They very much improve our decision-making and interaction with partners.’

‘Caroline Skaar Landsværk is our main contact and partner. She is the main reason that the WR team delivers excellent results and support. She is very skilled at understanding the core issues and scaling/planning the WR effort accordingly.’

‘Wikborg Rein is our first choice in the Scandinavian market when it comes to oil and gas disputes. They are truly outstanding in all relevant aspects.’

‘Aadne Haga is our go-to lawyer at the firm.’

‘Tormod Ludvik Nilsen is a very intelligent and knowledgeable lawyer. He is very responsive and I really enjoy working with him and his team.’

Key clients

OW Offshore S.L.


Eviny Fornybar AS


Fornybar Norge


Plenitude (Eni Spa.)


Bekk og Strøm AS


Eidsiva Energi AS


Hafslund AS


Odfjell Oceanwind AS


Norsk Hydro ASA, incl. Hydro REIN AS


Landsvirkjun


Gen2Energy


Asko Fornybar AS


Norfund


Emergy


Troms Kraft AS


Hydro Havrand ASA


Naftogaz of Ukraine


Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine


OKEA AS


Stadtwerke München GmbH


Bayerngas GmbH


Jacktel AS


Transocean Offshore NUF


Odfjell Drilling AS


COSL Drilling Europe AS and COSL Offshore Management AS


Northern Lights JV DA


Work highlights


  • Advising Ocean Winds on all aspects regarding its cooperation and establishment of a joint venture together with Statkraft and Mainstream Renewables for offshore wind projects in Norway.
  • Advising Eidsiva Energi on a cooperation to develop, build and operate a portfolio of solar power plants in Norway.
  • Engaged to represent the rights and interests of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine in all relations with Italia Ukraina Gas S.r.l (IUGAS) or its successors, including, but not limited to, the new arbitration proceedings related to IUGAS’s claim against Naftogaz and the enforcement of a previous arbitration award in favour of IUGAS.