Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Energy and natural resources

Led by Rita Ferreira dos Santos, the energy practice at CTSU - Sociedade de Advogados, S.P., R.L., S.A. advises sponsors, lenders, contractors and public entities on a wide range of matters, including project finance, M&A and concessions.
MACEDO VITORINO undertakes a wide range of transactional work in the solar power industry, most notably M&A, project finance and joint venture matters; João Macedo Vitorino is a key contact.

Energy and natural resources in Portugal

CMS

The energy and climate change team at CMS is highly experienced across all sub-sectors of the energy market, including natural gas, electricity and renewables. Acting for domestic and international companies, the group excels in the implementation of energy projects, regulatory matters, M&A, litigation against public bodies, and cross-border transactions. Co-head of the practice and ‘strong relationship partner’ Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is sought after to advise on high-value projects in emerging markets and arbitration proceedings against governments. Fellow joint practice head Manuel Cassiano Neves was made partner in January 2022 and balances a broad practice, spanning environmental compliance, public tender procedures, administrative litigation and energy projects. Recently promoted partner Bernardo Cunha Ferreira has considerable experience in cross-border solar power projects and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Mónica Carneiro Pacheco; Manuel Cassiano Neves


Other key lawyers:

Bernardo Cunha Ferreira


Testimonials

‘Team with specialised know-how in the sector and multidisciplinary expertise. I also highlight the international network that CMS has, which allows the sharing of experiences and knowledge.’

‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is well known in Portugal, which is always a benefit to the client when she interacts with counterparties. She is assertive and objective. Manuel Cassiano Neves has an in-depth knowledge of legislations. Bernardo Cunha Ferreira is very professional, diligent and client oriented. Excellent at listening and understanding the client’s needs. Very objective in their interventions. Problem solvers.’

‘Manuel Cassiano Neves is a lawyer with deep knowledge of the sector and extremely available.’

‘The CMS energy team led by Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is very consistent in the way it approaches the issues and reveals a deep knowledge of the energy sector in Portugal, being an asset when dealing with issues of relevant complexity. Topics are handled efficiently and with a strong understanding of the client’s needs.’

‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco should be highlighted for her strong leadership and for being able to foster in the team members a deep knowledge of the energy sector and a client-oriented culture.’

‘Excellent cross-jurisdictional knowledge in relation to energy market and renewable sector regulation. Good internal coordination, allowing for a comprehensive service.’

‘Manuel Cassiano Neves offers excellent client service and dedicated attention. Great project management skills. She listens to the clients’ instructions. Monitoring of fees and good communication.’

‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco is a strong relationship partner.’

Key clients

GreenVolt


Miio


OMIP


Swen Capital Partners SA


Ventient


RPower


Lightsource BP


EDP Group


Aquila Capital


Repsol


Acciona


Helexia Portugal


REN Group


Galp Group


Work highlights


  • Assisted EDP in winning arbitration proceedings against the Portuguese state related to the Fridão Hydropower Plant.
  • Advised Lightsource BP on legal and regulatory matters regarding its activity in Portugal.
  • Acted for Greenvolt on matters related to its entrance in the self-consumption market.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados is known for its leading energy and natural resources practice, which advises sponsors, lenders, developers and contractors on a wide range of matters related to energy projects. The group often handles a varied workload, spanning project development, privatisations, acquisitions, environmental administrative offences and investments. Tomás Vaz Pinto heads up the team, which includes Ricardo Andrade Amaro, who is noted for regulatory matters and the setting up of securitisation of tariff deficits, and Catarina Brito Ferreira, who is often sought after to handle M&A, IPOs and renewable energy projects. Other key lawyers include M&A and capital markets expert Vítor Pereira das Neves and Rui de Oliveira Neves, who excels in the acquisition of renewable asset portfolios, tender offers and reprivatisation proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Tomás Vaz Pinto


Other key lawyers:

Vítor Pereira das Neves; Rui de Oliveira Neves; Ricardo Andrade Amaro; Catarina Brito Ferreira; Helder Mourato; Joana Alves de Abreu


Testimonials

‘It is always a pleasure to work with MLGTS. Not only the team supporting us is always available, but also the outcome of its work is excellent even if the team has a very complex matter at hand. Its advice is practical and strongly grounded in the law.’

‘The individuals that stand out are Ricardo Andrade Amaro, Helder Mourato and Joana Alves de Abreu. All of these lawyers work closely with our team by providing sound and excellent advice in several fronts. They know very well the market and their advice is always practical.’

VdA

Notable for its ‘highly competent lawyers and broad experience’, VdA is a port of call for large oil and gas, mining and energy companies as well as major financial institutions. In addition to its strong track record in M&A, joint ventures, project finance, refinancings and bond issuances, the group also excels in regulatory matters, concession issues, bidding procedures and project development. A particular area of strength for the practice is cross-border deals, especially those with ties to African countries such as Angola, Cabo Verde, Mozambique and Timor-Leste. Ana Luís de Sousa focuses on greenfield projects, acquisition financing and project finance transactions. She oversees the department alongside João Afonso Fialho, whose practice covers construction and procurement contracts, mining projects and cross-border deals. Vanda Cascão is sought after for her extensive experience handling projects in the energy, water and sewage and infrastructure sectors. Other key names include financing expert Manuel Protásio and José Miguel Oliveira, who is noted for oil and gas matters.

Practice head(s):

Ana Luís de Sousa; João Afonso Fialho


Other key lawyers:

Vanda Cascão; Manuel Protásio; José Miguel Oliveira; Marta Stock da Cunha


Testimonials

‘It is a law firm that is ahead of the market. Commitment to its clients, human relations, technical and social innovation and training.’

‘Ana Luís de Sousa is experienced and emphatic. She has great technical and negotiation skills.’

‘It is an office with highly competent lawyers and broad experience. The size of the office and the range of operations in which it is involved allow the application of best practices and the achievement of excellent results for all parties.’

‘Ana Luís de Sousa has extensive experience in the energy sector and is able to understand the objectives of all parties involved, which always leads to the best solutions.’

‘Marta Stock da Cunha combines sectoral knowledge with availability and technical skills.’

Key clients

Banco Santander Totta


Crédit Agricole CIB


European Investment Bank


Finerge Group | Igneo Infrastructure Partners


Government of Cabo Verde (Ministry of Finance – Unidade de Gestão de Projetos Especiais)


Greenvolt Energias Renováveis SA


Macquerie Asset Management


Miya Water Holdings SA


Indaqua – Indústria e Gestão de Águas, SA


Timor-Leste National Petroleum and Minerals Authority (ANPM)


TrustEnergy Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Banco Santander Totta and the European Investment Bank on the refinancing of a wind and hydro portfolio installed in Portugal.
  • Acted for the Timorese state, through the ANPM, on the negotiation of a production sharing contract with TIMOR GAP PUALACA BLOCK, Unipessoal for the award of exploration and production rights in the Pualaca onshore block.
  • Assisted a consortium led by Macquerie Asset Management in the purchase of a portfolio of solar projects in Europe and Latin America with 762MW in operation and 15GW under development.

Abreu Advogados

Abreu Advogados offers assistance in the full range of matters related to energy and natural resources projects, most notably M&A, licensing issues, public law litigation and project finance. The team is a popular choice for major companies, investors and financial institutions, and is often engaged in cross-border transactions with ties to Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa and Timor-Leste. Co-head of the Angola and Cabo Verde desks, José Eduardo Martins leads on public law and regulatory mandates, with a particular focus on environmental and climate change issues. Manuel de Andrade Neves oversees the firm’s East Timor office and has extensive experience advising on renewables and LNG projects. Manuel Santos Vítor is sought after to handle M&A and financing transactions for large energy projects. Tiago Corrêa do Amaral is another key lawyer and stands out for his work in wind farm and hydroelectric power projects. The addition of Bruno Azevedo Rodrigues and João Lupi from TELLES in November 2022 bolstered the energy practice. Rui Ferreira de Almeida rejoined the firm in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

José Eduardo Martins; Manuel de Andrade Neves; Manuel Santos Vítor


Other key lawyers:

Tiago Côrrea do Amaral; Guilherme Mata da Silva; António Frusoni Gonçalves; Bruno Azevedo Rodrigues; João Lupi; Rui Ferreira de Almeida


Testimonials

‘The law firm provides services in the area of energy and natural resources through a multidisciplinary team that takes into account the needs of the client.’

‘Complete dedication to the client and availability.’

‘The provision of services by specialised lawyers who are allocated to assist the client according to the level of seniority necessary to solve the client’s problem. Reasonable billing.’

‘Manuel Santos Vitor is a corporate and M&A partner that is specialised in the energy sector. He demonstrates exceptional availability and creativity.’

‘Manuel Andrade Neves is a public law and environment partner that excels in implementing the most complex issues in the simplest possible way. Great at resolving issues with public entities and public and environmental law matters. Great results.’

‘António Frusoni Gonçalves is experienced in corporate and M&A and is always interested and available to understand and implement what is necessary to solve his clients’ problems.’

‘In addition to the availability to gather and resolve the issues of our company, the team has extensive experience, which conveys security and confidence to the client.’

‘Tiago Côrrea do Amaral and Guilherme Mata da Silva stand out.’

Key clients

Allego


Chint solar


Copenhagen Offshore Partners


Prio


Efacec


Engie


Iberdrola Generación S.A.U


Iberdrola Renovables


REN Trading


RP Global


SBC Renewables


Total


Disa


CJR Renewables


Work highlights


  • Assisting Iberdrola Generación in all its major projects in Portugal for the last 15 years, including three large dams in Tâmega, a project valued at €1.8bn.
  • Advised a major offshore wind farm project to be implemented in Portugal valued at €10bn.
  • Advised Itafos on phosphate mining project in Farim Guinea-Bissau, the largest FDI project in the country.

Cuatrecasas

Domestic and international energy companies and investment funds turn to Cuatrecasas for advice on a wide range of transactions, spanning M&A, joint ventures, project financing and reorganisations. Skilled in licensing matters, administrative issues and litigation, the group has extensive experience handling matters across the oil and gas, renewables, mining and waste treatment segments. Specialised in public law, Lourenço Vilhena De Freitas is sought after to advise on PPPs, concessions and regulatory matters. He jointly leads the department with Francisco Santos Costa, who is noted for his strong background in cross-border M&A and corporate restructurings. Following its merger with SLCM | Serra Lopes, Cortes Martins & Associados, the practice was further strengthened by the arrival of Rafael Lucas Pires, who brings a wealth of experience in M&A and the acquisition of stakes in renewable energy companies.

Practice head(s):

Lourenço Vilhena de Freitas; Francisco Santos Costa


Other key lawyers:

Rafael Lucas Pires; Miguel Lencastre


Testimonials

‘Cuatrecasas is a firm that, given its track record in the sector, provides a great deal of peace of mind when handling our matters.’

‘The practitioners are very up to date with the sector and are able to handle the most complex matters.’

Miguel Lencastre has extensive knowledge of the sector and leads all processes well. Very proactive and hard-working.’

Key clients

Engie


Ventient Energy


Galp Energia


Acciona


Brookfield


Onex Renewables


CS Wind Corporation


Sonangalp


Greenvolt


EKZ Renewables


Strongeagle Mozambique Fund


Endesa


CLH – Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos


Portugal Renewable Energy – PTRW


Amarenco


Plenoil


Pentagas Hidrocarburos


Work highlights


  • Advised Onex Renewables on a €530m wind portfolio acquisition, comprising five wind farms from EDPR (EDP Renováveis).
  • Acted for CLH – Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos in a public tender for the construction of an oil pipeline between Aveiras de Cima and Lisbon International Airport.
  • Assisted the South Korean wind tower manufacturing company CS Wind Corporation in the acquisition of ASM Industries.

DLA Piper ABBC

DLA Piper ABBC is particularly active in advising international clients investing in the Portuguese energy market. Noted for its wealth of experience handling M&A, joint ventures, financing deals and regulatory matters in the energy sector, the practice houses a sustainability and ESG team that is well versed in sustainable finance and climate change issues. Nuno Azevedo Neves heads up the group and is often engaged in a wide range of transactions in the energy sector. Nuno Castelo Branco acts for operators and investors on all stages of energy project development, while Inês Teixeira focuses on tax litigation and regulatory matters related to wind farms.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Azevedo Neves


Other key lawyers:

Nuno Castelo Branco; Inês Teixeira


Testimonials

‘Hands-on and advice on very complicated structures.’

‘Nuno Azevedo Neves is a safe pair of hands. He provides an excellent service.’

Key clients

EDP Renováveis


Statkraft Markets Gmbh


Greenvolt


Investec


Kommunalkredit


Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al Maktoum and Sonangol E.P.


Energi Innovation, APS


Green-2-Market Holding APS


Neste Corporation


CanadianSolar Spain


NORD/LB Norddeutsche Landesbank


LOGPAY


TELSA


ACT Commodities B.V.


AURA POWER


European Energy Efficiency Fund


Ventinvest


TrustWind


hidroerg


Finerge


Enovos


ATBERG


Work highlights


  • Advised EDPR (EDP Renewables Europe) on the sale to Onex Renewables of a 100% equity stake in a 221MW wind portfolio located in Portugal.
  • Assisted Statkraft in relation to its commercial activities in the Portuguese power market and related commodities.
  • Acted for Investec and Kommunalkredit in the extension of the financing arrangement for a 220MW solar project in Portugal developed by the Irish renewable energy group WElink.

Linklaters

Linklaters is a popular choice for corporates, equity investors, lenders and other financial institutions operating in Portugal. The practice is noted for its track record in M&A, project finance, portfolio acquisitions and financing deals. With extensive experience in project finance and project development, Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho heads the team and the firm’s Lusophone Africa group, and is often engaged in cross-border transactions. Public law and M&A expert Maria de Athayde Tavares has a strong background in solar and energy efficiency projects, while Teresa Novo Faria is recommended for project finance. Carvalho and Tavares are part of the firm’s ESG global team, which is well versed in sustainability-linked loans, green investments and governance-related ESG matters.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho


Other key lawyers:

Maria de Athayde Tavares; Teresa Novo Faria


Key clients

MEAG MUNICH ERGO


Marguerite Adviser, SA


Vulcan Resources


Banco Comercial Português, SA


Mozambique Rovuma Venture SpA


European Investment Bank


Banco BPI, SA


Banco de Fomento Angola, SA


Hive Energy


Ventient Energy


Mirova


Work highlights


  • Advised MEAG as lender on the financing of the construction and operation of a 444MWp solar photovoltaic portfolio in Portugal developed by Akuo.
  • Acted for Vulcan in the acquisition of Vale’s coal assets in Mozambique, namely the Moatize mine and the Nacala logistics corridor.
  • Assisted Mirova, a leading French sustainable asset manager affiliated with Natixis Investments Managers, in its proposed €150m investment in TagEnergy’s €450m funding round.

PLMJ

PLMJ frequently acts for large domestic and international utilities and energy companies in M&A, project development, regulatory matters and dispute resolution. The group works closely with the firm’s offices in Luanda and Maputo to offers clients assistance in cross-border matters with ties to African countries. Headed by Inês Pinto da Costa and João Marques Mendes, the practice is well versed in the full spectrum of energy and natural resources deals, including wind farms, solar power and mining projects. Costa is a key contact for PPPs and project finance, while Mendes advises on complex regulatory matters, contractual issues and dispute resolution. Managing associate Ruben Brigolas focuses on foreign investment and cross-border matters. Also noted is managing associate Joana Brandão, whose practice covers concessions and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Inês Pinto da Costa; João Marques Mendes


Other key lawyers:

Rúben Brigolas; Joana Brandão


Testimonials

‘The quality of the service is excellent. No billing problems. Trust in the know-how of the team.’

‘We work directly with João Marques Mendes, who stands out for his experience and knowledge of the sector. He is always up to date on national and European regulatory and legislative changes.’

‘The team was always available and dealt with multidisciplinary matters in an exemplary way. It has the ability to adapt its language to the different teams of our company.’ 

‘João Marques Mendes is always available and able to adapt his language to the different teams of our company. I would recommend him not only for his mastery of the matters in question – which is undeniable – but also for his accessibility.

‘PLMJ showed the ability to leverage technological innovation and successfully propose solid legal solutions that made the projects viable.’

‘I would like to highlight the João Marques Mendes, who demonstrates the ability to combine deep sectorial knowledge with innovative legal solutions. He is fully available and dedicated to assist his client.’

Key clients

Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (DK)


Pioneer Point Partners (PPP)


ReGa Energy


Enerparc


Altri


Endesa


Energi Innovation


Galp


Helexia


RWE


Engie


Eco Wave Power


BP Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Pioneer Point Partners as sponsors on the START Campus of the Sines 4.0 Project, which involves an investment of up to €3.5bn.
  • Assisted Helexia in designing the contractual framework for the development of a collective self-consumption PV project in Portugal.
  • Acted for ReGa Energy in the structuring and implementation of an innovative project intended to the production of renewable gases, green hydrogen, green oxygen and biomethane, from electrolysis with a renewable energy source.

SRS Legal

Rated for its ‘size, multidisciplinary nature and ability to collaborate with other teams’, SRS Legal’s energy practice is skilled in all segments of the sector, including oil and gas, hydrogen power and renewables. The team is particularly active in advising on regulatory matters, licensing issues, dispute resolution and competition law. Founding partner Pedro Rebelo de Sousa has more than 20 years of experience advising on corporate and financial transactions in the sector. He oversees the department alongside competition law and energy expert Gonçalo Anastácio. Maria Paula Milheirão is recommended for M&A and corporate governance matters. Managing associate Nuno Calaim Lourenço is noted for his background in EU law and cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Pedro Rebelo de Sousa; Gonçalo Anastácio


Other key lawyers:

Maria Paula Milheirão; Nuno Calaim Lourenço; Duarte Pirra; Luís Seifert Guincho; Maria Barros


Testimonials

‘Availability and flexibility combined with knowledge of the sector are what make this office so attractive.’

‘Gonçalo Anatácio and Nuno Calaim Lourenço offer an excellent personal treatment.’

‘I praise its ability to translate into simple language matters that involve a very significant level of technical complexity.’

‘My contacts are Nuno Calaim Lourenço and Gonçalo Anastàcio. I emphasise their total availability, sense of responsibility and determination.’

‘The team stands out for its size, multidisciplinary nature and ability to collaborate with other teams. Unique ability to deal with matters of high complexity and urgency.’

‘Gonçalo Anastácio stands out and demonstrates deep and up-to-date knowledge of the energy sector. He offers highly sophisticated legal strategies.’

‘The energy and natural resources team has been consolidating its position, especially in dealing with regulatory issues and those related to competition law. It demonstrates strong knowledge of the sector and mastery of related technical issues. It is a very consistent team, regardless of the seniority level of each of its members.’

‘The entire team working under the leadership of Gonçalo Anastácio, including Nuno Calaim Lourenço, Duarte Pirra, Luís Seifert Guincho and Maria Barros are recommended for their professionalism, dedication, commitment, efficiency and trust.’

Key clients

1s1 Energy


Acumen


Air Liquide


Amorim Energia


Anywind


APETRO


Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy (BASE)


Blueotter


Bnpetro


China Datang Corporation


CLC – Companhia Logística de Combustíveis


CPI Energy


EDP Electricidade


EDP Renewables


EGEO


ENI


Enerbarroso


Engie


FFL Partners


Galp Energia


Glarevision


GoParity


Grupo Sousa


Hanwha Q CELLS –


Iberdrola


Iberian Solar


IKEA


KIC InnoEnergy


Linderito Solar


Nobre


Oceano Fresco


Oxy Capital


PARPÚBLICA, Participações Públicas, SGPS, SA


Petroibérica


Puaça


PVComplete


Repsol


Rubis Energia


Santa Maria Thermoelectric Biomass Plant


Schneider Electric


Schréder


SETGÁS


Silvex


Sonangol Group


Spelta


Veolia


Vinci Energies Group


Volkswagen AG


W.A.G. Payment Solutions


Watt-IS


WinPower


Work highlights


  • Advised APETRO, the Portuguese Association of Oil Companies, on a legislative initiative by the Portuguese government regarding fuel margins and price control.
  • Acted for 1s1 Energy on its application for European funding, within the European Hydrogen IPCEI framework  for the funding of a hydrogen project worth €63m.
  • Assisted Hanwha Q CELLS with the acquisition of a photovoltaic power plant with an approximate installed capacity of 40MW.

TELLES

At TELLES, the energy and natural resources practice houses practitioners from the firm’s finance, projects, capital markets, environment and climate change teams. Skilled in the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects, the group is especially sought after to advise on regulatory matters, M&A, public law matters and licensing issues. Ivone Rocha is a popular choice for both private and public sector clients and has extensive experience in project development, emission licences and public contracts. The energy practice experienced a number of departures over the past year, including that of Mariana Figueiredo, who left the firm in August 2022, former co-head Bruno Azevedo Rodrigues and associates Rui Ferreira de Almeida and João Lupi, all of whom departed in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Ivone Rocha


Testimonials

‘Excellence in the services provided, aligning technical experience with market knowledge.’

Key clients

APREN – Portuguese Renewable Energy Association


Total Eren


NOVENERGIA


GENERG


Efacec


Finerge


EDP Renewables


NEOEN (IPP)


Dourogás


Aura Power


Akuo Energy


NAVIGATOR


Hanwha Q Cells


ENERGIA INFINITA


FUSION-FUEL


Mota-Engil Capital, SA


EB Sustainable Funds Luxembourg


ubitricity


Power & Sol


Island Renewable Ltd


lightsource bp


Martifer Renewables


SUSI Partners AG


CJR Renewables


ADE – Agência de Energia do Porto


Basadre Energias Renovables


SOMINCOR


Oberon Infrastructure Advisors


SONAE


BONDALTI


Noroeste Energia


LIPOR


Superbock Group


Atberg


Aura Power – Rio Maior


ADP – Energia


EEE Fund


Get2c


WTG Corporation Ltd


hidroerg


Eólica da Serra Boa Viagem


ME Renewing


Gesto Energia


ENERLAND


Cavalum


RP Global


Work highlights


  • Advised Aliança para a Transição Energética, H2DRIVEN and Sines Green Hydrogen Valley on their successful application to recovery and resilience plan funds, totalling to circa €1.45bn in investment.
  • Advised numerous energy companies on negotiations with the Portuguese government regarding projects of circa 1GW awarded via the 2019 solar auction.
  • Assisted Agência de Energia do Porto in developing innovative legal, operational and financial frameworks to fight energy poverty in the Porto Greater Metropolitan Area as part of the PEER Project.

Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho

With an active presence across the gas distribution, wastewater, electricity and renewables sectors, Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho frequently advises leading domestic and international operators and financial institutions. The group has a wealth of experience handling project finance, M&A, litigation and arbitration, and regulatory matters. The practice’s leadership is split between public law and projects specialist Bernardo Diniz de Ayala and counsel João Louro e Costa, who is ‘an expert in energy and natural resources’ and specialised in corporate and M&A. Associate Gonçalo Andrade Sousa is noted for his experience in M&A involving energy assets and project finance.

Practice head(s):

Bernardo Diniz de Ayala; João Louro e Costa


Other key lawyers:

Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa; Rita Vieira Marques


Testimonials

‘Availability and professionalism. It is always a pleasure to work with the Uría team.’

‘João Louro e Costa is an expert in energy and natural resources. He is always available and willing to work and share his opinion.’

‘Rita Vieira Marques works in the litigation area but she is also skilled in regulatory frameworks for PV systems. She is very dedicated.’

Key clients

Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, SA


Iberdrola, SA


BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd


Axpo Iberia, SL


Bright Sunday AB


Goldenergy – Comercializadora de Energia, SA


Banco Santander Totta, SA


Banco Crédito Agrícola


Vinci Concessions


Galp Gás Natural Distribuição, SA


Work highlights


  • Advised Iberdrola Renewables Portugal on all aspects of the development of eight solar photovoltaic power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 200MW.
  • Acted for Iberdrola on the acquisition from Prosolia of a majority stake in a company developing a 1,143MW solar photovoltaic plant under an agreement with the Portuguese Transmission System Operator (REN).
  • Assisted Galp Gás Natural Distribuição in day-to-day corporate operations and related contracts.

Caiado Guerreiro

Caiado Guerreiro offers assistance in the development of energy projects for the generation, transportation and transmission of electricity and oil and gas. Led by João Caiado Guerreiro and Joana Gomes dos Santos, the team is sought after to handle regulatory matters, negotiations with governmental bodies, and energy and oil and gas contracts.

Practice head(s):

João Caiado Guerreiro; Joana Gomes dos Santos


Key clients

Tesco


Piedade Group


Technoedif Engenharia, SA


CPF – Companhia de Ferros de Portugal, SA


Windward Investimentos, Lda


Terra Mater


Eversheds Sutherland FCB

Eversheds Sutherland FCB‘s energy practice is geared to handle a wide range of matters, spanning project development, portfolio acquisitions, regulatory matters and dispute resolution. Recently, the team has been particularly busy advising on pipeline, solar park and hydrogen power projects. Porto-based partner João Robles is well versed in M&A and corporate matters and often acts for oil operators active in Portugal and Angola. He jointly leads the department alongside João Couceiro, who oversees the Mozambique desk and is seasoned in private equity and banking.

Practice head(s):

João Robles; João Couceiro


Key clients

Companhia do Pipeline de Moçambique-Zimbabwe


SNS Lavalin


Somoil


TechnipFMC PLC


Hyperion Renewables


Frank’s International and EXPRO


Total


Enerland


Work highlights


  • Assisted CPMZ in the negotiation and execution of a facility agreement between TDB and BCI with CPMZ for the Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion project.
  • Acted for SNS Lavalinon in the global sale of its oil and gas business, including the final share and credits transfer closing agreement.
  • Acted for Technip FMC on the intragroup spin off with the transfer of the Portuguese and Mozambican entities to the new group Technip Energies.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo‘s energy team is especially focused on assisting companies and investors in the development, financing and acquisition of projects in Portugal, with an emphasis on the solar photovoltaic sector. Senior associate Luísa Carrilho da Graça oversees the practice and acts for major domestic and international clients operating in the oil and gas and renewables segments.

Practice head(s):

Luísa Carrilho da Graça


Key clients

Dos Grados Capital


Foresight Group


Cubico Sustainable Investments


Endesa Energía SA


Plenium Partners


WAVEC OFFSHORE RENEWABLES


BAYWA RE


KGAL, ESPF 4 Sàrl


TRIODOS BANK NV SE


WPD Onshore GmbH & Co. KG


Work highlights


  • Advised Dos Grados Capital on the development of a 110MW solar PV project in Fundão, Portugal.
  • Assisted KGAL, ESPF 4 in the development of a solar PV project in Penamacôr.
  • Acted for Foresight Group in the development of a solar PV project located in Moura, Portugal.

Miranda & Associados

Miranda & Associados undertakes a wide range of matters in the energy sector, including concession contracts, credit facilities, joint ventures and regulatory compliance. Led by Rita Correia, the group is particularly active in handling cross-border transactions with ties to Lusophone countries in Africa. Correia often advises on foreign investment projects in Angola and regulatory matters in the oil and gas industry, while Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro is a key name for borrowers, insurers and financial institutions seeking advice on credit facilities. Joao Rosado Correia is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Rita Correia


Other key lawyers:

Mafalda Oliveira Monteiro; João Rosado Correia


Key clients

Total EREN


Greentech


Raposo Bernardo

The superb’ energy team at Raposo Bernardo is retained by companies, investors and financial institutions to advise on complex projects in the wind and solar energy, oil and gas, and biogas sectors. Nelson Raposo Bernardo leads on M&A, banking and project finance mandates and co-heads the practice with Júlio Martins Júnior, who is seasoned in licensing and regulatory matters as well as financing contracts.

Practice head(s):

Nelson Raposo Bernardo; Júlio Martins Júnior


Testimonials

‘I really appreciate Raposo Bernardo’s services, which are of high quality. This is a law firm that has in-depth knowledge of the energy sector.’

‘We always feel very supported and safe with Raposo Bernardo.’

‘The lawyers that stand out in the Energy team are Nelson Raposo Bernardo and Júlio Martins Júnior, who are responsible for a fantastic team. Nelson Raposo Bernardo is a very charismatic, authentic, serious and honest lawyer. Júlio Martins Júnior has the ability to communicate in a simple way. He is very practical and always available, whatever the time. He always takes care of our affairs with the utmost attention and care.’

‘The team is superb and we highlight Nelson Raposo Bernardo. He is distinguished by his in-depth knowledge of the energy sector and project finance.’

‘Nelson Raposo Bernardo leads the team and is one of the great energy practitioners in our country. He is very practical, effective and resolute. He never gives up on finding the best solution for us. He is extremely astute and a unique negotiator.’

‘The quality of services provided by Raposo Bernardo in the area of energy and natural resources is excellent. Anyone who knows well what an energy project is knows the importance that the legal part has in its final success. Raposo Bernardo offers added value advice.’

‘Raposo Bernardo offers tailored services and transmits confidence. We trust in the successful results delivered by the team.’

‘Nelson Bernardo is recommended for his experience and expertise in the energy sector. He demonstrates rigour, analytical skills, pragmatism and clarity. He is a skilled negotiator, who has a natural gift for leading projects and teams.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a client with a major wind farm plant, an investment in the amount of €225m.
  • Assisted a client with an upstream oil and gas agreement.
  • Advised a client on a hydroelectric power station project with installed capacity of 32MW.

Sérvulo & Associados

Sérvulo & Associados is a popular destination for companies and public sector clients active in the renewables sector. Led by Mark Kirkby, Sofia Carreiro and Pedro Silveira Borges, the team is equipped to handle a wide range of matters in the industry, spanning M&A, regulatory issues, public tenders, energy contracts and administrative offences, among others. Ana Luísa Guimarães is no longer at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Mark Kirkby; Sofia Carreiro; Pedro Silveira Borges


Other key lawyers:

João Tome Pilão


Testimonials

‘Good knowledge and support for tender processes related to electric mobility.’

‘Attention to detail. Technical knowledge. Cordiality and readiness.’

Key clients

Amarenco Group


Aquila Capital


Chint Solar


Enerpac


Eurowind Energy


Exus Partners


FF Ventures


Gesto Energy


Glennmont Partners


Green Venture


Infinita Energia


Infratec


Insun


Lightsource BP


MTX Solar


Smartenergy


Triple Watt


Trustenergy


Voltalia


Portuguese Ministry of the Environment and Energy Transition


EDP Energias de Portugal, SA


EDP Produção, SA (EDP Group)


EDP Comercial (EDP Group)


EDP – Global Solutions, SA (EDP Group)


Aguia Enlica, Lda (Portuguese subsidiary of Aquila Capital group)


Agro-Park


Work highlights


  • Advised several companies operating in the energy sector on a statement to be presented to the Portuguese government following the public consultation on the draft decree-law aimed at implementing the new legal framework of the national electricity system.
  • Acted for Agro-Park, an Israel-based innovative agribusiness company, on corporate, labour and public law matters related to its expansion in Portugal.
  • Assisted the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Transition in the preparation and launch of the third auction for the allocation of reserve titles for the injection of solar PV electric energy into the public grid.