Energy (excluding oil and gas) in Scotland

Addleshaw Goddard

Operating ‘at the forefront of developing energy markets’, Addleshaw Goddard continues to handle an abundance of complex and multi-jurisdictional energy projects, with a significant increase in both contentious and non-contentious mandates related to renewables such as offshore wind, hydrogen, energy from waste (EFW) and energy storage. Leading the finance and projects division, as well as the firm’s Scotland office since December 2022, Alan Shanks focuses on the sale, purchase and financing of operational projects across all generating and developing technologies. Sarah Baillie co-heads the global power offering and Scotland’s planning and infrastructure consenting team, advising clients on electricity and gas transmission assets, both onshore and offshore. David McEwing is adept when it comes to the corporate aspects of cross-border energy deals, while real estate expert Nick Taylor focuses on project development in the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Alan Shanks; David McEwing; Sarah Baillie


Other key lawyers:

Nick Taylor


Testimonials

‘They offer industry knowledge and are at the forefront of developing energy markets.’

‘The team’s greatest strength is problem solving within a tight timescale.’

‘They are responsive and give comfort that the issue is under control and will be resolved in the required time.’

‘Sarah Baillie is very responsive and gives confidence that everything is under control.’

‘They also work their relationships with other law firms where possible to get matters resolved as quickly as possible.’

‘The Addleshaw Goddard team are very responsive, offering excellent and innovative advice in a difficult and fast-paced environment.’

‘The legal expertise, experience and in-depth knowledge of energy projects from consenting to construction disputes is excellent across the board.’

‘They successfully combine technical legal expertise with astute commerciality. The practices have a culture of collaborative working both internally and with clients to get the job done.’

Key clients

SSE Renewables


SGN plc


SSEN Transmission plc


Flotation Energy


Drax plc


Barclays Bank plc, Banco Santander S.A. London Branch, Royal Bank of Canada and Lloyds Bank plc


Alcemi Storage Developments UK Limited


Red Rock Power


INEOS


Foresight Group Holdings Limited


Peel Group


ERG


ENGIE


Gravis Capital


EQUANS


Work highlights


  • Advising SSE Renewables on some of the world’s largest Off-Shore Wind Farms including Seagreen (1,075 MW) and one of the world’s largest floating offshore wind farms off the east coast of Scotland, Ossian (3.6GW).
  • Advising Alcemi Storage Developments on 4GW of one of Europe’s largest commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems (£multi billion).
  • Advising SGN plc on its plans that will see clean hydrogen gas produced and transmitted across Scotland and England, including a world-first green hydrogen heating network at H100 in Fife, which is a project of national significance and a ground-breaking innovation project.

Brodies LLP

Acting for a broad range of clients including developers, operators, overseas utilities, landowners, investors and contractors, the practice at Brodies LLP offers specialist expertise across the range of renewable energies, from hydro and wind farming to solar and bioenergy. Particularly strong advising the independent power producer (IPP) sector, the team is co-headed by Keith Patterson, who leads on transactional work and the firm’s well regarded project finance capabilities. Kirsty Macpherson also leads the team and brings over 20 years of experience advising developers and landowners on renewables projects, with specialist knowledge regarding rural land crofting issues. Sarah-Jane McArthur is noted for her in-depth knowledge of renewable subsidy regimes and the wider regulatory environment, while managing associate Claire Reid has been involved in some of Scotland’s largest wind projects.

Practice head(s):

Keith Patterson; Kirsty Macpherson


Other key lawyers:

Sarah-Jane McArthur; Claire Reid


Testimonials

‘The Brodies Energy team are very responsive, effective and provide a good and practical level of advice. They understand a client’s needs and require minimum direction.’

‘The team is responsive and capable.’

‘Individuals are responsive and engaged.’

‘The breadth of infrastructure/energy experience is a real strength of this team, coupled with their versatility.’

‘Sarah-Jayne McArthur has a straight-forward approach to progressing discussions, identifying issues and working with all other stakeholders to get sensible solutions in the best interests of all parties. Professional, personable and pragmatic.’

‘Excellent energy sector knowledge. The team at Brodies are unrivalled in their understanding of the UK energy market and applicable legislation. They are a go-to for interpreting new regulation or policy, which there has been a lot of that over the previous 12 months.’

‘Keith Patterson is an expert in energy market regulation, and always very up to speed with any changes or developments. He is also very strong in translating this into contract negotiations – ensuring that what his client has reflects the current position and is future proofed to the extent possible.’

‘Sarah-Jane McArthur has excellent knowledge across the broad energy industry. She is very strong in negotiation and commercial positioning, and incredibly dedicated to securing the best outcome for her clients.

Key clients

Vattenfall Wind Power Limited


Orsted


Fred Olsen Seawind Limited


Macquarie


Gresham House


Ventient Energy


Banks Renewables


Vattenfall Heat


Energiekontor


Clydesdale Bank


Aker Solutions


Naval Energies


Statera Energy


Work highlights


  • Assisted Clyde Gateway Developments Limited (urban regeneration company) in the development of an innovative 5G ambient heat network in a regeneration area.
  • Assisted Octopus Renewables (one of the largest renewable energy investors in Europe) on its acquisition of a 48MW Crossdykes Wind Farm.
  • Assisted Gresham House Solar Distribution LLP (specialist alternative asset manager) with the purchase and construction of Harborough Solar Park on a merchant basis.

CMS

Energy powerhouse CMS is famous in the Scottish market for consistently delivering on the most high-value and complex renewables deals, also seeing significant growth in innovative projects involving new technologies including hydrogen and CCUS, battery storage, offshore transmission, and renewable heat. The ‘exceptionalChris McGarvey specialises in process engineering projects, encompassing electricity generation and transmission, water and waste-to-energy projects and regulatory compliance work. Robin Hutchison’s practice focuses on planning and consenting for major energy projects, while Gordon Hay acts for banks and borrowers in relation to all aspects of energy finance, particularly in the wind sector. The practice is also noted for its cross-border capabilities, regularly advising on solar PV and onshore wind projects in Sweden, Germany, Italy and Spain. Kirsty Nurse was promoted to partner in May 2022, and regularly advises clients on grid contracts, consultant appointments, and purchase power agreements. The depth of expertise is reflected in the number of experienced practitioners offered, with Claire Wallis, Christine Worthington, Frank Fowlie and Darren Craig being key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Gordon Hay; Robin Hutchison; Chris McGarvey; Claire Wallis; Christine Worthington; Frank Fowlie; Darren Craig


Other key lawyers:

Kirsty Nurse


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable and also with offices in the right place to really assist their clients.’

‘Chris McGarvey’s power team are exceptional. They really understand the industry and give very practical, commercially focused advice.’

‘Chris McGarvey is an exceptional lawyer. He is very smart and really understands the market.’

Key clients

SSE


NeuConnect


Storegga – Pale Blue Dot


Close Leasing Limited


Constantine Energy Storage LLP


bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited


Gigabox Developments


SENS Iqony Solar Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd


WRIF HOLDCO C 2 Limited


Triodos Bank UK Limited


Close Leasing Limited


SP Transmission PLC; National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC; Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission PLC


HV Storm Holdings AS


Flotation Energy Limited


ScottishPower Renewables


Equitix TEPCO Consortium


Muirhall Energy Limited


Virgin Money


Blackfinch Investments


Work highlights


  • Advising Close Brothers on the ground-breaking funding of Richborough Battery Storage, a 100MW battery project in Kent developed by Pacific Green Technologies Group, which is one of the largest battery projects in the UK.
  • Advising on the NeuConnect project, which links British and German energy markets for the first time, aims to deliver 1.4GW of electricity interconnection capacity, enough to power 1.5 million homes, over a 725km sub-sea high-voltage direct current link between GB and Germany from 2028.
  • Advising Muirhall Energy Limited on the sale of Crossdykes Onshore Wind Farm, the first subsidy-free wind farm built and project financed in Scotland, to Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Utilising its strong national network to advise on complex cross-border projects, Pinsent Masons LLP provides a full-service offering across the renewables and alternative energy sector, spanning areas such as project M&A, and finance, property and planning, and energy regulation. Ian McCarlie leads the onshore renewables side, acting for developers, stakeholders, funders and investors across key projects involving wind, solar and storage technologies. Practice co-head Ronan Lambe spearheads the energy networks and regulation offering, advising clients on regulatory aspects and supporting schemes for emerging technologies such as hydrogen and CCUS. Another key contact leading the energy projects team across the UK is Jennifer Ballantyne, who has a stellar reputation for property, planning and the environmental aspects of hydrogen, biomass and wave and tidal energy.

Practice head(s):

Ian McCarlie; Ronan Lambe


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Ballantyne


Testimonials

‘The Pinsent Masons energy team are, as one would expect, specialists in their legal area but also are up to date with current market trends both of which they apply practically and commercially to the transaction in hand.’

‘Ronan Lambe is technically excellent and has a great ability to translate complex legal points into plain English.’

‘Familiarity and knowledge of the sector, and ability to work to tight deadlines and be available when required.’

Key clients

Thistle Wind Partners


Allied Irish Bank


Buccleuch Estates


TotalEnergies


Vantage RE


Capital Dynamics


NTR Renewables


NTR


Bluefield Partners


Orsted Wind Power


Vattenfall Heat UK


ScotWind Developers


Statkraft


NTR


Vantage/ TNB


Work highlights


  • Advised Thistle Wind Partners (a consortium of DEME, Qair and Aspravi) on their participation in the ScotWind offshore wind bidding process and on their successful award of sites NE2 and E3.
  • Acted for for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Vantage RE Ltd. (Vantage RE) on its acquisition of a 100% stake in a 97.3MW onshore wind portfolio in the United Kingdom (UK) from a number of funds advised by Capital Dynamics, an independent global private asset management firm and one of the world’s leading clean energy investors.
  • Advising Statkraft on all consenting matters relating to several major onshore wind projects in Scotland including the Conjoined Public Inquiry for the 58MW Knockcronal wind farm, the successful Planning Appeal for the 48MW Slickly Wind farm and the (pending) Section 36 consent application for the ~150MW Energy Isles wind farm.

Shepherd and Wedderburn

Shepherd and Wedderburn has established market-leading breadth and depth of expertise, adopting a continued focus on key renewables sub-sectors, from offshore fixed and floating wind and wave and tidal, to onshore, low carbon and transmission. Clare Foster heads the clean energy and project finance teams, regularly advising on large clean energy projects concerning biomass, hydro and heat. Energy real estate head Colin Robertson has considerable experience acting for offshore wind farm developers when negotiating agreements for lease and acquisition of lands rights, while Colin Innes brings significant contentious energy expertise, representing clients at public inquiries, examinations and hearings. Scott McCallum is well regarded for planning, environmental and compulsory purchase matters, while corporate specialist John Morrison acts for renewables developers, generators and funders on all aspect of corporate and commercial law. Gareth Parry left in April 2023 for an in-house role at EDF.

Practice head(s):

Clare Foster; Colin Robertson; Scott McCallum; John Morrison


Other key lawyers:

Colin Innes


Key clients

BayWa r.e. UK


Ørsted


Offshore Wind Power Limited


Ocean Winds (including Moray Offshore Wind Farm (East) Limited and Moray Offshore Wind Farm (West) Limited


Renantis UK Limited


Brackenhills Wind Farm Limited


MUFG Bank Ltd


Ocado Retail Limited


Carbon Plantation Limited


FRV


ScottishPower Renewables


Work highlights


  • Advising on all aspects of the development work for a groundbreaking fixed bottom offshore wind project in deep waters to the West of Orkney.
  • Advising on consenting, regulatory, property and project finance aspects for the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm.
  • Advising on all consenting matters in relation to the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Project.

Burness Paull LLP

The 'responsive and pragmatic' team at Burness Paull LLP is led by Bob Ruddiman and regularly acts as lead counsel for prominent clients in the UK on both major transactions and development work. Peter Ward has built a solid reputation among major renewables companies, utilities and lenders for his capabilities advising on highly complex matters concerning grid connection, off-take agreements and power purchase agreements (PPAs), as well as corporate and regulatory mandates. Neil Bruce specialises in the property aspects of renewable energy projects, leading the real estate team across a broad range of renewables areas including wind, solar, waste and energy storage, while banking and funds director Sophie Coffey is an authority on renewables finance.

Practice head(s):

Bob Ruddiman


Other key lawyers:

Peter Ward; Neil Bruce; Sophie Coffey


Testimonials

‘They are responsive and pragmatic, using their market knowledge as well as legal expertise to deliver solutions that are valuable to clients.’

‘In addition to high-quality legal advice, they are responsive and personable, making them very easy to work with.’

‘Their key strength is in their depth and sector specialism.’

‘Burness Paull are a renewable energy firm who intimately understand the sector and the market. Their lawyers are well experienced with projects in this asset class and the unique challenges and risk allocation they bring.’

‘Neil Bruce has extensive knowledge of the real estate market in Scotland, in particular, the relevant intricacies from the perspective of renewable energy project development. This expertise is highly valued by clients.’

‘Sophie Coffey is a very experienced with Scottish renewable energy projects. She is knowledgeable, easy to work with and can sensibly benchmark positions across similar projects.’

‘The team has a wide breadth of experience across the sector with very deep knowledge across energy real estate, energy finance and regulatory. The attentiveness and excellent client care are second to none in this market.’

‘The depth of the team is key, with a range of partners and associates who are able to pick up where others have left off. Their strengths in this people management and collaboration stand out in the field due to their consistent engagement with the sector as a whole, and the individual clients.’

Key clients

EDF Energy Renewables


Green Investment Group


Statkraft UK


Ventient Energy


Invenergy Wind Europe


Brockwell Energy


Orsted


Fred Olsen Renewables


BayWa r.e. UK


Brookfield Renewables


Ocean Winds


SMS


Magnora ASA


Work highlights


  • Advising Ocean Winds in relation to its joint venture negotiations with Mainstream Renewable Power with regard to their 50/50 joint venture to develop a 1.8GW floating offshore wind farm off the Shetland Islands.
  • Acting as lead advisor to Scottish Enterprise in relation to the provision of an additional senior debt investment into the Meygen project, the world’s largest tidal energy project in construction.
  • Acting for leading renewable energy developers, including BayWa r.e. UK, Brockwell Energy, EDF Renewables, Orsted, Invenergy, Statkraft and Ventient Energy, as lead counsel on various aspects of project development, ranging from early-stage land and property issues to complex regulatory and offtake arrangements.

Anderson Strathern

Anderson Strathern has demonstrated a strong track record when it comes to onshore and offshore projects, battery technology and storage, grid rebalancing, hydrogen and local energy systems. Firm chair Bruce Farquhar heads the corporate side, regularly advising on the transactional aspects of solar, gas, and biomass projects. Martin Whiteford leads the firm’s offering in advising on regulatory compliance and grid issues, including complex smart energy systems. With Neil Farrell stepping down from partnership and into a consultancy role in 2022, Dixcee Fast bolstered the team when she joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in March of the same year, heading the property aspects of renewables projects.

Practice head(s):

Bruce Farquhar; Martin Whiteford; Dixcee Fast


Other key lawyers:

Neill Farrell


Testimonials

‘The team are hugely experienced, very flexible and approachable.’

‘They take a very pragmatic approach to any problems, and it is always about the best result for their clients.’

‘Bruce Farquhar is a hugely experienced partner. He is an extremely good operator without any hint of arrogance, excellent at his job, and a gentleman to work with.’

Key clients

The Crown Estate Scotland


Emergya Wind Technology


Aukera B.V


Eco-Projects IOM


Oak & Green (O&G Group)


Ripple Energy


Eurowind Energy


European Energy A/S


Locogen Limited


Greenforty Development Limited


Power Circle


ReFLEX Orkney Limited


Cloud Zuos


BlackRock


Bluefield Solar


NextEnergy


Encavis (DAX listed fund)


Vento Ludens Limited/ Hydro Ludens Limited


Livos Renewables


Elgin Energy


Thöni Industriebetriebe Gmbh


Longspur Capital


Buccleuch Estates


DHG Hydro


iPower


Buchan Biogas


Bespoke Community Energy C.I.C


Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association


Emergya Wind Technology


Cireco (Scotland) LLP


Balmirmer Farms


Dundee Renewable Energy Society Limited


Queen Margaret University


Turbyn Investments Limited


Qair Scotland Limited


Speeca Energy Limited


Install Solar Limited


Koehler Renewable Energy Limited


Kirk Hill Wind Farm Limited


SynchroStor Ltd


Hy2Go Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Crown Estate Scotland on the Scotwind leasing round- granting property rights for seabed in Scottish waters for up to 27GW of new commercial scale offshore wind generation. This involved simultaneously negotiating agreements on 17 separate projects. The expectation is for at least £1bn of investment for every gigawatt built.
  • Advising Ripple Energy on the development of the 18MW Kirk Hill Wind Farm. Ripple Energy are a unique consumer owner co-operative allowing individuals to invest in and own part of a wind farm. This is only their second project and is the world’s largest consumer-owned wind farm.
  • Advising Qair Scotland (a joint venture between Qair, a leading French based renewable energy group and ECO Projects IOM Limited), to develop, build, operate, and own a portfolio of onshore wind and solar assets in the UK.

Dentons

Focusing on the heart of the UK’s net-zero ambitions, Dentons continues to act at the forefront of a number of innovative and growing technologies including hydrogen, EV charging, offshore wind farming and carbon capture. David Cruickshank leads the practice and is renowned for his expertise regarding domestic and international energy transition projects, encompassing hybrid technologies, energy efficiency and large-scale renewables projects.

Practice head(s):

David Cruickshank


Testimonials

‘Very skilled and responsive team, with value added from the broader network that is available to offer expertise and/or bandwidth needed to face the challenges of dealmaking.’

‘David Cruickshank offered relentless support with diligence over corporate matters. Great support was also received by the competition team.’

Work highlights


Gillespie Macandrew LLP

The energy team at Gillespie Macandrew LLP has continued to see growth in key areas of the Scottish and UK market such as hydrogen and solar, as well as several grid-level storage and multi-source renewable energy projects. Derek McCulloch heads the team and has over 20 years' experience advising multinational companies on energy M&A, and portfolio deals; and also brings specialist knowledge of regulatory onshore and offshore regimes.

Practice head(s):

Derek McCulloch


Testimonials

‘Excellent team with approachable and diligent lawyers who are adept at finding solutions.’

‘They are strong on land and crofting law, compulsory purchase orders and other land-related issues.’

‘They are knowledgeable in relation to planning and environmental law and interactions with energy law. Lots of recent experience in major energy applications.’

Key clients

SSE


Viking Energy


Seagreen Wind Energy


Berwick Bank Wind Limited


Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Seagreen Wind Energy Limited on phase 1 of what will be one of Scotland’s largest offshore windfarms in Scotland with potential capacity of 1.075GW to power 1.6m homes.
  • Advise Viking Energy Wind Farm LLP on all aspects of the client’s circa 450-Megawatt windfarm development in Shetland.
  • Advising in relation to the Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm, with planned capacity of up to 4.1GW on onshore land requirements and offshore proximity and crossing agreements in both the Scottish and English onshore connections to grid.

Harper Macleod LLP

Harper Macleod LLP is best known in the Scottish market for its involvement in the development of renewable electricity, as well as a ‘first-class understanding of onshore wind property and planning matters’. David Bone heads the practice and brings extensive experience across domestic and international wind, solar and consultancy projects, while Omar Ali regularly advises clients in relation to grid connection arrangements for energy projects. Pamela Todd has significant experience advising clients on wind and hydro energy development projects.

Practice head(s):

David Bone


Other key lawyers:

Omar Ali; Pamela Todd


Testimonials

‘First-class understanding of onshore wind property and planning matters.’

‘The Harper Macleod team are very knowledgeable about the Scottish energy market and go above and beyond for their clients.’

‘Omar Ali is great to work with; he is personable and responsive, and knows the Scottish energy market and shares his insights with clients.’

‘Pamela Todd is an outstanding legal profession who is able to provide expert advice while understanding the commercial nature of transactions, which allows solutions to be found.’

 

Key clients

Fred. Olsen Renewables


EnergieKontor


Forestry and Land Scotland


Centrica


Foresight Group LLP


Capital Dynamics


Statkraft UK


Vestas


Lynher Energy


Blackrock Investment Management


Work highlights


  • Advised Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners on the acquisition of the project rights for a co-located pumped storage hydro plant and wind farm on a disused opencast coal mine at Glenmuckloch near Kirkconnel, Dumfries & Galloway.
  • Advised Fred. Olsen Renewables on the re-organisation of company shares and assets to split onshore wind assets and offshore wind assets into two separate companies, including transferring the assets in over 70 Scottish wind farm agreements.
  • Advised BlackRock alongside Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP on the acquisition of a target company which held the project rights to a double synchronous compensator connecting to the onshore substation for the Beatrice offshore wind farm on land leased from Beatrice OFTO from Tinz Programme 1 Holdco Limited.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts

With a particular strength in onshore wind, battery storage and hydro schemes, Morton Fraser MacRoberts represents some of the largest public and private sector organisations in the Scottish market. Nick Jones heads the group and brings particular expertise in onshore wind farm development, as well as the corporate and commercial aspects of renewables projects.

Practice head(s):

Nick Jones


Testimonials

‘Approachable team; strong knowledge and some insightful and innovative approaches to complex commercial issues.’

‘A responsive, proactive and able team, who are pleasant and easy to deal with and explain matters in simple terms without cutting corners.’

‘Nick Jones is someone who understands his client’s business as well as they do.’

Key clients

Coriolis Energy


Falck Renewables Wind (now Renantis UK)


GridCodePower


Orsted Onshore UK


Enerco Group


Wind Development Holdings


Ria Holdings


Breedon Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Chirmorie Wind Farm Limited, the developer, on the site assembly of numerous land, access and cabling agreements for leases and servitudes for the Chirmorie Wind Farm Project, a 76MW 21-turbine consented project located approximately 7km south-west of Barrhill, South Ayrshire.
  • Assisted Hydrogen Vehicle Systems Ltd (HVS), a Glasgow-based business dedicated to the design and development of hydrogen-electric vehicles for the commercial vehicle market, in the procurement and facilitation of a £25m loan from Beehive Equity Limited.
  • Assisting Hydrogen Vehicle Systems Limited with advice and assistance in relation to contractual matters for key matters, including negotiation and drafting contracts with service providers in the design and manufacture of prototype of vehicle, vehicle components and related software; preparation of template contracts with robust provisions in favour of the client.

BTO Solicitors LLP

BTO Solicitors LLP handles a steady stream of mandates across a wide array of sectors spanning hydrogen, solar, biomass, private wire schemes, energy from waste and community-led renewables projects. Project funding and structuring expert Scott Wyper leads the team and is highly sought after to advise on a diverse range of projects, from wind and domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes, to PPAs and grid connection sharing arrangements. Co-head Nicolas McBride is highly experienced in the property aspects of renewable energy work, such as land and servitude rights issues.

Practice head(s):

Scott Wyper; Nicolas McBride


Testimonials

‘Good team, very responsive and provide good advice.’

‘Scott Wyper is excellent; he is very personable, knowledgable and efficient.’

‘The team at BTO are extremely responsive, open to new ideas and challenges and really look for solutions for the client as opposed to setting out what is not possible and why it is not possible.’

‘Dealing with BTO has been a breath of fresh air, and we moved to this practice for bespoke energy contracts which other firms could not facilitate.’

‘Our contacts at BTO have been exceptional in providing timely and thought-out advice in what have been difficult contracts involving various parties.’

‘Scott Wyper and others have steered us through the process of preparing private wire energy supply contracts and remained, patient, pragmatic and professional at all times in circumstances which were new to all parties.’

‘A particular benefit was a clear focus on protecting our interests but still ensuring the contracts were workable for all parties.’

Key clients

Scottish Hydro Investments Limited


CRF Hydro Power Limited


Foster Turner Hydro Limited


Booth Welsh Automation Limited


Triodos Bank UK Limited


Ormsary Farmers


Balcas Energy


Srondoire Wind Farmers Limited


Inver Hydro Limited


Allt Dearg Wind Farmers LLP


Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP draws on specialists from a range of practice areas to provide a full-service energy offering, encompassing expertise in regulatory matters, renewables, banking, corporate and dispute resolution. Craig Whelton leads the team and regularly provides planning and consenting advice on some of the largest energy projects in Scotland.

Practice head(s):

Craig Whelton


Testimonials

‘Great engagement and fun to deal with.’

‘Good personalities for lawyers.’

‘Burges Salmon has a relatively small energy practice, which brings advantages in the context of a responsive and personalised service.’

‘They are knowledgeable in terms of offshore wind development in both England and Scotland.’

‘They work within the scope provided and there are no billing surprises at the end of the transaction.’

‘Craig Whelton is an approachable and personable partner who provides timely and helpful advice.’

‘Craig Whelton is a significant asset to the firm, particularly in terms of Scottish project development.’

‘The team is highly responsive to queries and provides excellent strategic project advice.’

Key clients

Progressive Energy


CNG Fuels


Engie


Renesola Power


Fitzwalter Capital


Brookfield Global Renewable Energy Advisor Limited


Ampyr Energy


Drax


Falck Renewables


Bluefloat


ESB


Wind 2 / Solar 2


Work highlights


  • Advising Drax on all aspects of the 400MW extension to the iconic Cruachan hydro scheme.
  • Advising Progressive Energy Limited in relation to a joint venture with Essar Oil UK, in respect of which the joint venture vehicle will produce low carbon hydrogen at Essar’s Stanlow Refinery in Cheshire, for use across the HyNet region.
  • Advised a client on a complex PPA and real estate agreement with Edinburgh Airport, which will see renewable energy generated and used at the Airport.

Davidson Chalmers Stewart

The renewable energy team at Davidson Chalmers Stewart consistently demonstrates considerable ‘breadth and depth of knowledge’ when advising on renewables development and redevelopment, disposal of renewables projects and investment into alternative energy businesses. The team has experience in advising on a variety of related issues, including on the property elements of renewable projects, such as for onshore wind, solar, hydro and battery storage. Nicola Scott heads up the commercial property team and regularly advises on the property and financing aspects of renewables projects. In Autumn 2023, Steven McAllister left the firm.

Other key lawyers:

Nicola Scott


Testimonials

‘Breadth and depth of knowledge, provided by solicitors with direct industry experience.’

‘Nicola Scott is fantastic. She is across the details and delivers strategic, creative and complete advice in pursing client objectives, all with a real personal touch.’

‘Excellent team with good depth of knowledge, especially on environmental matters.’

‘They are quick to respond and provide clear and concise answers / options to questions, issues and opportunities.’

‘Working with DCS is a pleasure. Each of the staff members are easy to work with, helpful, insightful and offer great advice.’

Key clients

Abo Wind AG


Alba Energy Limited


Blain Farming


Fife Council


Kelvin Capital


Peel NRE


Ripple Energy Limited


Suez Recycling and Recovery UK Limited


The Farm Energy Company Limited


WKN GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advised Peel NRE in respect of successful application to the Scottish Land Court for a scheme for development for their 17 turbine onshore wind farm development in Shetland.
  • Advised venture capital firm Kelvin Capital in the latest equity funding round into QED, a Scottish company which has developed a Subhub tidal platform designed to enable tidal energy to be deployed over large distances.
  • Advising WKN GmbH on all ongoing development matters in connection with Sallachy Wind Farm; a nine-turbine (49.9MW) onshore wind project in the north of Scotland.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Energy and natural resources is a key sector for Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, which has had a presence in Edinburgh since 2017. Since then, it has built up a sizeable team in the Scottish capital, from where it advises an impressive roster of energy clients on issues ranging from real estate, transactions and joint ventures to construction, development and health & safety, as well as contentious matters. The energy group is led from by Richard Cockburn, who is dual-qualified in Scotland and England & Wales; other key names include disputes specialist Lisa Dromgoole, who was recently appointed to lead the construction and engineering practice in Scotland.

Practice head(s):

Richard Cockburn


Other key lawyers:

Paul Mason; Lisa Dromgoole; Chris McLauchlan


Key clients

Harbour Energy


Shell


TotalEnergies


National Tube Stockholders (NTS)


Getech plc


Tekmar Energy Limited


Petrofac


Weatherford


H2 Green


ENI


RES


Scottish Power


RWE


SENER


SeAH Wind


Triodos Bank


Work highlights


  • Advising Shell UK Limited on its relocation and fit out works for its new HQ into Aberdeen city centre.
  • Advising Renewable Energy Systems Limited in connection with the negotiation of option agreements and leases for a battery storage facilities and the onshore windfarm Longcroft.
  • Acting for RWE Renewables UK Onshore Wind Limited in connection with exercising options to lease two areas of land at Knockburnie and Brockloch.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP

Predominantly advising independent developers on long-term renewable power generation projects, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP has recently seen growth in battery storage both as standalone developments and as part of mixed-technology renewables projects. Practice head Andy McFarlane has a particular focus on developing property structures for hybrid and co-located renewables sites, also handling various commercial components to projects.

Practice head(s):

Andy McFarlane


Testimonials

‘Excellent, diverse team, highly skilled and capable of working on renewables projects.’

‘Very approachable partners and teams; commercially focused on getting the work done.’

‘WJM’s team really do work as a team and that includes working with clients.’

Key clients

Renewable Energy Systems Limited


RWE Renewables UK Swindon Limited


Fred Olsen/Natural Power


Orsted Onshore UK ltd (formerly Brookfield)


Energiekontor UK Limited


Coriolis Energy Limited


BayWa r.e. UK Limited


Harmony Energy Limited


Muirhall Energy Limited


ESB


Work highlights


  • Assisted Coriolis Energy Limited with the Blarghour Wind Farm project. A significant project regarding its impact on peatland habitats. That is likely to become an increasingly scrutinised area with the advent of carbon projects (both woodland and peat restoration).
  • Assisted Harmony Energy Storage Limited with the Little Raith Battery Storage Project, which demonstrates an alternative route to funding innovative projects (battery storage in this case) via an IPO.
  • Assisted Renewable Energy Systems Limited with the Aberarder Wind Farm project, negotiating all property documentation in relation to RES’ 49.9MW Aberarder Wind Farm including assistance with the sale of the project to SSE and associated advice on a range of commercial contracts associated with same.