Firms To Watch: Renewable/alternative power

Rock Creek Energy Group LLP was founded in February 2021 by the team from Van Ness Feldman LLP, including managing partner Jessica Friedman, who heads the electric power practice, which is building up a strong reputation advising clients on federal regulatory matters. Founding partner Julia Scarpino Wood focuses her practice on hydroelectric and electric power. Both lawyers are based in Washington D.C.

Renewable/alternative power in United States

Allen & Overy LLP

With the ability to advise on all stages of a renewable power project, transactional work is at the heart of Allen & Overy LLP ‘s energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice, including handling major acquisitions and disposals of both companies and assets, as well as the financing of significant and novel renewable energy projects. In addition to its work for clients operating in the wind and solar space, the team is also experienced in advising sponsors, developers, project companies and financiers from across the entire sector. Kent Rowey heads the practice, splitting his time between Los Angeles and New York, where Jillian Ashley and Greg Lavigne are also noted. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Daniel Sinaiko and Matthew Nesburn in the Los Angeles office are particularly well regarded in high-value transactions and market entry advice for foreign firms, respectively. Based in Washington DC, John Marciano is a key contact for complex financing work in the solar sphere. The firm is also competent in due diligence, construction disputes, and government liaison, and extended its regulatory offering with the February 2022 hire of George Cannon Jr. for the Washington office from Akin. Sam Kamyans left the firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Kent Rowey


Other key lawyers:

Jillian Ashley; Greg Lavigne; Daniel P. Sinaiko; Matthew Nesburn; John Marciano; George Cannon Jr.


Testimonials

Great lawyers with leading sector knowledge.

Key clients

The Carlyle Group


Ørsted Onshore North America


CIM Group


Voya Infrastructure Management


Vitol Inc.


TOTALEnergies


Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC


Novis Renewables


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


NextEnergy Capital Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising The Carlyle Group in the foundational M&A transactions relating to the formation of Copia Power, a wholly-owned platform focused on developing utility-scale sustainable infrastructure in the U.S.
  • Advised Vauban Infrastructure Partners on its acquisition of DB Energy Assets, LLC, and Beacon Energy Holdings from Basalt Infrastructure Partners II LP and DCO Energy, LLC.
  • Advised Global Infrastructure Partners in connection with its agreement to acquire approximately 50% interest in a subsidiary that holds TotalEnergies’ 51% stake in SunPower Corporation.

Latham & Watkins LLP

With experience in acting for major energy companies, developers, and investors on high-value and high-impact projects in wind, solar, storage, and CCS, Latham & Watkins LLP earns its strong reputation as a market leader in the renewables space. The team is led by New York-based global energy and infrastructure group (E&I group) vice-chair Eli Katz, who has broad expertise in project financing as well as a niche focus on tax issues related to the sector, and Houston’s E&I group global chair Justin Stolte with a broad expertise in transactions. Also in New York, project finance partner Matthew Henegar and Kelly Cataldo are particularly strong in offshore wind and projects in the US and Latin American market, with Cataldo advising clients on the whole range of construction, financing and investment. Key names on the West Coast include project finance experts Jeffrey Greenberg in Los Angeles and Omar Nazif in San Diego, who is well-versed in development and financing of domestic and international energy projects. In Houston, M&A attorney Ashley J. Nguyen is noted. The firm’s reach was extended significantly in 2022, with the arrival of global co-chair of the firm’s ESG-practice Sarah Fortt in Austin, ESG co-chair Betty Huber, and M&A expert Caroline Blitzer Phillips and Jason Webber in New York, as well as Ethan Schultz, who splits his time between Washington D.C. and Houston.


Practice head(s):

Eli Katz; Justin T. Stolte


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Henegar; Kelly Cataldo; Jeffrey Greenberg; Omar Nazif; Ashley J. Nguyen; Sarah Fortt; Betty Huber; Caroline Blitz Phillips; Jason Webber; Ethan Schultz


Key clients

Alder Energy


Alliant Energy


Amp Americas


Antin


Ara Partners


Castleton Commodities International, LLC


Chevron U.S.A. Inc.


Cordelio


Energy Capital Partners IV


Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc.


Inspiration Mobility Group, LLC


Lenders to Vineyard Wind


LS Power, LLC


Mercuria Energy


MUFG Union Bank, N.A.


Quanta Services, Inc.


Renewable Energy Group In


Terra-Gen Power, LLC


TotalEnergies


Vault 44.01 Ltd


Milbank

Milbank‘s global project, energy and infrastructure finance team sits atop the US market, with a strong reputation for high-value and complex financing work, and cross-border capabilities including particular expertise in Latin America. New York-based team lead Daniel Bartfeld has broad experience extending to multi-sourced financing and development work, while William Bice, Roland Estevez, and Jaime Ramirez in the same office are also highly regarded. In Los Angeles, names to note include Mike Duff, Timothy Wendling, and Henry T. Scott, who all extend the firm’s capabilities in complex debt and equity structuring for projects in sectors including solar, wind, and geothermal power generation. Beyond project financing, Bice recently led on contract negotiation for a network of 2,000 electric vehicle charging stalls across the country, and Ramirez acted for the lenders in the acquisition of a public utilities company that owns and operates a major geothermal plant in Santa Marta, Madalena, Colombia. The team is also competent in the negotiation of power purchase, energy hedge, and REC purchase agreements, as well as regulatory and permitting advice. The firm’s offering was strengthened in June 2022 with the hire of experienced project finance, development, and M&A lawyer Michael Klaus in Los Angeles from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Bartfeld


Other key lawyers:

William Bice; Roland Estevez; Jaime Ramirez; Mike Duff; Timothy Wendling; Henry T. Scott; Michael Klaus


Key clients

EVgo


Banco Santander, S.A., New York Branch


Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch


Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, New York Branch


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch


Forbright Bank


Royal Bank of Canada


Santander Bank


HPS Investment Partners, LLC


Silicon Valley Bank


Summit Carbon Solutions


Investec Bank PLC


Toronto-Dominion Bank


New York Branch


East West Bank


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


National Bank of Canada


Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York branch


Silicon Valley Bank


Bank of America, N.A.


Banco Santander, S.A., New York Branch


Natixis, New York Branch


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Mizuho Bank, Ltd.


SB Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised TotalEnergies in connection with the financial support to be provided by TotalEnergies to CDV Holding S.A. (a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Salus – Fundo de Investimento em Participações Multiestratégia).
  • Advised EVgo in the negotiation of contracts with Pilot Company and General Motors for the development, construction, deployment and operations of 2,000 charging stalls operated and networked through EVgo eXtend across the country (40+ states).
  • Advised SB Energy Global, LLC, the US climate infrastructure technology platform subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp., in connection with Ares Management Corporation’s strategic equity investment of up to US$600 million.

Norton Rose Fulbright

The renewables offering at Norton Rose Fulbright is jointly led by US projects team co-heads Keith Martin in Washington DC and Benjamin Koenigsberg in New York, and has a strong track record advising clients on complex and high-value project financing issues, including the formation of joint ventures and the whole range of tax equity matters. Martin has complementary experience lobbying both Congress and the Treasury Department on renewable energy matters, while Koenigsberg’s practice focuses on offshore wind. New York-based Todd Alexander acts for lenders and developers involved in projects from wind and solar to biomass, biofuel, and clean coal. The team also includes regulatory specialists Caileen Kateri Gamache in Houston and Robert Shapiro in Washington DC, while Becky Diffen in Austin stands out for her M&A work in the sector. The firm’s reach was further extended with the opening of an office in Chicago, where Sameer A. Ghaznavi, who arrived from DLA Piper LLP (US) in February 2022, is noted for his expertise in the development, acquisition and sale of energy and infrastructure projects. Another notable arrival in 2022 is Washington-based tax lawyer Hilary Lefko from Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. Robert Eberhardt and Ikenna Emehelu, both based in New York, left the team in 2022.

 


Practice head(s):

Keith Martin; Benjamin Koenisgsberg


 


Other key lawyers:

Todd Alexander; Caileen Kateri Gamache; Robert Shapiro; Becky Diffen; Sameer A. Ghaznavi; Hilary Lefko


Key clients

Matrix Renewables USA, LLC


Macquarie Capital (USA)


Savion and Macquarie Capital’s Green Investment Group


RWE


Ullico


Community Energy Solar, LLC


Greencoat Capital LLP


QIC


Pacific Current, LLC


Broad Reach Power LLC


Belltown Power USA


Renew Development HoldCo, LLC (“Clearway”)


Work highlights


  • Represented Belltown Power USA Development in relation to a platform sale of more than 6 GW of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects to Engie North America.
  • Advised German utility RWE on the formation of a joint venture with Diamond Offshore Wind, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, to develop the first offshore wind project in the US involving floating turbines – The 12-MW Aqua Ventus project is off Maine.
  • Represented Matrix Renewables in its acquisition of a 4.6 GW portfolio of utility-scale solar energy projects across the central US through a joint venture with developer SolarStone Partners.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Jointly steered by Blake Winburne , Dahl Thompson  and Les Sherman, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP ‘s practice is well regarded for its ‘largely unmatched experience, connections and industry knowledge’  and is named a ‘one-stop shop’ by its high-profile clients. With its multidisciplinary hydrogen task force, the team is noted for its capabilities in matters related to a clean energy transition. Winburne’s broad expertise covers M&A, joint ventures, financing, and project development. With a particular strength in solar and energy storage, Kristin Seeger assists clients, including asset managers, funds, and renewable energy developers, with the acquisition and sale of domestic and international renewable energy projects in the U.S. and Canada. She recently advised Intersect Power on securing a $750m growth investment to build out its renewable energy portfolio. The practice expanded in 2022 with the hire of David Aaronson from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Adam Griffin from Baker Botts L.L.P., Teresa Hill from K&L Gates, Julia Balas from Morrison Foerster  and Jared Joyce-Schleimer from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.


Practice head(s):

Blake Winburne; Dahl Thompson; Les Sherman


Other key lawyers:

Kristin Seeger; Mark Weitzel; David Aaronson; Adam Griffin; Teresa Hill; Julia Balas; Jared Joyce-Schleimer


Testimonials

‘Orrick can take a project from offtake, to procurement, to financing, to operations, and provide all relevant support in between. Truly a one-stop shop.’

‘Largely unmatched experience, connections and industry knowledge.’

 

Key clients

Apex Clean Energy


Elawan Energy


Ares Management


Enlight Renewable Energy


CleanCapital


Total


Consolidated Edison Development


Recurrent Energy


Distributed Solar Development


Clearway Energy


Generate Capital


State Street Bank & Trust


Sempra Energy


Macquarie Capital


Pattern Energy


RWE/E.On Renewables


ENGIE North America


Orsted


sPower


Calpine Corporation


BP Wind Energy North America


Eurus Energy


Intersect Power


Broad Reach Power


Algonquin Power


Work highlights


  • Advised Apex Clean Energy  on an agreement to sell a majority stake in the company to funds and other accounts managed by Ares Management Corporation.
  • Advised Intersect Power on a US$750 million growth equity investment from TPG Rise Climate, Climate Adaptive Infrastructure, LLC. and Trilantic Energy Partners North America.
  • Advised Wunder Company on the creation of a cash equity joint venture with ClearGen LLC, a Blackstone subsidiary.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

Jointly led by energy transactions & projects head Danielle Patterson, as well as corporate co-heads and acquisition experts Kaam Sahely and Matt Strock, all based in Houston, Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s practice advises high-profile clients on the whole range of development, financing, acquisition, and sale of renewables projects, and is particularly ‘well-versed in tax equity financing and credit monetization techniques in general, as well as the new opportunities presented by the Inflation Reduction Act‘. In 2022, the firm advised Goldman Sachs Renewable Power in its separation from Goldman Sachs Asset Management to form MN8 Energy, the second largest U.S. independent solar and storage energy producer by capacity, with a deal value of approximately $3bn. Further notable members of the group are transactional lawyer Michael Joyce in Los Angeles, and Austin’s Sean Moran, who stands out as ‘veteran adviser in tax equity financing‘, as well as the ‘excellent’  M&A and private equity lawyer Matthew Falcone and Alan Alexander, whose practice areas include joint ventures and advising on energy projects in Latin America. Falcone and Alexander are both based in Houston. Lauren Collins in Los Angeles is another well regarded member of the team’s ‘first-rate tax team’, while John Connally left the practice in 2022.

 

 

 

Practice head(s):

Danielle Patterson; Kaam Sahely; Matt Strock


Other key lawyers:

Peter Marshall; Alan Alexander; Matthew Falcone; Michael Joyce; Lauren Collins


Testimonials

‘The firm has clear, deep expertise in the energy/power sector and emerging energy transition initiatives, coupled with a first-rate tax team, which is well-versed in tax equity financing and credit monetization techniques in general, as well as the new opportunities presented by the Inflation reduction Act.’

‘Sean Moran is a veteran adviser in tax equity financing with an easy-going manner and good commercial sense. On the corporate side of energy projects, Alan Alexander and Matt Falcone are excellent.’

 

Key clients

MN8 Energy, Inc.


IFM Investors Pty Ltd. / Buckeye Partners


Wells Fargo


8 Rivers Capital, LLC


Blackstone Credit


JPMorgan Capital Corporation


Terra-Gen


Brookfield


Siemens Financial Services


BlackRock


Soft Bank


Cypress Creek Renewables


Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets


Vitol


Swift Current Energy


Silverpeak Renewables Investment Partners


BNP Paribas


Apollo Global Management, Inc.


SUSI Partners AG


Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.


The Carlyle Group


Acadia Renewable Energy LLC


ioneer Ltd


Labora Group, Inc.


Compass Solar Group, LLC


Heliogen, Inc.


LSP Generation IV, LLC


Riverstone Holdings L.L.C.


Venterra Group PLC


Work highlights


  • Advised MN8 Energy on the acquisition from Recurrent Energy and the development, construction/term debt, and tax equity financing of a 390MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plus 140.25MW/561MWh storage project in California.
  • Advised MN8 Energy on the establishment of a financing partnership with ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT) to reduce upfront costs of EV charging technology.
  • Advised Goldman Sachs Renewable Power in its separation from Goldman Sachs Asset Management to form MN8 Energy, an independent renewable energy company and second largest U.S. independent solar and storage energy producer by capacity.

Winston & Strawn LLP

With experience in handling a range of market-significant transactions from across the sector, Winston & Strawn LLP‘s multidisciplinary energy & infrastructure industry group offers ‘specialists in nearly every related discipline needed for a large deal in this space, and a deep bench of associates’ to its domestic and international clients. The group is co-lead by transactional lawyer Mike Pikiel and Rich Shutran, both based in New York, and Mike Blankenship in Houston. Shutran is well-versed in finance and development work, while Blankenship is noted for his expertise in M&A. Based in New York, and representing a range of strategic and financial participants in complex transactions, Jonathan Birenbaum‘s ‘knowledge of the subject matter is at the top of the field’. On the West Coast, Laurae Rossi stands out for her work in project finance and debt transactions. Financing experts Hao Huang, who was promoted to partner in 2022, and Anne Gibbons, are also noted. All three lawyers are based in Los Angeles. Relevant team changes in 2022 include the arrival of Thomas Millar in Washington DC from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, who is well-versed in regulatory matters, and Houston-based financing expert Ryan Hunsaker from Vinson & Elkins LLP. San Francisco’s Tom Solomon and Alex Niebruegge from the Houston office are among the lawyers that left the practice in 2022.

 

 

 


Practice head(s):

Mike Pikiel; Rich Shutran; Mike Blankenship


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Birenbaum; Hao Huang; Anne Gibbons; Laurae Rossi; Stephanie Sebor; Amanda Sewell; Thomas Millar; Ryan Hunsaker


Testimonials

‘Winston & Strawn’s Renewable/Alternative Energy team is well rounded, with specialists in nearly every related discipline needed for a large deal in this space, and a deep bench of associates. The practice is adept at understanding and anticipating its clients’ needs while keeping bills reasonable.’

‘Jonathan Birenbaum is an exceptional team leader with the best people skills in the business. He fiercely advocates for his clients without alienating the other parties and oftentimes charming them. He is sincere in his regard for other people, and it shows. The other members of the W&S deal team (in particular, Stephanie Sebor in Environmental and associate Amanda Sewell) follow this example and are similarly skilled at tactfully advocating for their clients. If corporate transactions were medical issues, you would be fortunate to have the W&S team as your doctor for their skills and bedside manners.’

‘The team works seamlessly together, and I am always impressed with the resources that can be brought in depending on the specific matter or issue.’

‘Jonathan Birenbaum is amazing. His knowledge of the subject matter is at the top of the field, and his positive demeanor throughout a deal really separates him from others.’

Key clients

AxInfra US LP (Axium Infrastructure)


Basalt Infrastructure Partners LLP


Capital Power


Hecate Energy LLC


HSBC Bank USA, N.A.


Keybank N.A.


Work highlights


  • Represented HSBC Bank USA, N.A. in connection with a $1.75 billion debt facility comprising the construction, term loan, and letter of credit financing for four wind projects, with approximately 1,050 MW of capacity, and the construction of a 150-mile 345 kV transmission line, both located in New Mexico.
  • Representing clients in the securitization of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds originated in residential PACE programs administered nationwide.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper’s Energy and Natural Resources sector team is led by Washington DC-based Vanessa Richelle Wilson, an experienced project financing and transactional partner with a particularly strong depth of expertise in the increasingly significant areas of carbon storage and hydrogen power generation. The team acts for clients including energy companies, infrastructure funds, and investors, with Northeast transactional tax practice lead Drew Young in New York a key contact for clients seeking advice on tax equity financing. Boston’s Jameson Calitri is recommended for his experience with energy transactions, including related regulatory matters. Of counsel Andrea Chambers came to the Washington DC office from Covington & Burling LLP in June 2022, extending the firm’s capabilities in regulatory advice.


Practice head(s):

Vanessa Richelle Wilson


Other key lawyers:

Drew Young; Jameson Calitri; Andrea Chambers


Key clients

Renewco Power


X-Elio North America Development


Shell New Energies US LLC


MJE-Loop Capital


Semco Maritime A/S


Citizens Financial Group, Inc.


Lego group


SG H2 Energy Global


Sonnedix


H&M Hennes & Mauritz Online Shop AB & Co. KG


Work highlights


  • Advised Renewco Power in its US expansion through the acquisition of a 1.5GW pipeline of early-stage utility-scale solar projects and 500MW of battery storage projects from Virginia-based developer Beaufort Rosemary.
  • Represented Shell New Energies US LLC in its agreement to buy 100 percent of Savion LLC, a large utility-scale solar and energy storage developer in the United States, from Macquarie’s Green Investment Group.
  • Advised Citizens on signing of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement to Source 100% Renewable Power for Entire Operational Footprint.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Headed by Peter Hanlon and Nicholas Politan in the New York office, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s power and renewables team has a strong focus on transactional work including M&A, project investments and financing, and capital markets transactions. Hanlon and Politan each have significant experience in corporate transactions in the renewables space, including power transmission and storage, as well as wind and solar generation. Gerald Farano in Denver advises on joint ventures and strategic alliances in the sector, while Emad Khalil in New York has experience in overseas markets in the Middle East and Asia. Marwan Azzi, also in New York, is a key contact for work in the Latin American market, and represents private equity houses and infrastructure funds among others on private, domestic and cross-border acquisitions. George Stamas, who splits his time between New York and Washington DC, is also noted and well-versed in M&A.

Practice head(s):

Peter Hanlon; Nicholas Politan


Other key lawyers:

Gerald Farano; Emad Khalil; Marwan Azzi; George Stamas


Key clients

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company


NV Energy Company


Nevada Power Company


Sierra Pacific Power Company


MidAmerican Energy Company


PacifiCorp


BHE Renewables LLC, including BHE Wind LLC and BHE Solar LLC


South Jersey Industries


General Electric


Clearway Energy


Carlyle Investment Management / Carlyle Power Partners


Saguaro Power Company


Algonquin Power & Utilities


STEM, Inc.


Terna Energy


AIP Management


Exelon


Solar Edge


Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives


Pine Gate Renewables


Calumet


Investment Banks JP Morgan and Wells Fargo


Work highlights


Holland & Knight LLP

Hot on the heels of its August 2021 merger with Thompson & Knight, Holland & Knight LLP has continued to expand its renewable and alternative energy offering, with notable hires including former Eversheds Sutherland energy practice co-heads Ram Sunkara in Houston and New York’s Madeleine Tan, who joined in November 2022 along with Kyle E. Wamstad in Atlanta, Houston’s Joshua Belcher, and Washington based Amish Shah. Being praised for his ‘excellent commercial acumen above and beyond expected legal advice’, Justin Boose co-leads the renewable energy team from the firm’s offices in Los Angeles and Portland, with a particular focus on transactions and project finance in solar, wind, and energy storage. Experienced energy, environmental, and natural resources lawyer Mark C. Kalpin in Boston and Washington leads the team with Boose, while George Humphrey in Houston co-chairs the firm’s energy transition group. The firm’s transactional expertise extends to strategic joint ventures, PPAs, EPC agreements, and the acquisition and disposal of renewables projects and asset portfolios, and the team also advises clients on regulatory matters, including in relation to the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act 2022 on the renewables sector. Other names to note include Graham T Coates in New York and Saqib Hossain in Boston.

 

Practice head(s):

Justin Boose; Mark C. Kalpin


Other key lawyers:

Juan Alcaca; Ram Sunkara; Madeleine Tan; Kyle E. Wamstad; Joshua Belcher; Amish Shah; George Humphrey; Graham T. Coates; Saqib Hossain


Testimonials

‘Justin Boose has excellent commercial acumen above and beyond expected legal advice. We value his counsel.’

 

Key clients

EnerSmart Storage


Exelon Generation Company


Generate Capital PBC


Natixis, New York Branch


Navisun LLC


Neste Oyj


New York State Energy Research and Development Authority


New York Green Bank


OnPeak Power


Orsted Wind Power North America LLC


Vanguard Renewables


Work highlights


  • Advised OnPeak Power on the sale of four U.S. solar projects, totaling 1.1 GW to a new joint venture formed between two Israeli companies.
  • Advising Vanguard Renewables in connection with acquisition, development, financing and operation of renewable gas production facilities located throughout the United States.
  • Advised EnerSmart Storage OpCo II, LLC in the first reported project financing of fully merchant battery storage projects in the United States.

K&L Gates

K&L Gates has a proven track record in project development, construction matters and equity investments, as well as matters related to distributed generation and energy storage. The team is particularly strong in advising buyers on the market for corporate energy sourcing, and has supported clients form a range of industries, such as retailers and cloud computing companies, in purchasing renewable powers. William Holmes is noted for his expertise in corporate transactions, water and real estate law, with a particular focus on energy storage. The practice was able to strengthen its breadth significantly in 2022 with the arrival of John Crossley, James Goettsch and Brogan Sullivan from Husch Blackwell LLP.

Other key lawyers:

William Holmes; John Crossley; James Goettsch; Brogan Sullivan


Testimonials

‘Strong expertise, good bench of experts for pro bono energy work.’

 

Key clients

Sojitz US


EDL Energy


Marin Clean Energy


Core Solar, LLC


Canigou UMS


Alcoa Corp


ConnectGen


King & Spalding LLP

With a strong focus on transactions in the renewable energy space, King & Spalding LLP advises clients, including major private equity and infrastructure funds and companies active in areas including solar, wind, battery stroage, as well as renewable natural gas, on the acquisition and disposal of projects and portfolios, with additional strength in project financing. In addition, the practice is also noted for its capabilities in advising on the whole cycle of renewable energy projects, including development, construction and operation. The team is jointly led by Jonathan Melmed in New York, who is reputed for advising on U.S. and international M&A, private equity and complex corporate transactions, Stuart Zisman, and global energy and construction transactional practice head Scott Greer in Houston. Zisman is also noted for his expertise in global energy transactions of all types, including energy storage, as well as commercial agreements. Another key contact for transactional work is New York’s Adam Hankiss. The firm’s reach was extended with the arrival of Fradyn Suárez  into its new Miami office from Jones Day in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Melmed; Stuart Zisman; Scott Greer


Other key lawyers:

Adam Hankiss; Fradyn Suárez


Key clients

Arevon Asset Management


Atlas Holdings


Axium Infrastructure


Brookfield Infrastructure Group


D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments


Global Clean Energy, Inc.


Instar Asset Management


Ridgewood Infrastructure, LLC


Starwood Energy Group


The Carlyle Group


UBS Infrastructure


Wabash Valley Resources


Hy Stor Energy


Avantus


Transmission Developers, Inc.


HIF


Work highlights


  • Advised Axium Infrastructure on the acquisition of BWC Holdings, LLC.
  • Representing Transmission Developers, Inc. – a Blackstone portfolio company – in the development of the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project, a multi-billion dollar HVDC transmission line, which will deliver 1,250MW of hydro power to the NYC.
  • Advised Macquarie Capital on the sale of Savion, LLC to a subsidiary of Shell plc.

Mayer Brown

Clients including banks, investors, and major multinationals flock to Mayer Brown for advice on complex and high-value transactions in the renewables sector, from M&A and joint ventures to the whole range of financing work, including tax equity and debt financing. The firm is also noted for its expertise in regulatory work, with particular strength in offshore wind projects. Offering notable experience with complex financings, as well as cross-border transactions, Paul Astolfi in Chicago co-leads the firm’s global project and infrastructure group. Robert Goldberg in Houston and Jeffrey Davis in Washington DC co-lead the specialist renewable energy practice, with Davis in particular acting as a key contact for tax equity work on project financing. In Chicago, transaction lawyer Nadav Klugman is especially highly regarded, while on the East Coast New York’s Elena Rubinov is well-versed in M&A and represents private equity and infrastructure funds, among others.

Practice head(s):

Paul Astolfi


Other key lawyers:

Robert Goldberg; Jeffrey Davis; Nadav Klugman; Elena Rubinov


Key clients

CDPQ


Facebook (Meta)


Blackstone / ClearGen


KKR & Co. Inc.


John Hancock


Fengate Capital Management


TC Energy


Argo Infrastructure Partners LP


Morgan Stanley


McDermott Will & Emery LLP

With a particularly strong development and financing practice, McDermott Will & Emery LLP‘s global energy project finance group is sought out by clients for advice on the whole range of renewable energy, including wind and solar power, biomass, geothermal, and renewable natural gas projects. In Los Angeles, co-chair and former president of the American Wind Energy Association Edward Zaelke stands out with his in-depth knowledge of project finance and private equity transactions, while Miami-based co-chair Philip Tingle is well known as energy tax expert in the renewables sector with broad experience in representing buyers and sellers of electric generation facilities, including utilities, power producers and financial institutions. Carl Fleming in Washington D.C. is especially recommended for his expertise on debt and tax equity financing, as well as his niche knowledge on zinc battery projects. In Miami, tax expert Heather Cooper is also recommended for her experience in restructurings and M&A, as well as tax incentive financing related to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Praised by clients for his ‘huge knowledge and high commitment’, New York’s James Salerno regularly advises multinational corporate and business entities in the US, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa on all stages of development for construction and financing of renewables projects.

Practice head(s):

Edward Zaelke; Philip Tingle


Testimonials

‘Highly knowledgeable team in renewables and project finance in an UK/US/Anglo Saxon framework.’

‘James Salerno: highly committed, huge knowledge.’

‘’McDermott’s ability to coordinate across teams and collaborate effectively is what makes the firm great. We have a lead counsel who manages communications so that we don’t have to repeat the same information to different teams.’

‘James Salerno is the lead counsel for us. He is sensitive to our needs and makes sure that the team delivers quickly without incurring large legal fees. He has helped create a timeline and detailed the work necessary to move the transaction along. He brings in additional resources as needed.’

 

Key clients

Apex Clean Energy


Pine Gate Renewables


Novis Renewables


Catalyze


Clearway


Doral


Ameren


NiSource


Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd.


Distributed Solar Development, LLC


AEP


AES Distributed Energy


Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp


Innogy renewables (RWE renewables)


LS Power


Primergy Solar


Credit Suisse


Scout Clean Energy


Enfinity Global


Work highlights


  • Represented Eni New Energy US, a subsidiary of the global “supermajor” oil company, Eni S.p.A., in its acquisition of a portfolio of over 465 MW among two co-located assets in Texas.
  • Advising Pine Gate Renewables, Apex Clean Energy, Novis, Renewables, Catalyzse, Clearway, DOral, Ameren, NiSource, and Hanwha on specific aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022,
     
  • Advising on identifying the major provisions to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) for Pine Gate Renewables, Apex Clean Energy, Novis, Renewables, Catalyze,Clearway, Doral, Ameren, NiSource and Hanwha.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

The energy, infrastructure and project finance team at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP continued its growth in 2022, with notable new hires including San Francisco’s expert for power purchase agreements Thomas W. Solomon, regulatory and transactional renewables partner Joseph Karp,  real estate lawyers  Lisa Cottle in San Francisco and Los Angeles based Christine A. Kolosov, all four joining from Winston & Strawn LLP in April 2022. The team is led jointly by Chicago’s Katherine M. Gillespie and Anthony L. Toranto in Del Mar, who each have extensive experience in the structuring, financing, acquisition, and disposal of renewables projects. The firm advises on projects including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydrogen and storage, and is particularly strong on tax equity financing, with Chicago tax partners Amit Kalra and Andrew Ratts both recommended here. With a particular focus on transactions, such as lending, leasing and tax credit, Chicago’s Katarzyna Levecke is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Katherine M. Gillespie; Anthony L. Toranto


Other key lawyers:

Thomas W. Solomon; Joseph Karp; Lisa Cottle; Christine A. Kolosov; Katherine Gillespie; Anthony Toranto; Amit Kalra; Andrew Ratts, Katarzyna Levecke


Key clients

Aypa Power, LLC


Brookfield Power U.S. Asset Management LLC


EDF Renewable Energy, Inc.


EDP Renewables North America


Hecate Energy LLC


Invenergy LLC


Mainstream Renewable Power Ltd.


NexAmp


NextEra Energy Resources, LLC


Peninsula Clean Energy


RWE Renewables Americas, LLC


Solar Aquagrid, LLC


U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation


Volvo


Wells Fargo, N.A.


174 Power Global


Akuo Energy USA Inc.


Arevon Energy, Inc.


Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, LLC


Capital Power Corporation


Citadel Energy Marketing, LLC


Clearway Renewables LLC


Clenera, LLC


ConnectGen Operating LLC


Cordelio Power


Cubico USA, LLC


Eastern Generation LLC


ENGIE North America Inc.


Eni S.p.A.


Enyo Renewable Energy


Eolian, L.P.


Falck Renewables


Fifth Third Bank


Goldwind USA, Inc.


Guzman Energy, LLC


Hitachi Energy USA Inc.


LATAM Power, Inc.


Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC


Naturgy Candela DevCo LLC


NRG Energy, Inc.


Open Road Renewables


Oriden (Mitsubishi Power Americas)


Ormat Nevada, Inc.


Pattern Energy Management Services LLC


Ranger Power


RC Energy


SPG Solar Inc.


sPower, LLC


Starwood Energy Group


Strata Solar Development, LLC


Sunrun Inc.


Tenaska


Terra-Gen LLC


United Renewable Energy, LLC


United States Solar Corporation


Vesper Energy


V-Grid Energy Systems


V-ridium Oak Creek Renewables, LLC


Wind Wall Development, LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Brookfield Power in several equipment procurements and construction agreements for a variety of large and small utility scale projects across the U.S.
  • Represented the Green Hydrogen Coalition as the leader of a large consortium of investors, off-takers, producers, utilities, government agencies and public interest groups called HyDeal-LA Phase I, for the creation of a structure for a green hydrogen hub in Southern California.
  • Represented Aypa Power, LLC in connection with a non-recourse construction-to-term loan financing for a standalone battery storage project.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

With a particularly strong M&A practice, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s energy and infrastructure group is equipped to handle the full range of commercial needs for its national and international high-profile clients. A notable achievement of the practice is the representation of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. in connection with the acquisition of Liberty Utilities Co. from American Electric Power Co. for a total purchase price of approximately $2.85bn. David Lieberman from the Houston office leads the practice and advises clients, such as Blackstone and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, on complex transactions across the renewables sector. In New York, Brian Chisling‘s practice extends to M&A, joint ventures, financing and related regulatory issues, while Houston’s Matthew Einbinder regularly advises borrowers and lenders on banking and credit transactions, including project finance.

 

 



Practice head(s):

David Lieberman


Other key lawyers:

Brian Chisling; Matthew Einbinder


Testimonials

‘Full range of legal services. Client knowledge’.

Key clients

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.


American Electric Power, Inc.


Bentley Systems


BlackRock


Blackstone


CBRE Acquisition


Citibank


Crédit Agricole


Energy Capital Partners


EQT Infrastructure V fund


Global Infrastructure Partners


Goldman Sachs


ITC Midwest


JPMorgan Chase Bank


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.


Morgan Stanley


MUFG


Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.


NextEra Energy


Riverstone Credit Partners


Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners L.P.


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Summit Partners Credit Advisors


SunPower Corporation


Terra-Gen LLC


Wells Fargo Securities


Work highlights


  • Advised KKR on its $3.37 billion acquisition of a non-controlling, 20% interest in Sempra Energy’s new business platform, Sempra Infrastructure Partners.
  • Advised Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. on the acquisition of Liberty Utilities Co., an indirect subsidiary of AQN, of Kentucky Power Company and AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, Inc. from American Electric Power Co. for a total purchase price of approximately $2.846 billion.
  • Advised CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. in connection with entering into a definitive business combination agreement with Altus Power, Inc. for approximately $1.58 billion.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP has notable experience in the range of renewable energy transactions, including joint ventures, acquisitions, and project financing, with a particular focus on advising foreign investors seeking to buy into US-based projects and assets. A notable achievement of the team was the representation of Sempra Energy on its agreement to sell a non-controlling 10 percent interest in Sempra Infrastructure Partners, LP, to a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for $1.78bn in cash in 2022. Houston-based Christopher Richardson heads the firm’s Americas Energy, Infrastructure, Project Development & Finance and Asset Finance group. Nandan Nelivigi has broad experience acting for lenders, developers, sponsors, and investors, while Raymond Azar is a key contact for complex structuring mandates, including domestic and international transactions. At the associate level, Saghar Khodabakhsh is a name to note. All named lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Richardson


Other key lawyers:

Nandan Nelivigi; Raymond Azar; Saghar Khodabakhsh


Key clients

Avangrid Renewables


Broad Reach Power LLC


TotalEnergies


DL Energy


KOMIPO


Omega Geracao S.A.


Sempra Energy


JERA Americas


Invenergy


Onward Energy


Masdar


Work highlights


  • Representing Avangrid Renewables, LLC as equity investor in connection with the joint venture arrangements with CIP relating to the 800 MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind project, located off the coast of Massachusetts, US.
  • Representing Broad Reach Power LLC on its sale of a 50% equity interest to funds managed by Apollo.
  • Representing TotalEnergies in its acquisition of Core Solar LLC, an Austin-based solar project developer with a solar and energy storage project portfolio of more than 4 GW across the U.S.

Akin

Akin ’s corporate: project finance & development team offers experience in the development, financing, acquisition and sale of renewable energy projects. The practice is co-lead by Houston-based Matt Kapinos, and New York’s Zachary Wittenberg and transactional lawyer Ikenna Emehelu, who joined the firm in January 2022 from Norton Rose Fulbright. Kapinos is recommended for his capability to handle all phases of drafting and negotiating energy project agreements, while Shariff N. Barakat in Washington D.C. is particularly well-versed in tax equity financing. Los Angeles-based Jeff Cohen, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is equipped to handle the whole range of finance and investment matters.

 

 


Practice head(s):

Zachary Wittenberg; Matt Kapinos; Ike Emehelu


Other key lawyers:

Sharif N. Barakat; Jeff Cohen


Key clients

Excelsior Renewable Energy Management Co.


Tennessee Valley Infrastructure Group


GreenFront Energy Partners


Tiger Infrastructure Partners


Olin Corporation


Amberjack Capital Partners, L.P.


Schlumberger New Energy


CIM Group, LLC


CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank


Vistra Corp.


Unico Solar Investors LLC


New Fortress Energy, Inc.


MUFG Bank, Ltd


Energy Harbor


Frontera


Work highlights


  • Represented CIM Group, LLC in the development of the Westlands Solar Park, one of the first large utility scale solar facilities to be financed in the United States on a merchant basis.
  • Represented Excelsior Energy Capital in the purchase of 100% of the Sellers’ membership interests in an approximately 100 MW solar facility in Tennessee.
  • Representing New Fortress Energy Inc. in a joint venture transaction with Plug Power to build, finance, develop and operate a green hydrogen manufacturing facility in Texas.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Led by New York’s Michael Didriksen and Elaine Walsh, who splits her time between New York and Washington, Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s cross-border practice is equipped to handle every stage of projects, including investment, project finance and regulatory counselling. Didriksen impresses his clients with his ‘ability to drive innovative solutions on complex deals’, and is noted for his experience in M&A and project development. In New York, John Papaspanos  is noted as an expert for debt and equity financing transactions. Adam Griffin from the New York office and San Francisco’s Jeff Kayes departed in 2022, while Dino Barajas joined in San Francisco from DLA Piper LLP (US), Ellen Friedman  joined the New York office from Nixon Peabody LLP, and Elias ‘Eli’ Hinckley joined the team in San Francisco from K&L Gates.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Walsh; Michael Didriksen


Other key lawyers:

John Papaspanos; Dino Barajas; Ellen Friedman; Elias ‘Eli’ Hinckley; Mona Dajani


Testimonials

‘Mike Didriksen is a superstar. Tremendous experience and insightful judgement, coupled with unusual creativity in tackling novel challenges. Very pragmatic and able to drive innovative solutions on complex deals.’

 

Key clients

AES Corporation


CenterPoint Energy


Cleco Corporate Holdings


D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments


GCM Grosvenor


Global Atlantic Financial Company


Hull Street Energy


NRG Energy


Puget Sound Energy


Talen Energy Corp.


Work highlights


  • Representing Blackstone Infrastructure Partners, and its portfolio company Atlantic Power Transmission LLC, in the proposed development of 3600 MW of offshore wind transmission to support the State of New Jersey’s goal of developing 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035.
  • Representing Transmission Developers, a portfolio company of Blackstone,  in developing a  underground/underwater high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line from the US-Canada border into New York City, named the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project.
  • Representing Sunnova Energy International Inc. in a back-leverage warehouse facility to finance portfolios of residential solar assets that are held in tax equity funds.

Baker McKenzie LLP

With offices in the US, Canada and Mexico, Baker McKenzie LLP is noted as experienced US counsel to international clients, and advises on range of transactions in sectors such as wind, hydrogen, geothermal and the carbon capture. The practice is led by Clyde (Skip) E. Rankin, III, José Antonio Morán and James P. O’Brien with Rankin being reputed for his expertise in project finance and infrastructure transactions, M&A, licensing and distribution agreements and joint venture agreements.

 

 


Practice head(s):

Clyde E. (Skip) Rankin, III; José Antonio Morán; James P. O’Brien


Key clients

Repsol, S.A.


Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.


EDF Renewables


Advanced Clean Energy Storage I, LLC, along with Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. and Magnum Development, LLC.


Enagás and Elecnor


Natixis and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria


Siemens Financial Services, Inc


Best Buy (Macbeth Solar Project)


Best Buy (Lyons Road Solar Project)


Repsol, S.A.; Repsol Renovables, S.L.U.


Repsol, S.A.; Repsol Renovables, S.L.U.


Mercury Marine


Brunswick Corporation


Repsol, S.A.; Repsol Renovables, S.L.U.


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising Repsol in its sale of a 25% stake in its worldwide renewables unit to Credit Agricole Assurances and Energy Infrastructure Projects.
  • Advised EDF Renewables (seller) in connection with the sale of a 50% equity interest in eight renewable energy project companies in the United States to Masdar (buyer).
  • Advised Advanced Clean Energy Storage I, LLC, along with Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. and Magnum Development, LLC, in the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) $504.4 million loan commitment to develop the world’s largest industrial green hydrogen facility in central Utah.

Ballard Spahr LLP

Clients such as project developers and sponsors, investors, and lenders seek out Ballard Spahr LLP for advice on the acquisition, sale, and financing of projects in solar, on and offshore wind, biogas, and geothermal power. The energy group is jointly led by Patrick R. Gillard, Steve T. Park and Randall J. Towers in Philadelphia, and Baltimore’s John P. Smolen; with Gillard being recognized for his capabilities in a range of matters, such as utility finance, transactions,  public and private debt financing and the acquisition of electric power assets. Other notable practitioners include real estate and commercial finance partner Bruce Johnson and business transactions partner Matthew Vantusko, both in Las Vegas. In Minneapolis, Raymond Faricy is a key contact for clients seeking advice on the range of transactional matters in the wind and solar sectors, especially power purchase agreements. Washington’s Katie Leesman  is sought out by clients for her expertise on energy project finance and public-private partnership projects, project development and acquisition.

Practice head(s):

Patrick R. Gillard; Randall J. Towers; Steve T. Park; John P. Smolen


Other key lawyers:

Bruce Johnson; Matthew Vantusko; Raymond Faricy; Katie Leesman


Key clients

Constellation Energy Generation LLC


Exelon Corporation


Controlled Thermal Resources, Inc. and its project subsidiaries (collectively, CTR)


McDonald’s Corporation


PECO Energy Company


University of Florida


Work highlights


Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP advises clients on the range of transactional matters in the renewable energy space, including on projects in wind, solar, and storage, as well as on complex structuring and transactional matters such as power purchase agreements and portfolio acquisitions. The offering is led jointly by G. Alan Rafte and Ryan S. Holcomb, both based in Houston, with Rafte representing energy companies, private equity investors, alternative lenders and financial institutions in acquisition and divestitures of assets and companies, joint venture arrangements, and project finance and development matters. Danielle Varnell in Washington DC is sought after for her expertise in renewables-sector M&A and her ability to advise on projects from development through to the operational stage. Laura D. Sheldon in Washington DC was promoted to partner in January 2023, and is also noted for her expertise on the sale and purchase of renewable energy assets, and corporate governance. New York-based Danielle Garbien has experience extending to the structuring of hedges for the financing and acquisition of energy facilities.

Practice head(s):

G. Alan Rafte; Ryan S. Holcomb


Other key lawyers:

Daniele Varnell; Laura D. Sheldon; Danielle Garbien; Kevin A. Ewing


Testimonials

‘They stay a step ahead of their clients with emerging technologies.’

‘I’ve dealt mostly with Kevin Ewing. He is pragmatic and you can tell that he cares very much about his clients’ success. Additionally, he is the premier legal expert in the renewables space, especially for offshore.’

Key clients

Invenergy, LLC


Sol Systems, LLC


Competitive Power Ventures, Inc


Equinor Wind


Vistra Energy


Pioneer Natural Resources


BayWa r.e. Solar Projects LLC


OGE Energy Company


Work highlights


  • Representing Invenergy in the sale and development of a portfolio of solar plus battery storage projects to a consortium of three Wisconsin utilities – Wisconsin Electric Power Company D/B/A We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, and Madison Gas and Electric Company – which together total more than 500 MW of solar energy and battery storage.
  • Represented Sol Systems in the acquisition of a portfolio of development stage solar projects from Aerevon Energy. The portfolio, totaling approximately 540 MW, is located across Hamilton, Randolph, Saline and White Counties in Illinois.
  • Represented Invenergy LLC and its partner, energyRe, as project sponsors in forming a consortium of investors in connection with Invenergy’s winning bid of $645 million for an offshore wind lease.

Eversheds Sutherland

With its energy finance and project development, energy M&A, ESG, clean energy, and dedicated renewables teams Eversheds Sutherland has a strong renewable and alternative energy offering. Clean energy practice head Dorothy Black Franzoni and energy projects co-head Thomas H. Warren have significant experience advising clients including utilities companies, independent power producers, energy traders, and investors on transactional matters from project financing, including tax and debt structuring, to the acquisition and disposal of clean-energy assets and portfolios. In addition to transactional work, the firm is also strong on regulatory matters, with Joseph Hall in Washington DC being a key contact. Global ESG cohead Herbert J. Short is also recommended, as is associate Alyssa Walker for her expertise in power purchase agreements, M&A and taxable market transactions. The practice expanded in 2022 with the hire of Marcella C. Burke in Houston from King & Spalding LLP  and San Francisco’s Baird D. Fogel from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. All mentioned attorneys are based in Atlanta, unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Dorothy Black Franzoni; Thomas H. Warren; Herbert J. Short, Jr


Other key lawyers:

Joseph Hall; Alyssa Walker; Marcella C. Burke; Baird D. Vogel


Key clients

Consolidated Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc.


Magnetar Capital


WEC Energy Group


Element Markets, LLC


Minnkota Power Cooperative


Electric cooperatives, including Oglethorpe Power Corporation, San Miguel Electric Cooperative, and Georgia Transmission Corporation


Pattern Energy Group


ALLETE, Inc.


Bluesource LLC


Work highlights


  • Advising Consolidated Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc. on acquisitions and dispositions of renewable energy projects in varying stages of development.
  • Co-counsel to client Blue Source Sustainable Forests Company (BSFC) in one of the largest private forest carbon investments in US history, valued at approximately $1.8 billion.
  • Advised Pattern on strategic, day-to-day issues and litigation matters concerning the development of several thousand megawatt wind generation projects in the Southwestern US.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Praised by clients as a ‘top tier group across all of the practice areas required for a successful renewable project’, transactional work in the wind and solar sectors is at the core of Greenberg Traurig LLP‘s renewable energy offering, which brings together a diverse array of lawyers to advise on the full life-cycle of projects, from construction to financing and M&A. Energy project finance team co-leads Jeffrey A. Chester in Los Angeles and John Eliason in Washington DC are experienced in the full range of project financing work, with Eliason being particular strong in matters relating to tax equity. Notable support also comes from April Kim in Los Angeles, who has a broad transactional practice in the sector. Also noted are energy and natural resources group co-chairs William Garner, Kenneth Minesinger, and Iskender Catto, based in Houston, Washington DC, and New York, respectively, as well as Alejandra Garcia Earley in Chicago, who was promoted to the partnership in January 2022.

 

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey A. Chester; John Eliason; William Garner; Kenneth Minesinger; Iskender Catto


Other key lawyers:

April Kim; Alejandra Garcia Earley


Testimonials

‘Greenberg has a top tier group across all of the practice areas required for a successful renewable project. Whenever a novel problem arises, they are always the first firm I call. They also always provide commercial solutions and approaches to every problem.’

 

Key clients

8minute Solar Energy


BayWa r.e.


ConEdison


Inversiones Latin America Power Ltda.


KEPCO


Samsung Renewables


Apex Clean Energy, LLC


Idemitsu Renewables


Time Equities, Inc.


US Bank


Bridgelink Investments


Roscommon Analytics


Clenera


Work highlights


Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

With a ‘strong junior bench and experienced partners’, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is especially well regarded by clients, such as commercial banks, tax equity investors, institutional lenders and development finance institutions, that are seeking advice on complex financing structures, development and acquisition for projects in areas including wind, solar, and geothermal energy. The practice is especially recommended for its ‘high quality work‘ in tax equity financing. Jeffrey P. Schroeder leads the energy and infrastructure team and is well-versed in domestic and international project finance, including project development and asset, stock and portfolio acquisitions. Geoffrey Lorenz and tax specialist David S. Lowman Jr are recommended as well. In Richmond, meanwhile, Laura Ellen Jones is a key contact for clients undertaking tax credit transactions. Michael Klaus left the Los Angeles office in May 2022. Unless otherwise stated, all mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC.

 


Practice head(s):

Jeffrey P. Schroeder


Other key lawyers:

Geoffrey Lorenz; David S. Lowman Jr; Laura Ellen Jones


Testimonials

‘Strong junior bench and experienced partners. I often see firms with experienced partners, but not the strong junior bench. HAK’s investment in its junior bench pays dividends in reduced legal fees and high quality work.’

‘They know the answer before I even have the question. They anticipate very well and are great teachers.’

 

Key clients

Underwriters Counsel (MUFG)


Work highlights


  • Advising as designated underwriter’s counsel in connection with the issuance by WEC Infrastructure Wind Holding II LLC, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, Inc., of approximately $300 million of senior notes in a private placement.

Husch Blackwell LLP

Husch Blackwell LLP‘s energy & natural resources team is well known for its capabilities in tax related matters, and is also experienced with project and tax equity finance, energy regulatory matters and M&A. Kansas City-based head Anna Kimbrell has broad experience in advising developers and owners on the whole life-cycle of wind and solar energy projects, including development, construction and acquisition. In Denver, environmental and permitting expert Megan P. Caldwell is also recommended, while Linda L. Walsh in Washington DC specializes in regulatory issues, especially related to the electric utility industry. Omaha’s transactional lawyer David E. Gardels is recognized for his expertise in low carbon renewable projects. Robert Joseph joined the Chicago office from Jones Day, and strengthens the team with his expertise in corporate finance, securities law disclosure, and corporate governance matters. With particular skills in supporting clients in energy transitions and valuable knowledge on wind and solar energy developments, Mashaal Bhaidani in Austin was promoted to partner in January 2023, as was Springfield-based transactional lawyer Christopher Peterson. John Crossley, Brogan Sullivan , Jim Goetsch and Maria Faconti left the practice in 2022.

 










Practice head(s):

Anna Kimbrell


Other key lawyers:

Megan P. Caldwell; Linda L. Walsh; David E. Gardels; Robert Joseph; Mashaal Bhaidani; Christopher Peterson; Brian Pullin


Testimonials

‘The Husch team is unique in my experience because they cover almost all 50 states and so can be a one stop shop for local counsel on a transaction with multiple jurisdictions. They produce quality work product in a timely manner and so offer a very easy solution for local counsel assignments. They are also extremely cooperative and easy to work with.’

‘Megan Caldwell has always been very responsive and staffed matters quickly and with skilled attorneys in each area that we have required in the various jurisdictions we have needed, and has provided fantastic permitting advice in many cases as well. Brian Pullin has been a fantastic real estate lawyer on many transactions for us and always produces timely work that can be counted on for its thoroughness. I would recommend the team to any primary counsel that wants an easy local counsel solution across multiple jurisdictions available with a single call.’

Key clients

Fortescue Future Industries


Lightsource bp Renewable Energy


SunVest Solar, LLC


Tri-State Generation and Transmission


Convergent Energy + Power


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners


Jupiter Power


Green Plains, Inc.


Sandhill Advanced Biofuels, LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on the project development and achieving financing of the 476 MWdc Fighting Jays Solar Project in Fort Bend County, Texas.
  • Advised Jupiter Power in the closing of a portfolio debt financing for six stand-alone battery storage projects in Texas.
  • Represented Sandhill Advanced Biofuels, LLC in the sale of four RNG projects that are in various stages of development to Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Complex and high-value transactional work lies at the heart of Kirkland & Ellis LLP ‘s renewable energy sector offering, which sees lawyers with significant experience in M&A and project finance advise clients, including major private equity and infrastructure funds, on a broad range of portfolio acquisitions and project transactions. Taking in account the growing importance of ESG related issues in the renewable energy sector, the firm’s offering of a separate ESG & Impact Practice Group is also noted. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Calder in Houston and notable private equity, project finance, and project restructuring partner Rohit Chaudhry in Washington DC. The firm also has a strong offering in Texas, where Houston’s Cyril Jones and John Pitts – who are currently working on advising Archaea Energy Inc on its sale to BP p.l.c. for approximately $4.1bn - are both noted, as is Kevin Crews in Dallas, whose experience extends to investments in the biofuels sector. Kristin Mendoza in New York and Roald Nashi in Washington DC are also recommended for their M&A and financing expertise. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of New York’s Robert Eberhardt and William Nicholson from Norton Rose Fulbright in February 2022.

 

 

 

Practice head(s):

Andrew Calder; Rohit Chaudhry


Other key lawyers:

Cyril Jones; John Pitts; Kristin Mendoza; Roald Nashi; Robert Eberhardt; William Nicholson; Kevin Crews


Key clients

Apollo Global Management


Archaea Energy


ArcLight Clean Transition Corp. II


Ares Management and Ares Infrastructure and Power


Array Technologies


Arroyo Investors


Blackstone


Blue Source Sustainable Forests


Bluescape Energy Partners


Brookfield Asset Management


Carlyle Renewable and Sustainable Energy Fund


CleanCapital


Cypress Creek Renewables


EQT Infrastructure


Generate Capital


I Squared Capital


Kimmeridge


KKR


Macquarie Asset Management


Mas CanAm


Magnetar Capital’s Energy & Infrastructure Group


Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan


Powin


Tailwater Capital


TPG Rise and TPG Rise Climate


Transmission Developers


Trilantic Capital Partners


True Green Capital


Warburg Pincus


Work highlights


  • Advised Archaea Energy Inc. on its sale to BP p.l.c. for approximately $4.1 billion.
  • Advised Blackstone Infrastructure Partners in its approximately $3 billion equity investment in Invenergy Renewables Holdings, which is one of the largest renewables investments in North American history.
  • Advised Blue Source Sustainable Forests Co., in its $1.8 billion acquisition of various entities managed by The Forestland Group.

McGuireWoods LLP

Utilities and infrastructure funds in particular flock to McGuireWoods LLP multidisciplinary team for assistance on major transactions in the renewables space, including joint ventures, acquisitions, and the purchase, development, and sale of assets including solar and wind generation facilities. The firm is especially active in the Southeast, with M&A and energy transactional chair Michael Woodard and renewable energy sector co-chair Breenen Keene, both based in Richmond and noted for their expertise in the range of transactional work, as well as real estate and land-use guidance, respectively. The team, with Woodward as lead counsel, recently represented Dominion Energy on contracts with a value of approximately $7bn to construct the Coastal Virgina Offshore Wind project. Renewable energy sector co-chair Durham McCormick in Houston has a strong focus on tax structuring, while Timothy Callahan in Chicago is a key contact for energy-sector M&A.

 

Practice head(s):

Mike Woodard; Brennen Keene; Durham McCormick


Other key lawyers:

Timothy Callahan


Key clients

Caprock Renewables


Dominion Energy, Inc.


East Point Energy


Work highlights


  • Represented Dominion Energy on contracts with an aggregate value of approximately $7 billion to construct a 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW-C) commercial project, which will be the largest offshore wind-generating facility in the United States.
  • Advising East Point Energy, an experienced developer of grid-scale energy storage projects.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

With a particular strong tax equity practice, O'Melveny & Myers LLP advises clients including investors, lenders and developers. The practice is jointly led by Los Angeles-based Michael Hamilton and New York’s Junaid Chida, who is recognized for his knowledge of M&A structuring and management, as well as financial transactions. Jeff Hoffner in Los Angeles advises clients on the acquisition, development, construction, and financing of renewables projects, and offers special experience with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.  Tax lawyer Arthur Hazlitt in New York is also recommended. The team expanded its reach with the addition of its Houston office in 2022., where Monica Hwang is noted for her expertise in development matters, including joint ventures and commercial transactions related to carbon capture projects and the sale and purchase of verified emissions reduction credits. The practice also hired a range of new lawyers, including Steven Torello  and Ryan Cicero in May 2022 from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, both based in Houston.

Practice head(s):

Michael Hamilton; Junaid Chida


Other key lawyers:

Arthur Hazlitt; Monica Hwang; Steven V. Torello; Ryan Cicero


Key clients

MPS Infrastructure (formerly known as Monitor Power Systems AS)


CS Energy, LLC


Cormint Data Systems


Berkshire Hathaway Energy


Mitsui & Co.


Work highlights


  • Represented CS Energy in its negotiation of the sale of an approximately 20MW portfolio of five solar projects that it is developing in New Jersey.
  • Advising Cormint Data Systems on the acquisition of a wind farm in Texas (and related agreements, including land use and interconnection/facilities agreements) for the purpose of using the farms’ electrical infrastructure to power bitcoin mining operations.
  • Represented Berkshire Hathaway Energy in its equity investment in, and project financing of, an approximately 185 MW wind power project in Mason County, Illinois.

Paul Hastings LLP

Praised by clients for ‘understanding both the usage side and the supply side of the energy industry’, Paul Hastings LLP offers valuable expertise in projects M&A and acquisition financing, with a particularly strong regulatory practice. In New York, co-chair Robert Freedman joined in May 2022 from Shearman & Sterling, as did co-chair Gregory Tan. Freedman is equipped to handle the whole range of finance and development, acquisitions and dispositions, complex work-outs and restructuring of infrastructure assets, while Tan’s practice extends to global finance, project development and finance, as well as restructurings. San Francisco’s Chris Carr focuses his practice on land use, permitting and environmental matters for major wind, solar and battery storage projects. Regulatory experts Bill DeGrandis in Washington D.C., and Jill Yung in San Francisco are also recommended. New York’s Alexandro M. Padres joined the practice in May 2022 from Shearman & Sterling, together with Freedman and Tan.

 

 

 

 


Practice head(s):

Robert Freedman; Gregory Tan


Other key lawyers:

Chris Carr; Bill DeGrandis; Jill Yung; Alexandro M. Padres


Testimonials

‘The attorneys are well versed in CEA/California regulation, BLM/NEPA regulation, and CDFG 1602 (incidental species take) regulation.’

‘Jill Yung is fantastic to work with – she knows CEQA and NEPA extremely well, and has the relationships in agencies to resolve issues.’

‘Chris Carr is also very good to work with on CDFW issues.

Key clients

8minute Solar Energy, LLC


Acciona Energy North America


APEX Energy Solutions, LLC


Bank of America, N.A


Bank of Montreal


Clearway Energy


EDF Renewables


Deutsche Bank AG


DnB Bank, ASA


Glidepath


Acciona Energy USA


Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC


Intersect Power


Longroad Energy


Mizuho Bank, Ltd


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Spearmint Renewable Development Company, LLC


Terra-Gen


ZGlobal, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing Terra-Gen, 8minute Solar Energy, EDF Renewables and LongroadEnergy in the development and adoption of California Fish and Game Commission emergency regulation.
  • Representing the arrangers and lenders in connection with a USD460 million construction to term loan facility and tax equity financing structure for the construction of a 300MW wind farm in Texas. This project was sponsored by JERA Renewable and was its first deal in the U.S.
  • Advised Glidepath, an energy storage and renewable energy company, on issues of first impression involving both state and FERC regulatory matters with regard to interconnection and transmission, including negotiating a settlement of the first ever reactive power revenue requirement for an electric storage facility.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP

Led by transactional lawyer Robert James in the San Francisco office, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP‘s cross-disciplinary Energy & Infrastructure Projects team is equipped to handle the full array of renewables and alternative energy related projects, including mobility and transportation, land use, and energy storage. In San Francisco, Alicia McKnight focuses on advising alternative power generating clients on project finance and negotiations, while Veronica Relea in New York is well-versed in representing project developers and lenders in complex finance transactions in the U.S. and Latin America. Counsel Shellka Arora-Cox in New York focuses on financing, including project, corporate and sustainable finance, and also offers niche knowledge on Islamic finance. New York’s Mona E. Dajani and Los Angeles-based Jorge Medina, both former co-leads, left the practice in February 2022. New hires include David McCullough in Washington and Houston’s Ben Clark, both from Eversheds Sutherland, in September 2022.


Practice head(s):

Robert James


Other key lawyers:

Alicia McKnight, Veronica Relea; Shellka Arora-Cox; David McCullough; Ben Clark


Key clients

Archaea Energy


Argan Inc.


Chanel


CleanChoice Energy Holdings


CMS Energy


Constellation Energy Generation


EDPR America


NextEra Energy Resources


Nikola Corporation


S&B USA


Sunrun, Inc.


TC Energy


Terawatt Infrastructure


Work highlights


  • Representing TC Energy in a strategic deal with Nikola Corporation to evaluate the opportunities to develop and operate clean hydrogen production hubs centred around TC Energy’s existing pipeline and electrical infrastructure.
  • Represented CMS Energy in the acquisition of a majority stake in the Aviator Wind project, the largest single-phase and one-site onshore wind development in the U.S., with 191 wind turbines and total energy output of around 525 Megawatts (MW).
  • Advising Constellation, the USA’s largest producer of carbon-free energy, on its nuclear hydrogen strategy, including work with Constellation to structure its potential participation in the hydrogen hubs program, assessing all regulatory requirements for hydrogen production and entering into contracts with potential hub partners and participants.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP advises clients from major investors to end users on issues throughout the full life cycle of projects in the renewables sector, with particular strengths in financing and M&A transactions. The firm advises clients on projects in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as well as wind and solar, with Washington DC-based energy and infrastructure team lead Lance T. Brasher particularly experienced in wind and alternative power generation. Julia Czarniak in New York is a key contact for financing mandates, including tax equity financing, while Palo Alto-based Sean Shimamoto has significant expertise advising on tax issues related to renewables projects. Counsel Nike Opadiran in Washington DC is also recommended, with broad experience in acting for investors.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Lance T. Brasher


Other key lawyers:

Julia Czarniak; Sean Shimamoto; Nike Opadiran


Troutman Pepper

With a particularly active transaction practice, Troutman Pepper‘s multidisciplinary team handles the whole range of project finance, environmental, real estate, tax and regulatory law and is also noted for its expertise on tax equity matters, including sale-leaseback and lease pass-throughs. Its client roster includes tax equity investors, project developers and sponsors, utilities, investment banks as well as independent power producers, especially from the solar energy sector. The practice is led by John Leonti and Craig M. Kline, with Leonti’s expertise covering the execution of complex financial transactions, such as debt and hedge transactions, and Kline dealing with M&A, tax equity investments and cross-border transactions. In 2022 the team was further strengthened with the arrival of Fred Wilson from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Mindy McGrath from McGuireWoods LLP and Akshay Belani from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLPJustin Boose left the office in the same year.

Practice head(s):

John Leonti; Craig M. Kline


Other key lawyers:

Adam Kobos; Fred Wilson; Mindy McGrath; Akshai Belani


Key clients

Spruce Power


AES Clean Energy


Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. / Pinnacle Financial Partners


Plus Power


Microsoft


Goldman Sachs


UBS Asset Management


Duke Energy Renewables


Dominion Energy


I Squared Capital


Work highlights


  • Represented Spruce Power in a deal to acquire Level Solar’s portfolio of residential solar assets, totalling approximately 16.5 MW-dc of power capacity from Level Solar’s creditor, the New York Green Bank, via a secured party sale.
     
     
  • Represented J. Aron as energy hedge provider to purchase energy generated by two solar plus storage projects located in Riverside County, California. Each Project has a nameplate capacity of approximately 250 MW ac for solar and 125MW ac / 500MWh for storage.
  • Represented Wells Fargo, as tax equity investor, in connection with the tax equity investment in an operating 105MW wind project.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance is sought out by domestic and international clients, such as Build America Bureau of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Hermes and KfW, for advice on a range of matters in the renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on cross-border transactions involving the Latin American market. Head of the team Lori Ann Bean is recommended for her work on the development of cross-border energy and infrastructure projects. Counsel Fabricio Longhin is also equipped to handle the full range of project development, including bidding strategy, contract negotiations, project financing and dispute resolution procedures. Financing experts Jessica Springsteen and Alberto Haito, who is admitted to practice in New York and Peru, are also recommended. Alexander Leff joined the New York office in April 2022 from Sive, Paget & Riesel, PC and is well-versed in project finance and tax, with focus on tax equity transactions. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington D.C., unless stated otherwise.

 

 


Practice head(s):

Lori Ann Bean


Other key lawyers:

Fabricio Longhin, Jessica Springsteen; Alberto Haito; Alexander Leff


Testimonials

‘Customer focus, and solution focus.’

 

Key clients

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation


Export-Import Bank of the United States


Build America Bureau of the U.S. Department of Transportation


U.S. Department of Energy


Inter-American Investment Corporation (IDB Invest)


International Finance Corporation (IFC)


KfW – the German Development Bank


EKF – Denmark’s Export Credit Agency


CAF – Development Bank of Latin America


Proparco – the French development bank


SACE


Hermes


Corporación Financiera de Desarrollo S.A. (Cofide)


Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN)


Work highlights


  • Advised the US Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (DOE LPO) on a US$102.1 million loan to Syrah Technologies, LLC for the expansion of a facility producing material used in batteries for electric vehicles.
  • Advised the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (DOE LPO) on a US$504.4 million loan guarantee for the Advanced Clean Energy Storage (“ACES”) Project, an innovative clean hydrogen production and storage facility capable of providing long-term seasonal energy storage.
  • Advised Capital Dynamics on the lift-out of certain U.S. clean energy infrastructure (CEI) funds by APG, California State Teachers’ Retirement System, and a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and the transfer of assets held by such funds to the consortium of investors.

Dentons

Led by Clinton Vince, and sought out by both domestic and international clients, much of Dentons‘ work in the energy sphere involves regulatory, rulemaking and commercial advice, as well as disputes. While Vince’s strengths include project development, legislative and regulatory matters, Emma Hand  advises public power entities, municipalities, large energy customers and load-serving entities in regulatory and litigation matters. Peter Thieman  and Carl Steen in Los Angeles are also noted. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington D.C., unless stated otherwise.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Clinton Vince


Other key lawyers:

Emma Hand; Peter Thieman; Carl Steen


Key clients

CPS Energy City Council of the City of New Orleans


Rayburn Country Electric Cooperative Inc


City Council of New Orleans


Tri-State Generation & transmission Association


Anterix


Colorado Springs Utilities


UltraCapital/LL Funds


CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank


IHI Corportaion


Work highlights


  • Advising CPS Energy (the municipally owned utility of San Antonio, Texas) with respect to Smart Cities initiatives, including significant cyber-security and privacy issues related with increasing roll-out of new digital “smart” grid technologies.
  • Advised IHI on LNG/liquefaction issues, dispute resolution alternatives and strategies, and public relations considerations.
  • Advising Anterix on a range of matters, including the engagement with the Department of Energy as it implements the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and competing for grid modernization funding under the legislation.

Linklaters LLP

Being praised by clients for its ‘exceptional work, especially in the context of providing regulatory support’, Linklaters LLP‘s growing energy and infrastructure team is led in New York by Ron Erlichman alongside Marius Griskonis, who joined from White & Case LLP in March 2023. The practice operates as part of the firm’s global offering to advise on major cross-border transactions and projects in the renewables space, with a particularly strong presence in Latin America. Andrew Compton and Will Kim are both reputed for their ‘exceptional knowledge’ of the industry, with Compton being particularly experienced in offshore wind and energy transitions, and Kim advising clients on a whole array of transactions related to domestic and cross-border energy projects. Among the new team arrivals in March 2023 is also senior counsel Diana Jeschke in Washington DC, previously at Crowell & Moring LLP, who brings expertise in regulatory matters before FERC.

Practice head(s):

Ron Erlichman; Marius Griskonis


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Compton, Will Kim; Pierre-Emmanuel Perais; Jihe Kim; Josh Feit; Diana Jeschke


Testimonials

‘Linklater’s has an exceptional team in this space that focuses on the transactional and commercial contracting aspects of renewable/alternative energy project development. We frequently work with them on matters, especially in the context of providing regulatory support. They have a knowledgeable team that is diverse and personable, and they effectively collaborate with other firms to deliver an exceptional work product to their clients.’

‘I primarily work with Andrew Compton and Will Kim in Linklater’s New York City office. Both are exceptional individuals, in terms of legal and industry knowledge, collegiality, and commitment to client service. I have also had the privilege of working with Pierre-Emmanuel Perais, Jihe Kim, and Josh Feit, and can say the same about each of them.’

 

Key clients

Fluxys SA


Mizuho Bank, Ltd


Tor Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited


Sixth Street Partners


Rubis SA


Saavi Energía


BNP Paribas


CIC


SMBC


BPIfrance


EIB


AFD


Work highlights


  • Representing Tor Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Sixth Street Partners in connection with the structuring and funding of a mezzanine financing to be provided in connection with the Trumbull Energy Centre power plant.
  • Advising Fluxys SA (“Fluxys”) in connection with its joint venture with EIG for the purpose of acquiring an 80% equity stake in GNL Quintero S.A. (“GNLQ”), the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in Chile, from Enagas Chile SpA and affiliates of OMERS Infrastructure.
  • Advised Electricidad Firme de Mexico Holdings, S.A. de C.V. in connection with a US$60,000,000 secured letter of credit facility agreement to which Scotiabank was the initial issuing bank.
     

Locke Lord LLP

Locke Lord LLP‘s renewable energy section advises developers, investors and lenders on the development, sale, purchase, financing and operation of renewable energy projects, and stands out with its niche expertise in permitting and compliance matters under the federal Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and similar state wildlife laws as well as traditional environmental laws, including the development of solutions to reduce the impact of utility scale wind energy on avian wildlife. With experience in representing renewable energy developers in the siting, permitting and financing of utility scale projects, M. Benjamin Cowan leads the practice from Houston. Washington-based senior counsel Bruce Grabow is recommended for regulatory compliance matters, while New York’s Michael P. Malfettone focuses on purchase and sales, joint ventures, as well as debt and equity financings. Cincinnati-based Emily Huggins Jones, who joined the team in August 2022 from Squire Patton Boggs, is recognized for the depth of her expertise on the full range of marine legal issues and provides maritime counsel to offshore wind developers and service companies. State development, infrastructure and construction lawyer Jeffrey R. Escobar in New York joined the team in September 2022 from Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

Practice head(s):

M. Benjamin Cowan


Other key lawyers:

Bruce Grabow; Michael P. Malfettone; Emily Huggins Jones; Jeffrey R. Escobar


Key clients

Apex Clean Energy


Community Offshore Wind


D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments


EDF Renewables, Inc.


EDP Renewables North America


Enel Green Power North America


ENGIE


GE Energy Financial Services


Geenex Solar, LLC


Greenbacker Capital Management


Invenergy LLC


Lightsource bp


National Grid Renewables


NextEra Energy Resources


Pine Gate Renewables


Open Road Renewables


Orion Energy Renewables


RWE Renewables North America


Savion Energy


sPower


US Wind


Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster  is particularly strong in advising development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, regional development banks and export credit agencies on their funding of essential infrastructure projects in developing countries, including sale and acquisition. The team is currently serving as lead counsel to the U.S. International  Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in connection with its $85m financing of the eCombustible hydrogen project in Brazil, which will be the first project-scale commercial application of the sponsor’s patented technology, transforming water into a 100% green hydrogen-based fuel. Co-lead Greg Smith is recognized for handling complex financing transactions, while co-lead Ann Lilienthal is a reputed agency finance lawyer, with a focus on emerging markets such as Latin America, South Asia and the Middle East. Christopher A. Pearson and Conrad E. Proulx are recommended for cross-border lending transactions. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington D.C.

 


Practice head(s):

Greg Smith; Ann Lilienthal


Other key lawyers:

Christopher A. Pearson; Conrad E. Proulx


Key clients

Inter-American Investment Corporation


U.S. International Development Finance Corporation


U.S. Department of Energy


Export-Import Bank of the United States


International Finance Corporation


African Development Bank


Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO)


Japan Bank for International Cooperation


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


CDC Group plc


Export-Import Bank of Korea


Nippon Export and Investment Insurance


Central American Bank for Economic Integration


Work highlights


  • Advising DFC in connection with its US$85 million financing of the eCombustible hydrogen project in Brazil.
  • Advising DFC on its financing of Orb Energy Private Limited.
  • Advising the lenders on various power projects in Jordan, including the 400MW combined cycle Amman East Power Plant (IPP1), financed by DFC, JBIC, and Citibank.

Nossaman LLP

Nossaman LLP is a key port of call for clients in the renewable and alternative power sector seeking advice on federal and state environmental and permitting matters. The firm provides strategic compliance advice, assistance on environmental risk assessments and due diligence, and counsel on land-use and right-of-way issues, as well as support in environmental litigation before the federal and state courts. Sven Brandt Erichsen heads the team from Seattle with a focus on project development and operation, while Paul Weiland in Irvine heads the environment and land use group. In Austin, meanwhile, Rebecca Hays Barho and Brooke Marcus are key contacts for advice on the natural resource and wildlife implications of renewable energy projects and transactions.

Practice head(s):

Svend Brandt-Erichsen


Other key lawyers:

Paul Weiland; Rebecca Hays Barho; Brooke Marcus


Key clients

GE Energy Financial Services


Energy and Wildlife Action Coalition (EWAC)


Avangrid Renewables, LLC


Engie North America


Scout Clean Energy


Ares Climate Infrastructure Partners


Pattern Energy Group LLC


Electron Hydro LLC


North Central Valley Solar Holdings, LLC


Primergy Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised on due diligence reviews of potential wind energy investments (new projects and repowering) for GE Energy Financial Services throughout the United States for more than a decade
     
  • Advised Avangrid on obtaining the first-of-its-kind Endangered Species Act permit for wind energy for potential incidental take of the California condor. The permit was issued in June 2021.
  • Advising Ares on evaluating investments in various wind projects in the United States, including the Lincoln Land Wind energy facility in Illinois and other wind energy facilities in the Midwest.

Reed Smith LLP

Prajakt Samant in London and Stan Perry in Houston are leading Reed Smith LLP ‘s team, which specializes in development and construction matters, including handling complex compliance and regulatory issues. The practice is also noted for its expertise on legal developments in the battery storage space. Brendan McNallen works with developers, owners, manufacturers, and lenders, and is also reputed for the depth of his expertise in handling development and financing of wind, solar, geothermal and biofuel energy. Henry R. King handles a wide range of matters, such as power purchase agreements, construction and equipment contracts, renewable credit sales agreements, asset management, and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Prajakt Samant; Stan Perry


Other key lawyers:

Brendan McNallen; Henry R. King


Work highlights


Shearman & Sterling LLP

Shearman & Sterling LLP's project development and finance team, led by Cynthia Urda Kassis since the departures of Gregory Tan and Robert Freedman in May 2022, provides support across the full life-cycle of projects in wind, solar, hydrogen, and other renewables. Energy innovation practice head Omar Samji is a key contact for hydrogen projects work, and splits his time between New York and Houston, where Gabriel Salinas is particularly noted for his work in green hydrogen. Also recommended is Augusto Ruiloba, who was promoted to partnership in July 2022. All named lawyers are based in New York, except where otherwise noted.


Practice head(s):

Cynthia Urda Kassis


Other key lawyers:

Omar Samji; Gabriel Salinas; Augusto Ruiloba


Key clients

Humble Midstream


EnCap Flatrock Midstream


Enel Green Power


U.S. Department of Energy


StratosFuel


Anglo American PLC


South Jersey Industries


Chevron Technology Ventures


Carbon Engineering


Square One Energy


Sono Group NV


Aemetis, Inc.


Microvast, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising Humble Midstream, on its joint development and marketing of a low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production and export facility with Enbridge Inc. to be located near Corpus Christi, Texas.
  • Advised ENEL on the one of the largest green hydrogen projects in the United States, powered by the 500MW Roadrunner solar plant in Texas.
  • Advising the U.S. Department of Energy on an up to $1.4 billion loan to Monolith for the largest turquoise hydrogen (methane pyrolysis) project in the world.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Archie Fallon and Jay Hughes lead Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP’s power and renewable energy practice from the Houston office, where they have significant experience in transactional and project financing work, with Hughes focusing on public and private M&A, and Fallon also being noted for his expertise in advising on investments across the risk-return spectrum. The firm’s clients include lenders and sponsors, investors, and power producers, and it is well equipped to advise on current and forthcoming regulations in addition to its transactional work. Energy and commodities group co-chair Norman Bay is noted in Washington DC, where corporate and financial services partner Jorge Kamine is also recommended. David Aaronson left in May 2022 and Athena Eastwood retired in 2023.

Practice head(s):

Archie Fallon; Jay Hughes


Other key lawyers:

Norman Bay; Jorge Kamine


Key clients

Avolta


Panamint Capital


Longbow Capital Inc.


Arevia Power


Cresta Fund Management


Native State


Neuporter LLC


EDF Renewables


Climate Imperative


Invenergy


Citigroup Energy Inc.