The large projects and energy team at Ferrere is undoubtedly a market leader, appreciated by clients for its 'professionalism, availability and initiative'. The team attracts clients ranging from international financial institutions to major multinationals, such as Google, Hyundai and ExxonMobil. Although it undertakes traditional hydrocarbons projects, the practice is more particularly focused on renewables and has experience handling major wind and solar projects across the continent. The team is also at the forefront of the development of green hydrogen projects in Uruguay, and is advising German renewables company Enertrag on the Tambor Green Hydrogen Hub project, and Montevideo Gas on projects in Montevideo and Paysandú. Practice head Gonzalo Secco is highly regarded for renewables work, and has participated in the country’s most important projects in recent years. Manuel Lecuona has particular expertise in port and logistics matters, and also leads on renewable projects. Sebastián Ramos specialises in energy, natural resources and infrastructure projects, PPPs and project finance; while the expertise of senior counsel and regulatory team head Cristina Vázquez encompasses administrative law, PPPs and infrastructure. Senior associate Santiago Rodríguez left the firm in June 2022.

Guyer & Regules is a key player in the Uruguayan projects and energy market, with a dedicated team that is recognised by clients for its ‘technical skill, extensive experience and detailed regulatory knowledge’. The practice group is active across the spectrum of projects and energy work – in the projects arena, its expertise encompasses public and private power purchase agreements, PPPs (primarily for the construction of highways and educational facilities), concession agreements and project financing, among other areas. The team has a strong track record in hydrocarbons, as well as wind and solar projects. Practice co-heads Juan Manuel Mercant and Federico Susena lead on oil and gas, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, and are praised for their ‘outstanding performance, teamwork and professional skills’. Marcos Payssé assists lenders, developers, agents and sponsors with infrastructure and energy projects; Federico Piano assists developers and financers at all stages of project finance deals; and at associate level, Javier Napoleone and Tania Cavallo are the names to note.

Dentons Jiménez de Aréchaga has a strong reputation for the financing and refinancing of renewable energy projects, as well as handling PPP matters. The practice group has advised on several major wind and solar projects in Uruguay, such as the recent sale of a wind farm owned by Grupo Cobra to Cubico Investments. In the project finance arena, the team has significant experience with PPP highway projects, including recent advice to the sponsors on major road project Circuito 5. Fernando Jiménez de Aréchaga Jr heads the department, bringing great experience in project financing and an excellent track record in PPP work. Senior associates Alfredo Arocena and Carolina Bianchi have supported on much of the firm’s major project financing matters in recent years.

The practice at Hughes & Hughes is praised as a ‘a technically solid team’ with 'an excellent professional manner'. Its expertise lies in energy and environmental law and infrastructure transactions such as EPCM agreements. The practice is led by project development expert Mariana Estradé, recognised by clients for her ‘dedication and involvement in projects, her professional manner and outstanding knowledge of the sector’; and Haroldo Espalter, who is experienced in corporate and commercial law. Héctor Ferreira advises domestic and international corporations on commercial law; Juan Carlos Oreggia Carrau specialises in the structuring of projects, joint ventures and acquisitions; and associate Clara Villaamil is especially knowledgeable in renewable energy and infrastructure projects law.

The practice at Posadas is well-versed in conventional and renewable energy projects, as well as in transport infrastructure projects such as highways, railways and ports. Acting for lenders or sponsors in both project finance and development, the team has handled some of Uruguay’s largest FDI projects on behalf on major energy and infrastructure companies, including multinational corporations and state-owned entities. Recent standout projects work has included advising on the financing of a PPP Highway Project in central Uruguay; in the energy sector, the firm recently advised Cubico Sustainable Investments on the acquisition of two major Uruguayan wind farms. Infrastructure and energy project financing expert Tomas Gurméndez co-heads the practice, bringing particular experience in PPPs to the table; alongside him, Fernando De Posadas handles foreign direct investments in energy and infrastructure projects. Lucía Carbajal and Victoria Garabato, partner as of January 2022, participate in high-profile FDI and energy projects.