Addleshaw Goddard’s multidisciplinary team has ‘consistently proven to be thoughtful, thorough and practical’, as highlighted by one client, ‘offering advice on a range of renewable energy transactions’ and handling national and international mandates arising out of the power, water and nuclear sectors. Richard Goodfellow, who specialises in energy and utility projects, jointly leads the practice alongside Paul Dight, who also heads the firm’s low carbon and electric vehicle groups. David Shaw advises on the construction aspects of energy transactions, while James Reynolds has ‘excellent knowledge’ in nuclear mandates and Sara Gilmore is noted for her expertise in the regulated sectors.
Infrastructure and energy in Yorkshire And The Humber
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
Richard Goodfellow; Paul Dight
Other key lawyers:
David Shaw; James Reynolds; Sara Gilmore
Testimonials
‘The AG team has consistently proven to be thoughtful, thorough and practical, offering advice on a range of renewable energy transactions over many years. They combine the reach of a London firm with sector and technical specialists, who can be brought in to bear a transaction or negotiation as needed.’
‘Richard Goodfellow is experienced, a widely respected energy lawyer and team lead.’
‘I was thoroughly impressed with James Reynolds. He has excellent knowledge of the market and applies this to his high quality legal advice. James is clearly intelligent and extremely interested in the sector within which he works. I particularly appreciate his succinct, commercial advice and drafting.’
Key clients
Volkswagen AG
SSE Generation Limited and SSE Electricity Limited
Onsite Energy Projects Limited
Aviva Investors
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
Red Rock Power a wholly owned subsidiary of SDIC Power, a Chinese SOE
Siemens
Gravis Capital
ERG
Octopus Energy
Engie
Diamond Transmission Corporation Limited
Peel Group
Greencoat Capital
Consortium of banks, including Societe Generale, SMBC, MUFG Bank and Mizuho Bank
Scotia Gas Networks plc (SGN)
Horizon Infrastructure Limited
Urenco
Aberdeen Standard
National Nuclear Laboratory
United Utilities
Southern Water Services
Anglian Water
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Foresight Group Holdings Limited
ASDA
ABF
Channel Four
BT
UK Parliament
BP pulse
Unify Energy
+Charge
Yorkshire Water
P3
Royal Mail Group
EQUANS
Canadian Solar
Arrival
Prologium
Industria Resources
Yorkshire Energy Park
Trojan Energy
Work highlights
- Advising Scotia Gas Networks on their H100 hydrogen network project.
- Advising Volkswagen AG on the supply and operation of their battery buffered Flexpole EV chargers to bp and Aral retail sites across Europe.
- Handling several mandates for energy suppliers such as Octopus, Engie, OVO, Unify, SSE, Drax on licensed activities and renewables developments/investments.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper handles high-end energy mandates, particularly in the renewables sector, as well as transport infrastructure projects, as demonstrated by its advice to National Highways on the £7bn Lower Thames Crossing Project. The team is collectively led by global chair of energy and natural resources, Natasha Luther-Jones, Ben Peecock, Teresa Hitchcock, Ian Doig and Robert Smith, who has experience in the transport and regeneration sectors. Luther-Jones advises on the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets, and has been instrumental in spearheading the firm’s corporate power purchase agreement practice. Other key members of the team include Stephen Atkinson and senior associate Jennifer Keogh.
Practice head(s):
Natasha Luther-Jones; Robert Smith; Ben Peecock; Teresa Hitchcock; Ian Doig
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Atkinson; Jennifer Keogh
Key clients
Prime Capital AG
NTR Plc
Greencoat Wind UK Plc
Elgin Energy
Greencoat Solar Assets I Limited and Greencoat Solar Assets II Limited
Equitix
Nord/LB
Investec Bank
Ignitis grupė UAB
City of London
Power Capital
Kommunalkredit
Greencoat renewables PLC
Commerz Real
AB InBev
UK Department for Transport (DfT)
Transport North East
National Highways
Transport for Greater Manchester
Agility Trains
Boston Scientific
Work highlights
- Advised Elgin Energy on the sale of a 519MW portfolio of solar PV projects and 70MW of co-located energy storage capacity to ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global utility Iberdrola Group.
- Acted as legal adviser to Coöperative Rabobank U.A., Landesbank Baden-Württemberg and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale as the lenders to Highfield Solar Limited in the financing of two separate solar energy projects in Ireland, with a total capacity of 282 MWp.
- Advising National Highways on the Lower Thames Crossing Project, a £7bn+ twin bored tunnel under the River Thames.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The ‘technically proficient’ team at Pinsent Masons LLP advises clients on the full lifecycle of national and international energy and infrastructure projects, from inception and planning, development and execution to operational and contentious issues and secondary market disposals. Global sector head Melanie Grimmitt, whose current workload includes conventional power mandates, offshore wind transmission asset sales and battery storage projects, leads the practice alongside Stacey Collins, whose ‘commercial awareness and deep technical knowledge are unparalleled’, and bioenergy expert John Bruce. Mark Harris, who handles cross-border infrastructure projects and has experience in energy-related litigation, is another key member of the group.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Grimmitt; Stacey Collins; John Bruce
Other key lawyers:
Mark Harris
Testimonials
‘Technically proficient and attentive to client needs.’
‘Stacey Collins is excellent. His commercial awareness and deep technical knowledge are unparalleled.’
Key clients
Renew Holdings Plc
Drax Group Plc
EPH Group
Amey Group Plc
Kier Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd
Hanson Group
E ON A.G. Group
RWE A.G. Group
FCC
Cyden Homes Limited
Balfour Beatty Group
Ørsted Group
NDA Group
Statkraft
Johnson Matthey Plc
Laing O’Rourke Group
Yorkshire Ventures Group
University of Leeds
University of Huddersfield
Royal Bam Group
InterGen
Samsung C&T Corporation
China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd
Homes England Group
Saint Gobain
Lendlease Group
Black & Veatch Group
Roberston Group
Veolia Group
Cargill PLC
Kaplan Inc
University of Sheffield
Centrica Plc
Ameresco Limited
SBM Group
Sembcorp Industries Ltd
Forterra PLC
Green Investment Group
London Array Limited
CB&I
Flogas Britain Limited (part of DCC Group PLC)
Enfinium
Avara Foods Limited
Hitachi Zosen
Greencoat Capital
Foresight Group
Kier Infrastructure Limited/Kier Construction Limited
Shanghai Electric
VPI Immingham LLP/VPI Immingham B Limited (part of Vitol)
Work highlights
- Advised Enfinium as the developer of a £350m project financed merchant energy from waste plant in West Bromwich.
- Advising Greencoat Capital on their competitive secondary market acquisition of Margam Biomass Plant in Wales and Speyside Biomass plant in Scotland.
- Advising Viridor on their pathfinder waste management carbon capture and storage (CCS) project to be constructed at its Energy from Waste facility in Runcorn.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs demonstrates an ‘impressive depth of knowledge and expertise’ in domestic and international projects arising out of the renewables sector, as demonstrated by its workload of onshore and offshore wind, solar, biomass, energy from waste and carbon capture mandates, in addition to combined power and water matters. James Duckworth, who divides his time between Leeds and Dubai, has notable expertise in Middle Eastern infrastructure projects and recently acted for Dubai Municipality on the procurement of a $1.3bn energy from waste mandate.
Practice head(s):
James Duckworth
Testimonials
‘SPB provides an impressive depth of knowledge and expertise in infrastructure and energy, particularly for a regional firm. Its team has developed significant experience in onshore oil and gas extraction and the planning issues associated with it.’
Key clients
Muse Developments Limited
Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LLP
Catalyst Capital
FORE
PricewaterhouseCoopers Dubai
Dubai Municipality
Egdon Resources UK Limited
Veolia Middle East
Sumitomo Corporation
Veolia Middle East
Marubeni Corporation
Taqat Development Co
Nebras Power
Federal Government of the UAE
DP World
EESL Energy Solutions LLC
Capital and Centric
Zenith
Brookfield Group
Taqat Development Co
SP Manweb
EnergieKontor (UK) Limited
Innogy/Ventient
Triton Power
UK Power Networks
Northern Gas Networks
Northern Power Grid
Fred Olsen Renewables
Elgin Energy
Community Wind Power Limited
Low Carbon
Black Mountain Renewables
Wessex Energy Limited
Western Power Distribution
Falck Renewables
Karbon Homes
Electricity North West
Loxley Homes
Work highlights
- Acted for Dubai Municipality on the procurement of a $1.3bn major energy from waste project.
- Advising Vital Energi (Drakelow) Limited in relation to a judicial review against South Derbyshire District, which unlawfully granted a Reserved Matters Approval to a neighbouring landowner in such a way as to threaten Vital’s existing REC facility.
- Advising Community Wind Power Limited on the Sanquhar 2 Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP is noted for its capability in handling renewable energy mandates and digital infrastructure projects, as demonstrated by its advice to infrastructure investment fund Equitix on its £75m investment in multi-brand ISP and fibre broadband operator Grain Connect. Practice leader James Wood-Robertson has experience in advising on power purchase agreements and handles waste PPP transactions, as well as merchant energy from waste mandates. Principal associate Jennifer Clarke is another key member of the team and advises on infrastructure and non-contentious public procurement projects.
Practice head(s):
James Wood-Robertson
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Clarke
Testimonials
‘The team is very close to regulatory and government circles and so is able to effectively advise on not just prevailing sector issues, but also how that may change in the near future and how to influence that change.’
Key clients
Equitix
EnergieKontor
ABO Wind
ITM Power
Gresham House
DIF Capital
Iona Capital
ASDA
Cellnex
Switch2 Energy
Discovery Park
EZ Charge
Reserflex
B9 Energy
Grahams The Family Dairy
Clean Air Ventures
Wolfland Group
MPG Wind
Work highlights
- Advised Equitix on its £75m investment into multi-brand ISP and fibre broadband operator, Grain Connect.
- Advising German onshore wind developer, EnergieKontor, on the development of several onshore wind projects and a solar PV project across the UK.
- Advised ABO Wind on the development and disposal of a 50MW battery storage project in Northern Ireland.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP has demonstrable experience in the waste and bioresources sectors and advises its roster of clients on energy from waste, anaerobic digestion and biogas projects. The ‘commercially astute’ team frequently leverages the expertise of other departments within the firm to provide multidisciplinary advice on infrastructure and energy mandates. Ben Sheppard, who is a key contact for energy from waste, renewables and low carbon energy matters, jointly leads the practice alongside real estate partner Judith Pike. Litigator Gwendoline Davies
and construction expert Jules Harbage are also key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Ben Sheppard; Judith Pike
Other key lawyers:
Gwendoline Davies; Jules Harbage
Testimonials
‘Walker Morris consistently provides high quality practical advice at reasonable rates. The team is very responsive and they have been instrumental in helping the business achieve a positive outcome in a wide variety of matters. The team is commercially astute and understands the nature and needs of our business, meaning that we can trust them to be a “safe pair of hands” to progress matters to a successful conclusion.’
‘The lead partner, Ben Sheppard, has immersed himself in our requirements and those of the other stakeholders. This maximises the specific nature of the advice given to us, creating value and supporting the efficient management and development of our projects and their associated contracts.’
‘Brilliant lawyers with excellent knowledge of the industry and very good practical approach.’
‘Judith Pike has strong case management skills and has been able to bring challenging matters to a successful conclusion. She has excellent all-round expertise and provides high quality pragmatic legal advice. Judith is very responsive to the needs of the business and has developed good knowledge of our sites and business.’
‘I have found Walker Morris to be an ideal legal adviser to support the high value projects and contracts I have used them for. With a range of experienced partners, they have the strength of a London firm at the costs and accessibility of a regional practice.’
‘Ben Sheppard, partner and head of energy and infrastructure, is very good.’
‘The team is responsive and dedicated in working towards tight deadlines.’
Key clients
MVV Environment
Arla Foods
Kier Group
EKFB Joint Venture
FCC Environment
Coal Authority
Grissan Energy Limited
Associated Waste Management
Earth Capital Limited
Barnsley Metropolitan District Council
Northumbrian Water
Bio Capital Limited
Rock Solid Processing
Northern Hydropower Limited
Eelpower Limited
Gasrec
Oatly
East London Biogas
Conrad Energy
Port of Tilbury (Forth Ports)
Storengy
Drax Group plc
East London Biogas
Work highlights
- Advised MVV Environment in connection with a project for the development and construction of a £200m energy from waste facility capable of treating up to 260,000 tonnes of household and commercial waste a year and generating up to 23MW of clean, renewable energy.
- Advised the UK’s largest producer of biomethane on the development of two new anaerobic digestion projects to supply green gas to the grid and help decarbonise the distilleries supplying feedstock to and purchasing green gas from the facilities.
- Advised Northumbrian Water on the procurement and negotiation of a framework development contract with a renewable energy project developer for the development of a number of solar power projects on Northumbrian Water sites.
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
The energy team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP handles dock infrastructure projects and offshore wind farm development mandates, and additionally advises port operators on commercial contracts, agreements and leases. Marine specialist Andrew Oliver jointly leads the practice alongside real estate expert Stephen Unwin, who assists on matters relating to wind farms and onshore renewable energy. David Dixon and associate Martin Collingwood are also key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Oliver; Stephen Unwin
Other key lawyers:
David Dixon; Martin Collingwood
Testimonials
‘Andrew Jackson provides a very personal service. I have worked with almost the same team for many years now, which has meant they have been able to build up an extremely good understanding of our business and its requirements.’
‘They are extremely responsive and helpful.’
Key clients
Specialist Marine Consultants Limited
Groupe LHD
LPG Direct Limited
Yorwaste
EON
Associated British Ports
RE Group
Mainprize Offshore Ltd
Grimsby Renewables Partnership
BostonAir Group
LSTC Group
SSE
Greater Gabbard Offshore
Woodhouse Wind
MMS
Virgin Money
HSBC
NatWest
Work highlights
Bevan Brittan LLP
Bevan Brittan LLP go ‘the extra mile to secure the right outcome’ when advising both public and private sector clients on PFI mandates. In Leeds, ‘master tactician’ Judith Hopper is noted for her expertise in PFI disputes arising out of the waste and energy sectors and frequently acts for local authorities. Michael Boyd is the key contact to the practice’s roster of NHS clients, including NHS Property Services Limited and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
Practice head(s):
Judith Hopper
Other key lawyers:
Michael Boyd
Testimonials
‘The team has considerable experience in substantial infrastructure projects for local governments. They act on many PFI/PPP projects. This includes ongoing commercial issues together with disputes. They have brilliant client service skills, and are very competent and excellent value for money.’
‘Judith Hopper gets involved in all her cases and is a master tactician.’
‘The people at Bevan Brittan have a fantastic team spirit and work well together with clients, going the extra mile to secure the right outcome. They have a wealth of experience in infrastructure and energy.’
‘Judith Hopper has sound judgment and effortlessly manages her team. She never gets flustered, has a commercial viewpoint and achieves fantastic results.’
‘Always aware of the commercial implications of their advice.’
Key clients
NHS Property Services Limited
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
National Places
University of York
Together Housing Association Limited and Together Commercial Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust in connection with a redevelopment project.
- Advising NHS Property Services Limited on operational issues relating to the organisation’s portfolio of PFI assets.
- Advising the University of York on the procurement and construction legal aspects of the design development of the new Student Hub on campus.
Clarion
Noted for its expertise in the energy and low carbon sectors, Clarion’s multidisciplinary team in Leeds acts for regional, national and international clients on both contentious and non-contentious mandates. ‘Excellent’ Christian Hellmund advises on a range of energy and infrastructure projects, from district energy and electricity and gas transmission to energy storage and renewables projects. Hellmund jointly leads the team alongside David Williams, who handles disputes in the oil, electricity and renewables sectors.
Practice head(s):
Christian Hellmund; David Williams
Testimonials
‘Christian was excellent. He devoted full attention to the project and drove forward what was a unique and bespoke requirement.’
‘Competence and commitment characterise the team. It was particularly helpful for us that the correspondence could be conducted in English as well as in German. Our key contact, Christian Hellmund, was always available, took a lot of time and impressed us with his personal commitment.’
‘Speed of response and driving of project was excellent. Always available to pick up on issues.’
Key clients
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Leo Group Limited
LBBC Limited
Bayford Group
Wilson Power Solutions
Winder Power
Leonard Curtis Business Rescue and Recovery
Acumen Waste Services Limited
Vensys Energy AG
Etgas/Enertecgreen Limited
GF Genovate Ltd (Genovate Power Solutions)
Kinetic Renewable Services Limited
Xrenewable Limited
Chameleon Technology Holdings
Continental AG
Solar 21
Greentech
Work highlights
- Advising Etgas/Enertecgreen on the purchase of an advanced thermal gasification (ATC) plant.
- Advising the Continental AG group on issues arising under various contracts to deliver sub-sea hoses for liquid natural gas projects off the coasts of Western Australia, Brazil and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Advising Vensys Energy on the supply of a 3.5MW onshore wind turbine to provide renewable energy directly to Budweiser Brewing Group’s brewery in Magor.
CMS
CMS’ Sheffield team advises its roster of national and international clients on infrastructure and construction projects, and is well-placed to leverage the expertise of the firm’s Manchester office on large-scale mandates. The practice is also noted for its capability in disputes arising out of PFI projects. Experienced litigator and ‘great team leader’ Fraser Askham is a key contact for contentious infrastructure and waste matters.
Practice head(s):
Fraser Askham
Other key lawyers:
David Hardy
Testimonials
‘The team is fantastic. There is real strength in depth.’
‘Fraser Askham is a great team leader and extremely popular with clients.’
Key clients
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
University of Sheffield
International Hotel Properties
Amey LG
Amey Community
Crown Commercial Services (Wider Public Sector) [panel appointment]
Galliford Try
NG Bailey Group
Lendlease Construction
Wates Group
BUG AluTechnic
Education and Skills Funding Agency (The Department for Education)
STRABAG
Multiplex
The MEH Alliance (a JV comprising Balfour Beatty, NG Bailey, Doosan Babcock, Cavendish Nuclear and Altrad SA)
Lendlease Construction (Europe) Limited and Lendlease Construction Holdings (Europe) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Lendlease in relation to a c.£140m multi-party contract dispute concerning the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, including commencing Part 20 claims against members of the supply chain.
- Advised BUG, an Austrian contractor, in three separate Technology and Construction Court disputes concerning the design, manufacture, supply and installation of materials to the Beetham Tower in Manchester.
- Acting as sole legal advisors with Lendlease’s delivery team, on the regeneration of the Alfred Waterhouse designed Victorian town hall for Manchester City Council (c.£300m).
DWF
In Leeds, DWF’s energy and natural resources practice includes real estate development specialist Guy Rusling and national head of planning and compulsory purchase Andrew Batterton, who joined the firm in April 2021 from DLA Piper and advises on consents and statutory orders relating to infrastructure projects. Liverpool-based Darren Walsh, who is global head of the firm’s power and utilities group and leads the national energy practice, is another key contact in the team.
Practice head(s):
Darren Walsh
Other key lawyers:
Guy Rusling; Andrew Batterton
Key clients
ScottishPower Group (including ScottishPower Energy Retail, ScottishPower Energy Networks, SP Transmission, ScottishPower Generation, ScottishPower Energy Management and ScottishPower Renewables)
Yorkshire Gas and Power
Yemene Solar (formerly Yingli Namene Solar Limited & Yingli Green Energy Europe GmbH
Doosan Power Systems SA
Whitbread Group plc
Vensys Energy AG
Canary Wharf Group
Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and Moray Council
Dundee City Council and Angus Council
South Staffordshire plc
Steag energy solutions GmbH
Discovery Park Limited
Farm Energy Partnership LLP
United Utilities Renewable Energy Limited
Quartzelec
WM Morrisons Supermarkets Limited
Marks & Spencer plc
Places for People
Essar Oil UK Limited
MRC Global
Ansaldo Nuclear Limited
Q-Park Limited
Welsh Government
Cavendish Nuclear Limited
HyGen Energy (formerly Ryse Hydrogen Limited)
Mostyn Sea Power
The Carbon Trust
KP Snacks Limited
Trina Solar Limited
Trina Storage Limited
COSTA Coffee Limited
Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Go Neutral
Firma Energy Limited
Cornwall Council
Northumberland Estates
Fortune Power
Mura Technology Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the development of a multi-year, multi-project framework agreement to permit the GMCA and its 10 Authorities to seek private sector development of its land and buildings.
- Assisting Ryse Hydrogen with the development of a 13,000 kg/day green hydrogen production facility that will be co-located with an on-shore wind farm in the UK.
- Advising Northumberland Estates in connection with their development of over 1GW of new ground-mounted solar PV and battery energy storage systems on 2000 acres of its estate.
Schofield Sweeney
The multidisciplinary team at Schofield Sweeney specialises in small energy sites and acts for its client roster, including developers, investors, landowners and consultants, on wind, solar, biomass, waste to energy and energy storage mandates. Adam Hastie leads the practice and advises on projects involving joint ventures with infrastructure issues. Karen Crutchley, who negotiates commercial agreements for energy plants, is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Karen Crutchley
Key clients
Sirius Renewable Energy Limited
Snetterton Renewable Power Limited
Forepower Limited
Raleigh Power Limited
Catfoss Renewables Limited
Seamer Power Limited
Doncaster Power (10MW) Limited
Aqua consultants Limited / Lanes Farm Energy Limited
Mark Falshaw
Gascorp Limited
Earthmill Limited
Woodyfuel
Harmony Energy Limited
Tetrogen (Knapton) (UK) Limited
Graphite Resources Limited
Harmony Energy Income Trust PLC
Work highlights
- Assisting Harmony Energy Storage Limited in relation to site assemblies, funding and sales of battery storage and solar ground array projects.