Infrastructure and energy in Yorkshire And The Humber

Addleshaw Goddard

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.

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):

    Adam Hastie

    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.