Key team members:

Marta Almeida Afonso, Head of Legal

Diogo Macedo Graça, Deputy Head of Legal

Team size: Eleven

Major legal advisors: PLMJ, CMS, VdA

Jurisdictions your role covers: Portugal and Chile

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

We have worked on several significant recent cases and transactions. There are a few I would mention as the most impressive. REN recently acquired a portfolio of transmission assets from the Chilean pulp and paper producer CMPC for US$71mn. This acquisition is part of REN’s strategy to expand its international footprint and enhance its transmission capabilities. REN’s legal team has been actively involved in supporting the company’s initiatives in clean energy and sustainable development. This includes assisting with solar energy auctions, the development of hydrogen (H2) infrastructure, and the issuance of green bonds. The legal team has also played a crucial role in the development of the “Speed-E” project, an innovation project which aims to provide a grid connection solution for charging electric vehicles directly from high-voltage lines. REN’s legal team has also been closely involved in all the legal aspects of the recent blackout of the Iberian Peninsula, taking an important role on all legal and regulatory aspects of the incident.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

REN’s legal team plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s business strategy by ensuring compliance, managing risks, and facilitating strategic transactions. They work closely with the board and executive committee and also with the other departments to align legal objectives with business goals, providing valuable insights that help drive decision-making and innovation.

One significant initiative led by REN’s legal team is the development of hydrogen (H2) infrastructure. This project is part of REN’s broader strategy to support the energy transition and promote sustainable energy solutions. The legal team was instrumental in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, securing necessary permits, and structuring agreements with various stakeholders. Their efforts ensured that the project complied with all legal requirements and progressed smoothly.

This initiative not only highlights the legal team’s strategic importance but also underscores REN’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

What are some of the biggest legal or regulatory challenges currently facing your industry, and how is your team preparing to address them?

REN faces several significant legal and regulatory challenges in the energy sector, particularly as it commits to clean energy and the integration of renewables. The energy sector is subject to rapidly changing regulations, especially concerning environmental standards and renewable energy integration, grid modernization and management of the system. Compliance with these regulations requires continuous monitoring and adaptation. Also operating in multiple jurisdictions adds complexity due to varying regulatory requirements and standards.

The legal team plays a pivotal role in REN’s projects and the continuous investment in shared knowledge, training and technologies to assist the work of the team assures the best preparation to address such challenges.