DWF’s sustainability work spans across multiple areas including real estate, planning and environment. The team is recognised for its presence in the renewables sector and specifically stands out for its work in connection with energy finance as well as its role in the expansion of new infrastructure associated with electric vehicles and their charging points. A current example of the latter is the firm’s advice to the Welsh Government on the development of a National Framework for Wales to roll out electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the entire country; the matter is led by Liverpool-based Darren Walsh, global co-head of energy and UK head of energy.

The firm is also notably involved in the emerging hydrogen market, where its work includes advising clients on the development of green hydrogen production units and associated hydrogen refuelling stations across the UK.  An ongoing highlight is the firm’s advice to Ryse Hydrogen on the development of a 13,000 kg/day green hydrogen production facility that will be co-located with an on-shore wind farm.

Other work includes acting for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority regarding the development of a multi-project framework agreement to secure private sector development of low or zero carbon emissions energy generation and storage projects, and assisting the Cornwall Council with the development of a biomethane conversion and gas upgrading project.

The firm is not only a UN Global Compact signatory but also a member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance and the Chancery Lane Project, among various other engagements. It holds a silver rating from EcoVadis and is one of few firms accredited with a bronze award from the Carbon Literate Organisation. Its 2030 net-zero target is verified by the Science Based Targets initiative. The team is also highly active in terms of client outreach and is recognised for having published a number of thought-leading pieces on trends affecting the energy market as well as ESG-related reports.