Full-service Irish law firm McCann FitzGerald LLP supports clients navigate emerging opportunities across sustainability, climate change mitigation, and the green energy transition. A key client is Solas Capital, with the firm advising the specialist investment advisory company on the establishment of the Article 9 SFDR-compliant Solas Sustainable Energy Fund, which will support organisations with their energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects.

Also within green financings, the firm advised the Bank of Ireland and Coillte Nature on the creation and development of the Woodland Nature funding scheme. Through issuing Woodland Nature Credits, the scheme allows corporates to calculate how the woodland projects they are funding impact carbon levels and biodiversity. 

Valerie Lawlor is a key contact in the solar power sector, having advised renewables investment manager Greencoat on its acquisition of the 80 MW under-development South Meath solar farm, and solar EPC contractor Greencells on its agreement to develop Amarenco’s portfolio of eight solar projects in Ireland. 

Brendan Slattery acts for major clients within the development of offshore wind power, including green electricity supplier Energia Group on its North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea projects, with each project investing €2bn to expand Ireland’s renewable energy capacity; producer Statkraft on the licensing and development consent process for its proposed offshore windfarm in the North Irish Sea; and windfarm operator Hazel Shore on the sale of a 50% interest in its proposed Codling Wind Park to EDF Renewables.  

Another important client within the energy transition is Greenlink, which sought the firm’s advice from project inception to financing on the 500 MW electricity transmission interconnector between Ireland and Wales. 

Having been among the first Irish law firms to become carbon neutral through offsetting emissions through United Nations-approved schemes, the firm continues to regularly audit its footprint and is pursuing further reductions through minimising waste alongside energy, paper, and water consumption.