Projects and energy

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte)

Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) possesses ‘in-depth expertise and extensive experience’ in large-scale and cross-border energy and infrastructure projects. Bernd Rajal leads the regulatory team and is an expert in complex domestic and cross-border regulatory, public law, project development, and commercial matters in the wind and solar power segments. Concerning the realisation of major projects, key contacts include Christian Schmelz, who specialises in construction mandates and environmental approval processes for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, and Christoph Jirak, who is adept regarding the construction and operation of major renewable energy and social infrastructure facilities. On administrative and public law matters, the firm draws upon the strength of Christoph Cudlik, who is an expert in technical environmental law matters concerning renewable energy facilities, and Christian Holzer, who brings further competence in public law, environmental, and permitting matters concerning infrastructure assets.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Schoenherr has in-depth expertise and extensive experience in the industry.'
‘By far the team with the most experience and the largest mandates. Here, the client's problems are solved and no unnecessary steps are taken. The good atmosphere in the team is omnipresent.’
‘The team demonstrates a deep commitment to its goals, projects, partners and customers. They are always ready to face challenges flexibly and proactively. The team is committed to finding and implementing solutions even under high pressure or short time requirements in order to exceed our expectations.’
‘Always ahead of competitors, offers outstanding knowledge and great teamwork, and always delivers solutions.’
‘The team at Schoenherr is goal- and solution-oriented. We appreciate that we always have the same expertise and competence from the team.’
‘Bernd Rajal is an incredibly versatile energy lawyer. He gives very concise advice on how to deal with very complex regulatory issues.’
‘Christian Schmelz is and remains the doyen of public law in Austria. He seems to be able to call on his profound expertise effortlessly at any time, ready to go.'
'Christoph Jirak is developing into a strong advisor for matters relating to strategic environmental assessment and environmental impact assessments.’

Key clients

Abbott Medical Group
Allianz Capital Partners
Alpiq
Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Austrian Association of Pharmacists
Austrian Medical Association
Autobahnen- u Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-AG (ASFINAG)
BASF SE
Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. (BIG)
City of Graz
City of Innsbruck
Contour Global
EBG MedAustron
Ecoplus Alpin
Energie Steiermark
Energiepark Bruck/Leitha
Energiewerkstatt
ENWA
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
European Commission
Essity Austria
EVN AG
EXAA Energy Exchange
Federal Minister of Energy of Austria
Flixbus
Gas Connect
Gewista
Grand Hotel Semmering
ImWind
Infoscreen (GEWISTA)
Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe
Internationale Rheinregulierung
JCDecaux
Kals municipality
Klinik Ottakring
Klinik Wiener Neustadt
Laakirchen Papier AG
Land Burgenland
Land Kärnten
Lime
Monier Group
Netz Niederösterreich
Neue Heimat Tirol
Ökoenergie
OMV AG (E&P)
Österreichische Bundesbahn (ÖBB)
Österreichische Bundesforste (ÖBF)
Österreichische Post AG
Püspök
Prezero
Red Bull
Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy
Sony
SpaceX / Starlink
Stadt Wien
Thales Austria GmbH
TINETZ-Tiroler Netze GmbH
TIWAG Tiroler Wasserkraft
Trans Austria
UBER
UniCredit
Ventureal
VERBUND
Vienna International Airport
Vienna Technical Museum
WEB Windenegie AG
Wien Energie
Wien IT GmbH
Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG
Wiener Lokalbahnen
Wiener Netze
Wiener Stadtwerke Holding
Windkraft Simonsfeld
Windlandkraft
WIPARK
Zellstoff Pöls AG

Work highlights

Advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the development, design, and implementation of RES capacity auctions intended for wind and photovoltaic projects with combined battery storage systems.
Assisted ÖPAGon in the deployment of self-consumption solar PV projects and business modelling with regard to excess electricity (including the provision of market entry advice).
Acted for TIWAG on a multitude of large Tyrolean hydro power plant (HPPs) projects (including the biggest hydropower projects in Austria in decades, of over 1,500 MW).