Clifford Chance‘s Paris-based energy practice draws on the international dimension and geographical reach of the firm. The France team possesses the expertise to handle an array of energy matters, including clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, new nuclear, thermal and hydropower, oil and gas, and mining. Key names include Delphine Siino-Courtin, who specialises in energy and infrastructure projects both in Europe and Africa, as well as M&A expert Richard Tomlinson and Nikolaï Eatwell, who is recommended for his wealth of experience in project finance. Benjamin De Blegiers, Gauthier Martin and Daniel Zerbib left the team in March 2026, while Paul Loisel joined in April 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Clifford Chance has distinguished itself through its work on tailor-made project agreements for groundbreaking energy transition initiatives. Their team has demonstrated innovation in structuring complex agreements, adapted to emerging regulatory and commercial frameworks. Compared to their competitors, they stand out due to their extensive experience in both traditional energy projects and those related to the energy transition.’
- ‘The team is highly effective and innovative. It achieves results despite challenging situations and constraints. It has the advantage of navigating cross-border cases efficiently. Collaboration is excellent, and the relationship is smooth and transparent.’
- ‘Clifford Chance are the market leaders when it comes to Energy in France. They have a core group of highly capable, experienced practitioners who understand the industry and their clients. They are a step above the competition when it comes to providing commercially-minded advice. They know what their client wants, and they know how to execute on it. The Clifford Chance team are also extremely well networked within France. They know everyone.’
- ‘Very strong team in energy.'
- ‘A team that combines excellent sector expertise with an advisory capacity.’
Key clients
- African Development Bank (ADB)
- Asian Development Bank
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
- DEG
- EBRD
- EIB
- FMO
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- IFC
- MIGA
- OeEB
- OPIC
- Proparco
- The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)
- The Korea Development Bank
- Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
- Africa Finance Corporation
- Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund
- FMO
- OEEB
Work highlights
Advising EDF on the structuring of the €67bn programme for the development of six new EPR2 nuclear reactor projects in France, set to be operational in 2030.
Advised Crédit Agricole CIB as the global coordinator, structuring bank and green loan coordinator for the green financing for the transformation project to build a state-of-the-art fossil-free mini-mill in Luleå, Sweden.
Advising the sponsors (Enagás, NaTran, Teréga and OGE) on the structuring and implementation of the BarMar project, an undersea hydrogen pipeline project between Barcelona and Marseille.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: Regulatory and public law
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Gauthier Martin
Leading partners: Energy projects
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Energy projects
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Other key lawyers
Chloé Desreumaux; Corinne Duvnjak; Nikolaï Eatwell; Sohini Kar-Purkayastha Catherine Naroz; Marianne Pezant; David Préat; Laurent Schoenstein; Delphine Siino Courtin; Richard Tomlinson; Milica Zatezalo-Falatar; Paul Loisel