Unicase Law Firm‘s energy practice provides a full service to clients across Central Asia, who benefit from the team's market-leading energy-sector expertise, along with experience in advising clients through all phases of infrastructure projects. Ayana Unerbayeva brings expertise in finance, capital markets, and M&A to advise clients on oil & gas and mining matters. Saniya Perzadayeva specialises in energy matters, which concern commercial and corporate law, as well as regulatory matters. Raushana Chaltabayeva’s work in Central Asia includes a focus on regulatory and permitting challenges facing renewable energy projects. Ayana Unerbayeva advises on corporate and finance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Unicase’s energy and natural resources practice is distinguished by strong knowledge of local regulation and international standards. The team is experienced in licensing, compliance, and project development.'
- ‘Ayana Unerbayeva stands out for her deep sector knowledge and ability to provide clear, practical guidance on complex regulatory matters. Her professionalism and thorough approach make her highly reliable compared to competitors.'
- ‘The core strengths of Unicase are their proven expertise in energy, infrastructure, PPPs, project finance, and construction, and their multidisciplinary teams with international experience and deep local insight, and strategic partnerships with global firms for complex transactions.'
- ‘Raushana Chaltabayeva and Ayana Unerbayeva have been a pleasure to deal with. Raushana really knows the energy industry and regulatory framework in which it operates. Ayana has provided clear corporate and competition advice.’
Key clients
- ALES (Joint Stock Company Almaty Electric Stations)
- CCGT Turkistan LLP
- EBRD
- Total Eren
Work highlights
Advised Almaty Electric Stations (ALES) on the development of a 600 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant in Almaty as part of Kazakhstan’s first large-scale coal-to-gas transition project, under the EBRD’s Green Cities programme and supported by ADB and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.
Advised Total Eren, the renewable energy arm of TotalEnergies, on the development of Kazakhstan’s first 1GW wind farm with up to 500MW/1GWh battery storage, including negotiation of intergovernmental and partnership agreements with the Ministry of Energy, Samruk-Kazyna, and KazMunayGas. The total project value is estimated at USD 1.9 billion.
Advised CCGT Turkistan LLP, a Samruk-Kazyna subsidiary, on the construction of a 1GW combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Turkistan, including legal analysis under AIFC law, cross-border contract review, and delivery of a legal opinion to the Development Bank of Kazakhstan on EPC contractor risks and regulatory compliance. The total project value is estimated at USD 1.5 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Saniya Perzadayeva; Raushana Chaltabayeva
Other key lawyers
Ayana Unerbayeva