Clifford Chance regularly assists on complex and significant project financings related to the the energy transition. The team is well-versed in handling project financing as well as portfolio and holdco financing structures. It has expertise in advising on a number of energy and infrastructure assets such as offshore wind farms, data centres, energy storage, digital infrastructure and hydrogen. The team is jointly led by Hein Tonnaer and Liesbeth Buiter, who both specialise in renewable energy project financings. Nanette Rutgers and Mike Niekoop are both key members of the team and assist with complex financing transactions. Carlijn Tenge is a further standout contact.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The practice and team are unique given their extensive knowledge of how to get a deal done and over the finish line. Moreover, they are creative in a practical way. The team itself is a well-oiled machine and together they master all subsectors, they know each other well, and like working together, which makes is a pleasure to have them as your advisor.’
- ‘Liesbether Buiter is a very experienced and solution-driven lawyer. Very calm and balanced personality which is helpful in stressed situations, she has no difficulty handling that. Nanette Rutgers has a strong focus on details and is dedicated to the client and transaction. Mike Niekoop is a very talented and strong lawyer with a pragmatic mindset. ’
- ‘The Clifford Chance team has really excelled in providing business-focused support. They truly understand our business and proactively engage on matters, think along with the business and guide us in the most challenging aspects of these very complex development projects. In that regard, Clifford Chance really stands out.’
- ‘Hein Tonnaer has unparalleled experience in the project financing, project development and renewables space. He has a strong understanding of all key areas and is able to navigate the most difficult aspects of project development, always taking the client’s interest and business drivers into account. ’
- 'A combination of technical excellence and pragmatic, solution-oriented advice. They are highly responsive, collaborative, and consistently anticipate issues before they arise. I particularly value their ability to balance legal precision with commercial insight, making complex energy transactions feel manageable.'
- 'Hein Tonnaer and Philip Walsh consistently stand out as true business partners. They combine technical excellence with a pragmatic, commercial approach, ensuring solutions are both legally sound and strategically aligned. What I value most is their responsiveness, ability to anticipate challenges, and clear communication, which makes complex projects far more manageable.'
- ‘A well-established team covering all needed disciplines with great availability.’
- ‘Hands-on knowledge and practical advice.’
Key clients
- SSE
- APG
- Vattenfall
- TotalEnergies
- GIGA Storage
- Brookfield
- Sky NRG
- CIP
- NTT
- APFE
- Ampyr
- Encavis
- PowerField
- LBBW
- InfraVia
- SMBC
- Rabobank
- ABN Amro Bank N.V.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Carlijn Tenge
Practice head
Hein Tonnaer; Liesbeth Buiter
Other key lawyers
Mike Niekoop; Nanette Rutgers; Philip Walsh; Carlijn Tenge