Uría Menéndez’s energy practice is recognised for its comprehensive expertise in transactional, regulatory, and project development matters, advising major Portuguese and European clients across the electricity, gas distribution, water and wastewater sectors. Bernardo Diniz de Ayala and João Louro e Costa lead the team, with the latter frequently assisting with project development, O&M and EPC contracts, and regulatory issues, particularly in the solar and green fuels markets. Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa complements the practice with notable experience in M&A and project development involving regulated energy assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Their deep understanding of the energy sector and the intricacies of the business, together with the profound knowledge of the applicable regulations. João Louro e Costa is recommended.'
- ‘Efficiency and quality.’
- ‘Whenever we encounter a complex or challenging issue from a legal-technical perspective, we consistently turn to the Uría & Menéndez team, knowing their exceptional quality and unwavering commitment are always assured.’
- ‘João Louro e Costa is one of the most accomplished lawyers in Portugal, which is particularly remarkable given the excellence and competitiveness of the Portuguese legal market. He brings a multifaceted perspective to complex matters and demonstrates exceptional clarity when explaining how different elements interconnect.'
- 'João Louro e Costa is a safe bet, no matter how complex or intricate your case may be. We have had the opportunity to collaborate on a wide variety of matters, and his performance has always been excellent, fully aligned with the quality standards of Uría & Menéndez.’
Key clients
- Boliden Mineral AB
- Iberdrola Renewables Portugal, S.A.
- KGAL Portuguese PV
- Força Açoreana, Lda.
- Axpo Iberia, S.L.
- Floene Energias, S.A.
- MM Capital Partners 2 Co., Ltd
- Hyperion Renewables
Work highlights
Advised the consortium composed of MM Capital Partners 2 Co., Ltd., Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co., Ltd., and Mizuho Leasing Co., Ltd. on the acquisition of 50% of the share capital of Matrizevidente – SGPS, S.A., the holding company for TotalEnergies' wind, solar and hydroelectric power portfolio in Portugal, from TotalEnergies Renewables Portugal SGPS, S.A.
Advised Iberdrola on developing eight solar photovoltaic power plants with an aggregate installed capacity of approximately 200 MW (including joint development agreements with developers, real estate issues and compliance with licensing procedures and milestones).
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Bernardo Diniz de Ayala; João Louro e Costa
Other key lawyers
Gonçalo Andrade e Sousa; Jill de Soet Palmeiro