Combining deep expertise in infrastructure transactions, renewable energy, and project finance and development, CMS advises concessionaires, investment management firms, and energy and engineering companies on projects in Portugal and Lusophone Africa. Mónica Carneiro Pacheco regularly assists clients in the energy sector with regulatory and project development matters, while António Payan Martins is recognised for his experience in project finance mandates. Alberto Galhardo Simões, head of the Lusophone Africa team, has deep experience in project finance, infrastructure transactions and PPP projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘CMS has an excellent team with in-depth knowledge of the energy sector. It fosters knowledge sharing and networking through informative newsletters about the energy field and roundtable discussions with key industry players. It is a highly qualified and prominent team in the Portuguese energy sector.’
- ‘Mónica Carneiro Pacheco - partner in charge of the team, with a strong customer focus and creative thinking in the pursuit of solid and innovative solutions; special expertise in renewable energy projects.’
- ‘What makes this law firm unique is the combination of the team's accessibility, their ability to respond quickly, and the quality of the legal analysis they provide. It's a particularly easy firm to work with, demonstrating great availability and close client relationships, which contribute to fluid and efficient collaboration. The team ensures that our issues are addressed within appropriate timeframes, always maintaining technical rigour and a practical approach.'
Key clients
- Start Campus
- Yinson Azalea
- Acciona Construcción, S.A.
- WeLink Energy (UK) Limited
- Sun Africa LLC
- ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal
- VINCI Airports
- Gemcorp
- Bumi Armada Berhad
- REN Group
Work highlights
Advising Mota-Engil Bioenergy Unipessoal, Lda. on the development and implementation of a 100% renewable biomethane production unit, aligned with national and EU decarbonisation goals.
Advising Start Campus on the negotiation of multiple Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to support the energy strategy of Sines 2.0, one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data centre projects located in Sines.
Advising Sun Africa – a leading American company specialising in utility-scale solar and off-grid energy solutions – on the development, construction, and financing of renewable energy, grid infrastructure, agriculture, and water purification projects under a D&EPC model across several cities in Angola.
Practice head
Mónica Carneiro Pacheco; António Payan Martins; Alberto Galhardo Simões
Other key lawyers
Maria Figueiredo