Uría Menéndez’s energy and natural resources practice brings together M&A, finance, regulatory and disputes specialists to advise on the entire lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects. The team acts for sponsors, financial investors, energy companies, traders, and contractors in a wide range of matters, including project finance, regulatory compliance, construction agreements, PPAs and international arbitration. The group is under the joint leadership of Juan Ignacio González Ruiz, who focuses on energy law and project finance, and Ignacio Álvarez Couso, who advises on energy-related financings, restructurings and M&A. José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica handles energy-related corporate and finance transactions, while Roberto Fernández contributes deep experience in regulatory and contentious issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Uria Menendez team is highly specialised, with proven experience in complex matters, both locally and internationally. The team not only possesses exceptional technical expertise but also excellent communication skills, a results-oriented approach, and a commitment to efficiency and transparency throughout the entire process. Furthermore, they maintain a genuine collaborative culture, enabling them to offer a multidisciplinary and cohesive approach to every engagement.’
- ‘The team of Ignacio Álvarez Couso is characterised by its consistently high quality of service, rapid response times, and adaptability to changing environments within the transaction. They possess a key differentiator compared to other firms: their ability to anticipate risks and contribute strategic value to the development of the transaction, rather than simply reacting to them.’
- ‘I must admit that one of the things that has always impressed me about UM is their unique ability to demonstrate a specialised understanding and knowledge of various subjects while simultaneously demonstrating it with sound judgment and respect for professional practice. These qualities are unique and not so easy to find.’
Key clients
- KKR
- Moeve
- Acciona Energía
- Bibby Marine
- Ence Energía & Celulosa
- GE Vernova
- Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB)
- Saeta Yield/Brookfield
- Exus Renewables/ Partners Group
- X-Elio Energy
- Banco Santander
- Intermoney Gestión SGIIC
Work highlights
Advised KKR, a leading global investment firm, on its 50/50 joint venture with Ignis, a leading integrated global renewable group based in Spain, to launch a new Power-to-X (P2X) platform (IGNIS P2X) to develop primarily green hydrogen and ammonia projects for industrial applications in hard-to-abate sectors.
Advised Ence Biogás on the acquisition of “La Galera” biomethane plant, the negotiation of a long-term biomethane purchase agreement (BPA) and the pioneer project financing of the plant.
Advised Repsol Ibereólica Renovables Chile on the sale to Grenergy of its 1 GW solar PV portfolio in Chile.
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.
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.
Practice head
Juan Ignacio González; Ignacio Álvarez Couso
Other key lawyers
Manuel Vélez Fraga; Roberto Fernández; José Félix Zaldívar de la Rica; Juan José Serrano Araque