Clifford Chance is recognised for its ‘extensive experience and knowledge’ of regulatory issues and transactions across the energy sector, including new energies such as repowering, hybridisation, self-consumption and new compensation schemes. The practice is regularly turned to by major Spanish and international energy companies and private equity funds, seeking advice on PPAs, project finance and development, ESG facility agreements and deals involving renewable assets. It is co-led by public law and regulated sectors specialist Jaime Almenar and José Guardo, who focuses on project finance and energy and infrastructure-related transactions. José Luis Zamarro is singled out for his in-depth knowledge of regulated sectors, spanning infrastructure, transport, and utilities. Eduardo Sánchez concentrates his practice on project finance within the energy industry. María Guinot joined from Deloitte in June 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A key factor that sets them apart is their deep knowledge in a sector as specialised as nuclear energy.’
- ‘I believe it's a team with extensive experience and knowledge of the subject matter, agile and flexible, and constantly seeking better ways of doing things. And all of this is achieved while maintaining a close relationship with the client, understanding their needs and expectations in terms of deliverables, deadlines, and pricing for their services.’
- ‘I think its quality-price ratio is unbeatable. Jaime Almenar stands out above all.’
- ‘Clifford Chance advises us on the negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs), primarily on bankability aspects related to the subsequent execution of project finance for projects under these PPAs. The team stays up-to-date on the key points of PPA negotiations and highlights aspects (commercial and legal) that can be improved or adapted based on their insights or experience from recent events or disputes in other transactions.’
- ‘Experience in a large number of transactions; with agility in response times and fluency in negotiations as key strengths.’
- ‘I would like to highlight the work of Jaime Almenar, leading the projects and energy practice in Madrid. He is a partner whose practical approach to matters, availability, and extensive knowledge of the subject matter I would emphasise.’
- ‘Undoubtedly, the experience, approachability, knowledge, availability, and professionalism of the team make it compare very favourably to other firms.’
Key clients
- Iberdrola
- Endesa
- Soladvent
- Repsol
- Eni
- Grenergy Renovables
- China Three Gorges
- Galp
- Finerge
- Elawan Energy
- AIP Management
- Atlas Renewable Energy
- Cubico
- Banco Santander
- Natixis
- Forestalia
- Ardian
- Solarpack
- Solaria Energía
- Norges Bank Investment Management (Norges Bank)
Work highlights
Advised Norges Bank on its alliance with Iberdrola to establish a joint venture devoted to the development of renewable energy assets in Spain and Portugal.
Advised Iberdrola’s Regulation Committee on highly strategic regulatory matters, including capacity mechanisms, charging point regulation, access tariffs for self-consumption, and requirements for awarding green electricity supply contracts.
Advised Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of the publicly traded developer and owner of solar and energy storage assets, Canadian Solar Inc., on a green non-recourse multi-currency financing for up to €1.300bn.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jaime Almenar; José Guardo
Other key lawyers
José Luis Zamarro; Eugenio Fernández-Rico; Eduardo Sánchez; Mónica Romero; María Guinot