Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy
Global Guide 2024 : UK
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
020 7006 1000Chambers Review
Clifford Chance has a go-to practice for financing, corporate and disputes work in the oil and gas, power and renewables sectors. The team acts for a wide array of high-profile clients, including oil majors, power developers, lenders and private equity companies. The firm is able to draw on an impressive international network of offices to provide an enviable level of service on complex matters. Its energy lawyers are also equipped to advise on matters involving infrastructure funds and joint venture platforms. The team enjoys a noteworthy reputation for advising on power transactions in Africa, particularly Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria.
Work Highlights
- Clifford Chance advised Edison on the signing of an agreement with Wintershall Dea for the disposal of Edison’s stake in the Algerian licence of North Reggane.
- The firm advised a consortium of AXA IM Alts and Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of a 50% stake in the Hornsea Two offshore wind farm.
- The team advised NNB Generation Company on the acquisition of a 50% equity stake in Sizewell by the UK Government as well as its proposed GBP679 million investment.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The quality of the firm's documentation, responsiveness and ability to utilise wider pools of experience on specialist queries is impressive."
"The partners at Clifford Chance are very rounded professionally and senior associates provide excellent support."
"The Clifford Chance team is highly skilled and has extensive experience within the energy and renewables sectors, as well as project financing."
"The firm has excellent technical and market knowledge."
"Clifford Chance plays a critical role in disentangling complex M&A issues, both from a legal and commercial standpoint."
"The quality of the firm's documentation, responsiveness and ability to utilise wider pools of experience on specialist queries is impressive."
"The partners at Clifford Chance are very rounded professionally and senior associates provide excellent support."
"The Clifford Chance team is highly skilled and has extensive experience within the energy and renewables sectors, as well as project financing."
"The firm has excellent technical and market knowledge."
"Clifford Chance plays a critical role in disentangling complex M&A issues, both from a legal and commercial standpoint."
Notable Practitioners
Co-head of the firm's nuclear group, John Wilkins is a power practitioner with a strong reputation for his expertise in relation to nuclear and CCGT power plants. He frequently assists with the financing of both domestic and international power projects.
"John brings an outstanding combination of legal expertise and experience. He brings a very strong commercial perspective and excellent client and stakeholder management skills."
James Pay receives plaudits for his practice advising on the acquisition, sale and project financing of significant renewable energy assets. He regularly assists infrastructure funds and project developers on transactions involving both domestic and international wind farms. He is head of the firm's global renewables group and co-head of the mining and metals group.
"The main thing about James is his absolutely stellar breadth of market knowledge of renewables and energy more broadly."
Russell Wells is head of the firm's global energy and resources group. He maintains a highly regarded oil and gas practice, representing financial institutions on infrastructure projects.
"Russell Wells is a seasoned adviser with decades of experience."
"Russell has enormous transaction experience in the space, which enables him to provide insightful and valuable strategic advice."
Alex Panayides has a strong practice handling arbitrations and other contentious matters for leading energy sector clients, including oil and gas majors. He is frequently involved in disputes involving assets in Africa and the Middle East.
"Alex is a really good operator and knows the industry."
Clare Burgess is a respected energy lawyer with a strong capital markets practice. She frequently advises her clients on the financing aspects of transactions concerning the sale and acquisition of wind assets.
"Clare is a fantastic lawyer and a pleasure to work with. She always delivers excellent advice, from the start of a deal through to execution."
"Clare consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities. At the same time, she is an exceptional adviser and lawyer."
Graham Phillips co-heads the oil and gas sector group. He focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity deals spanning upstream, midstream and downstream assets. He primarily acts for producers and developers.
"Graham is very down-to-earth and good to work with."
Jeremy Connick has a broad power sector offering which includes representing clients in project financing and acquisition transactions. He is held in particularly high regard for his presence in the African power market.
"Jeremy Connick is very experienced and does a lot of work in Africa."