IndustriesEnergy

Legal support for the energy sector

We advise investors, producers and suppliers on renewable energy projects, on licensing and grid connection, on power purchase agreements and on dealings with the competent authorities.

Contact us Areas of support
AERSthe energy regulatory body
3 phasesdevelopment, construction and operation of a project
Auctionsthe model for awarding the market premium for renewables
Industry overview

Regulatory framework and supervision

Carrying out energy activities requires a licence, and grid connection and producer status are governed by the rules on energy and on renewable energy sources.

Projects run through several parallel procedures: spatial planning and construction permits, environmental impact assessment, grid connection and contracting the sale of energy.

Energy ActLicences, market rules and conditions for carrying out activities.
Renewable sourcesProducer status, market premium and auctions.
Grid connectionConnection conditions and the connection agreement.
Planning and constructionLocation conditions, construction and occupancy permits.
EnvironmentImpact assessment and approvals from competent authorities.
Procurement and concessionsContracting with the public sector and public-private partnership.
Our services

Most common areas of support

Six areas in which energy companies most often ask for legal support.

01

Project development and permits

  • Legal analysis of the site and title to the land.
  • Obtaining location conditions and the construction permit.
  • Environmental impact assessment procedure.
  • Approvals from authorities and utility operators.
  • Tracking deadlines and conditions arising from permits.
02

Licensing and grid connection

  • Application for an energy activity licence.
  • Obtaining connection conditions and the connection agreement.
  • Acquiring producer status and participating in auctions.
  • Notification of changes and licence renewal.
  • Representation before the regulatory body.
03

Power purchase and supply contracts

  • Power purchase agreements with corporate offtakers.
  • Balancing responsibility and grid access agreements.
  • Pricing, indexation and payment security.
  • Change of law and force majeure provisions.
  • Supply contracts for end customers.
04

Financing and transactions

  • Project financing and creation of security.
  • Due diligence of projects in development and in operation.
  • Sale and purchase of project companies.
  • Investor arrangements and shareholders agreements.
  • Transfer of permits and contracts after closing.
05

Construction and operation

  • Engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
  • Operation and maintenance agreements.
  • Contractor warranties and handling of defects.
  • Insurance and allocation of construction risk.
  • Lease and easement agreements.
06

Regulatory procedures and disputes

  • Representation in proceedings before competent authorities.
  • Proceedings following inspection findings.
  • Disputes under construction and power purchase agreements.
  • Damages and contractual penalties.
  • Arbitration and out-of-court dispute resolution.
How we work

What working with us looks like

Four stages, from legal analysis of the site to support in operation.

01

Regulatory analysis

We establish which licences, approvals and documents the proposed business model requires.

02

Documentation

We prepare contracts, internal acts and policies and coordinate procedures before the competent authorities.

03

Implementation

We represent the client in proceedings and negotiations through to a decision or the signing of the contract.

04

Ongoing support

We track legislative changes, supervisory procedures and the obligations that arise during operations.

Common questions

Questions clients ask

Which permits are required to build a renewable power plant?

In addition to the construction permit, location conditions, environmental approvals, connection conditions and a connection agreement are required, and a licence is needed to carry out the activity.

How is the market premium obtained?

Through an auction conducted by the competent ministry under the terms of the public call. Preparing the bid and the required security is decisive for participation.

May energy be sold directly to a corporate customer?

It may, under a power purchase agreement, which governs price, volume, balancing responsibility and payment security.

What most often delays projects?

Unsettled title to the land and permit conditions not met within the prescribed periods. Both are addressed by analysis before the investment is made.

Are permits transferred when a project is sold?

That depends on the type of act. In practice transactions are structured as a sale of the project company, with a review of permit conditions and contracts.

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Next step

How can we help?

Describe your matter and we will point you to the lawyer who leads that industry.

Contact us
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