Next Generation Partners

Energy, project finance and PFI in Northern Ireland

A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP

A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP act on a diverse range of complex and high value projects in the sector, with particular strength in energy regulation, solar farms and batteries, and on- and offshore wind projects. Team lead Mark Stockdale is a dedicated energy specialist, with experience in wind, solar, gas, and electricity infrastructure projects, among others. Core team members include Mark Thompson, who has particular expertise in high value M&A transactions, and public law specialist Micaela Diver. John Tougher is known for his work on onshore wind farms. John Palmer joined the team from Shoosmiths LLP in January 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Stockdale


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Thompson; Ciaran McAlinney; Micaela Diver; John Tougher; John Palmer; Ruth Forbes


Principaux clients

Energia Group


SONI


Orsted


Granville Ecopark


Foresight Group


Renewable Energy Systems


Statkraft Ireland


ESB


SSE plc


NIE Networks


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Energia on a collaboration project with Translink to provide hydrogen fuelled buses in Belfast.
  • Advised Asper Investment Management on their first investment in NI through the acquisition of two wind farm development projects (Altgolan and Dooish) from DW Consultancy, a specialist UK project developer.
  • Advised Granville Ecopark on the construction of the first gas to grid project in NI, whereby green gas is produced from food waste, and then injected directly into the public gas network.

Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell acts for a broad range of energy clients, including utilities, electricity network owners and operators, and conventional and renewable generators. The group works as part of the firm’s full service offering, and offers comprehensive coverage of real estate, corporate, banking, and regulatory matters. Senior partner Neasa Quigley is team lead, and specialises in M&A and equity funding work. Core team members include planning expert Gary McGhee, real estate specialist Emma Cooper, and Dawson McConkey, a key name for on-shore wind farm projects. Senior associate Le-ann Campbell specialises in mergers and acquisitions, and is experienced in the renewable energy sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neasa Quigley


Autres avocats clés:

Gary McGhee; Sinead McGrath; Emma Cooper; Dawson McConkey; Le-Ann Campbell


Les références

‘They are professional, punctual and have the same attention to detail be it a small or large transaction. The team are very professional, always at the end of a phone and never miss a deadline.’

‘The renewable team is headed by Neasa Quigley who is just outstanding in her field.’

‘The team has a broad range of skills and knowledge and are efficient and helpful at all times. They have excellent contacts within their industry.’

Principaux clients

Firmus Energy


Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company t/a Translink


Newry Energy Storage Limited


Firmus Energy


Evermore Energy


Renewable Energy Systems


Islandmagee Energy Limited (part of Harland &Wolff Group Holdings PLC)


SONI


NIE


Glenmore Generation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Firmus Energy business on the Energy Price Guarantee Scheme for domestic customers introduced by BEIS that Firmus was obliged to join in response to the cost of energy crisis.
  • Advising Islandmagee Storage Limited in relation to the judicial review proceedings launched against its recently approved Marine Licence, Discharge Consent and Abstraction Licence obtained to construct the Gas Storage Project. Planning Permission has previously been successfully obtained.
  • Advising RES, a longstanding client in respect of the disposal of a consented eleven wind-turbine in County Londonderry to ERG SPA. Subsequent to sale, RES have been retained by the buyer to develop out the 47MW project, with construction due to begin in 2024.

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP‘s multidisciplinary practice is active across the all-island energy market, and spans the full range of energy and regulatory matters. The group works alongside the firm’s other offices across the UK to offer comprehensive coverage. Team lead Richard Murphy is a recognised thought leader in the energy industry, and is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Associate Matthew McMurray is experienced in electricity and gas regulation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Murphy


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew McMurray


Les références

‘Richard Murphy was the first solicitor in Belfast to specialise in energy and anticipate the forthcoming growth in the renewables sector. Through his work as Chair of the RenewableNI Markets Working Group and his media contributions, he is a key voice in our industry.’

‘My work is primarily with Richard Murphy, who provides expertise in renewable electricity markets legislation and policy.’

Principaux clients

NTR


VIOTAS


firmus Energy


Mutual Energy


Strategic Power Projects


Green Hydrogen Int.


Energia Group


Statkraft


Bluefield


AIB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Rabobank on the financing of an 80 MW solar and wind portfolio in the UK.
  • Advising leading renewables investor Bluefield on the repowering of 17 wind farms in Northern Ireland.
  • Advising Mutual Energy on the collaboration partnership with B9 Energy, Islandmagee Energy Ltd and the Net Zero Technology Centre to deliver phase one of the Power-to-X Project as part of the UK Government’s Department of Business Energy & Industry Strategy (BEIS) Longer Duration Energy Storage (LODES) Demonstration innovation competition.

Arthur Cox Belfast

Arthur Cox Belfast‘s all-island energy practice is active across the electricity, gas, renewables, and natural resources sectors, and has particular expertise in regulatory matters. William Curry, whose expertise covers all aspects of public procurement and project delivery, co-leads the group with corporate partner David White, who specialises in the energy sector. Other key names in the group include Alan Taylor and associate Erin Carruthers.

Responsables de la pratique:

David White; William Curry


Autres avocats clés:

Alan Taylor; Chris Ritchie; Erin Carruthers


Les références

‘I have found that the team has a wide range of knowledge across the energy and property sector.’

‘Friendly, pragmatic, knowledgable and experienced staff, excellent continuity of staff for clients.’

‘I’ve worked in conjunction with David White for common clients for many years and his knowledge and professionalism continue to impress. Always reliable, responsive and pragmatic, it’s been a genuine pleasure working with him.’

Principaux clients

ERG SpA


Mutual Energy Group (including Moyle Interconnector Limited, Belfast Gas Transmission Limited and Premier Transmission Limited)


Arena Capital Partners Limited


HHT Management Limited


Everun Limited


Phoenix Natural Gas Limited


Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited


Instavolt Limited


SONI Limited


arc21 (grouping of 6 district councils in eastern region of Northern Ireland)


Northern Ireland Housing Executive


Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council


Ulster University


Department of Finance (LPS)


Apex Housing Association


Radius Housing Association


Tourism Northern Ireland


SSE plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Mutual Energy Group on projects, energy regulatory, commercial and procurement matters in relation to its electricity interconnector and gas transmission businesses.
  • Advised ERG SpA, a leading independent clean energy producer, on the acquisition of a 100% equity interest in Corlacky Energy Ltd, which holds the permits for the construction and operation of the 47MW Corlacky wind farm in Northern Ireland.
  • Advising arc21 on all aspects of an Energy from Waste Facility, which is the largest PFI/PPP Project, and the first procurement of its kind ever to be undertaken in Northern Ireland.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Cleaver Fulton Rankin fields a team of planning, regulatory, property, and corporate lawyers, with experience in a broad range of energy matters. Team lead Stephen Cross advises energy companies, investors, and financial institutions, and is particularly experienced working on wind, solar, and biomass projects. Planning expert Karen Blair and property specialist Joe Marley are key names in the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Cross


Autres avocats clés:

Joe Marley; Karen Blair; Brendan Martyn


Les références

‘My overall impression of this practice is that of a very professional team with a wide range of expertise across many areas of law.’

‘Joe has great experience in this area and provides expert advice that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the business. Joe is very approachable and easily contactable.’

Principaux clients

Dalradian Gold Limited


EirGrid / SONI


Assured Energy LLP


Close Brothers Asset Finance


Assured Energy LLP and Gravis Capital Partners


NIE


Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR)


HSBC UK Bank PLC


Harland & Wolff plc / Islandmagee Energy Limited


Global Infrastructure Management LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising EirGrid on a dispute under the Capacity Market Code, referred to the Capacity Market Dispute Resolution Board, in relation to modifications made by EirGrid to the capacity market auction process.
  • Acting for Close Brothers Asset Finance in its financing of the repowering of wind turbines across Northern Ireland.
  • Advising on the restructuring of Gravis Capital Partners’ investment in the Assured Energy portfolio of 11 anaerobic digester plants.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP advises developers, investors, and funders on a range of clean energy development, energy procurement and sustainability matters. Core team members include corporate partner Grant Edwards.

Autres avocats clés:

Grant Edwards


Les références

‘What makes this practice so unique is the level of service that you receive, and that the professional manner and the quality of the knowledge that this provided from the team is second to none.’

Principaux clients

ABO Wind


ERG spa


Capital Dynamics


Obton Limited


MPG Wind (development entity) and MPG Wind Services (O&M entity)


Green Energy Hub


Ark Enviro Limited


Regen


Hadstone Energy


Reserflex Ltd


Industrial Financing and Leasing Limited


Skylark Control Limited


Green HaaS


B9 Energy Storage


Newbridge Energy


Solo Renewables


Lisleen Energy


Cape Renewables


LBBW


AIB Group (UK) plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Kells BES Ltd in respect of the transmission connection agreement and regulatory permitting to energise a 50MW BESS project at Kells C. Antrim.
  • Advising B9 Energy Storage to structure and negotiate the collaboration and contractual arrangements for the BEIS funded Hydrogen demonstrator project for super long duration storage (storing green hydrogen in underground salt caverns for later use as carbon free fuel).
  • Advised ABO wind on its 25MW wind project at Cullion, Co. Tyrone with a co-located electrolyser.

TLT

TLT acts for prominent domestic and international clients on a range of matters. The team has expertise handling on- and offshore windfarm projects, and has notable strength in infrastructure planning applications. Team lead Andrew Ryan is a key name for knowledge of the Northern Irish planning system. Ryan is supported by real estate lawyer Kevin Murphy and senior associate Sarah Mulholland.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Ryan


Autres avocats clés:

Kevin Murphy; Sarah Mulholland


Principaux clients

ABO Wind NI Ltd


Albion Capital


Alpha Real Capital


Deepbridge Capital


EP Kilroot Limited


Low Carbon


SSE Renewable Developments


EP UK Investments


Greenville Energy Limited


Energia Renewables Company


Principaux dossiers


Tughans

Tughans fields a multidisciplinary team, with significant experience in corporate and financing transactions. The group has particular strength in the utilities and waste sectors. Andrew Kirke, whose practice includes power purchase agreements, specialist energy regulatory matters, and grid connection agreements, co-leads the department with real estate partner Chris Milligan, who exclusively focuses on energy, natural resources, and infrastructure.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Kirke; Chris Milligan


Autres avocats clés:

Maria O’Loan


Les références

‘I have instructed Tughans on matters within the energy and projects field and have found them to be excellent. They are friendly, approachable and extremely knowledgeable. They have provided the advise requested within the timeframes set and demonstrated expertise in their fields.’

‘Chris Milligan and Maria O’Loan are excellent. Their knowledge of this area of the law is comprehensive, and the advice is delivered clearly and effectively.’

‘Engaged, responsive and able to provide high quality advice in the tightest of timelines.’

Principaux clients

SONI Limted


SSE Plc


ESB Group


Adman Civil Projects Limited


Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (t/a Translink)


Indaver NV


Greencoat Capital,


ERG S.p.A.


Natural World Products


Northern Ireland Water


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Indaver on a waste to energy facility.
  • Advising SONI, the sole operator of the high voltage electricity transmission network in Ireland, and works alongside the distribution network operator, Northern Ireland Electricity Limited, to run the electricity network for suppliers, generators and customers.
  • Advising Greencoat, the largest renewables investment manager in the UK and Europe, on a number of specialist regulatory enquiries.

Mills Selig

Mills Selig has a strong focus on renewables, particularly wind, solar, anaerobic digestion and battery storage. The group covers investment, acquisitions, and disposals. Real estate specialist Anna-Marie McAlinden leads the team, and is regularly active for landowners, funders, institutional lenders and developers. Glenn Watterson leads on corporate transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anna-Marie McAlinden


Autres avocats clés:

Glenn Watterson; Emma McCloskey


Les références

‘This practice are a team that focus on the client’s success. They spend time getting to know you and your business. This reaps benefits when things get complicated or contentious, because they then are able to adapt and anticipate the assistance we require.’

‘The individuals are evidently skilled, knowledgeable, clear and succinct. They have no airs or graces about them. The professionalism is clear and, most importantly, acknowledged by their competitors and other businesses.’

Principaux clients

Natural World Products Limited


Power On Technologies Limited


Girona Energy Limited


BSI Wind Ltd


3T Power Limited


Alpha Real Renewables (England)


Rengineers (Dutch)


Principaux dossiers