Renewable energy already makes a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, more efficient use of resources and security of supply. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has the potential to be a major area of activity for energy sector investors in years to come.  Our climate change and renewables practice is led from our energy team and comprises expertise in relevant disciplines including commercial, regulatory, environment, projects, corporate and banking.  Over the years, we have advised on a variety of renewables power projects, small and large, on and offshore. 

We have a long history of advising on wind, both in the UK and throughout Europe. In the UK, we have also been one of the principal firms developing the legislative and regulatory framework for the offshore transmission networks required for Round 3. Because of the breadth of our experience and our client base, we regularly interact with all of the key government and regulatory bodies, the main operators, investors and contractors, and we understand the issues that have to be navigated to successfully bid and then conclude arrangements for offshore renewable developments.

We are also at the forefront of other renewable energy developments across Europe such as solar, wave and tidal, and have been advising increasingly on such projects as these technologies develop and become more commercially viable.

Through our CMS network, we have access to the latest legal thinking and expertise across Europe on the development and financing of onshore and offshore renewables projects and CCS, and the different frameworks that are in place to support such investments. Our energy specialists can advise you on all of the relevant legal issues, including:

• Qualification and the necessary preparatory steps under the ITN
• Renewable Energy Zones
• Decommissioning liabilities
• The changes proposed under the Energy Act, Planning Act and Marine Bill
• Dealing with DBERR (now DECC), DEFRA, Ofgem, The Crown Estate and Environment Agency
• Emissions trading
• CDM and JI Projects