Energy & Natural Resources

Our experienced lawyers provide strategic advice on a broad spectrum of commercial contracts, including concession agreements, farm-in arrangements, fuel supply deals, offtake agreements, and trading contracts. With deep industry knowledge, we support clients in structuring and negotiating agreements that align with their commercial objectives while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. We focus on building robust contractual foundations that help clients maximise long-term value and minimise risk. 

• Acted for Clipper Windpower (an AIM Company), a US wind turbine manufacturer and operator, in various corporate and commercial matters, including significant fund raisings ($200 m +).   
• Acted for an Asian multinational in a high-value claim under an aborted supply agreement against a South American state entity, in relation to a project for the electrification of a block of the Amazon basin. The case involved, amongst others, successfully obtaining emergency injunctive relief from the English court to preserve evidence in support of a pending London-seated ICC arbitration pursuant to s44 of the English Arbitration Act.   
• Supported clients on procurement strategy, sustainability targets, and long-term offtake arrangements.   
• Drafted supply, installation and commissioning contracts for anaerobic digestion plants for an Austrian engineer.   

Our highly specialist lawyers advise on all aspects of construction law within the energy and natural resources sector. From drafting and negotiating EPC contracts to managing procurement processes and resolving disputes, we provide comprehensive legal support throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. Our extensive experience helps clients mitigate risks and resolve disputes efficiently, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. We bring legal clarity to complex infrastructure developments, ensuring that challenges are addressed before they become costly delays. 

• Singapore LNG Terminal – expansion of a liquid natural gas receiving terminal. Advising the EPC contractor on ongoing contentious and non-contentious issues arising under the EPC contract. 
• Teesside Biomass Power Plant, UK – negotiated EPC Contract for a 299 MW biomass-fuelled power plant to be constructed at Teesport, UK. Negotiating joint venture and consortium agreements for the contractor. Negotiating major equipment supply contracts. 
• Represented a Kazakh oil company in a London-seated UNCITRAL arbitration in the defence of a claim against a bank for breach of a corporate guarantee in relation to a construction project.   
• Acted on a $100m ICC arbitration relating to the design and construction of chemical plants in the Middle East.   
• The construction aspects acting for the purchaser of the world’s largest offshore wind farm in The Netherlands for the value of €1.6 billion.   
• Advised a Greek construction company in the energy and natural resources sector on various complex contracts relating to the construction of a floating LNG terminal for the import of LNG to Cyprus including a floating storage and regasification unit, a jetty for mooring the FSRU, a pipeline and related infrastructure.    

 Our corporate lawyers provide strategic advice on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and restructuring tailored to energy and natural resource clients. We have the deep industry knowledge required to advise on complex cross-border transactions in oil & gas, mining and power, ensuring regulatory compliance and commercial robustness. We also advise on shareholder issues. Our team works swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve disputes efficiently, delivering bespoke solutions that support growth and sustainability in global energy markets. 

• Advised a major nuclear decommissioning company on its management and operation and parent body agreements with the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.   
• Acted for Clipper Windpower (an AIM Company), a US wind turbine manufacturer and operator, in various corporate and commercial matters, including significant fund raisings ($200 m +).   
• Acted for Anaeco, an Australian energy from waste company on UK matters.    
• Acted for Management on £80 million secondary buyout of Discovery Group.    
• Acting on the IPO of Wogen Resources Ltd to the AIM.   
• Advised the selling shareholders (corporates) on the AIM IPO of Eqtec PLC (bioscience energy/gasification technology).    
• Advised a Russian petrochemical firm in its acquisition of an Austrian liquid gas wholesaler.    
• Advised a UK renewables company, Solarplicity on its acquisition of a UK solar farm.   
• Advised Baiterek Venture Fund in carrying out due diligence investigations on a UK energy company.    
• Advising Devonian Petroleum Ltd, a Kazakh oil exploration group on structuring, initial investment and US$30m fundraising.   
• Advised Kazakhstan Utility Systems LLP on the acquisition of two Kazakh heat and power generation companies, Ust-Kamenogorsk CHP and CHP Sogrinskaya, from NYSE-listed AES Corporation.  
• Advised a renewables company on its acquisition of a UK solar farm.    

Our experts work swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve disputes efficiently. We provide strategic advice on a wide range of dispute resolution mechanisms, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation, tailored to the specific needs of the energy and natural resources sector. With a calm, commercial approach, we help clients navigate high-pressure situations and protect their legal and commercial interests from the outset. Our clients benefit from commercially minded strategies that are designed to preserve key relationships and keep projects on track. 

• Acted for an Eastern European state entity energy supplier in a US$1 billion arbitration brought by a Baltic State raising claims of alleged unfair gas pricing under a long-term gas supply contract.   
• Acted for an Asian multinational in a high-value claim under an aborted supply agreement against a South American state entity, in relation to a project for the electrification of a block of the Amazon basin. The case involved, amongst others, successfully obtaining emergency injunctive relief from the English court to preserve evidence in support of a pending London-seated ICC arbitration pursuant to s44 of the English Arbitration Act.   
• Acted successfully for an international construction company in a London-seated arbitration in a claim against a state respondent for damages of $6 billion arising out of a contract for the supply and processing of natural gas.   
• Defended a Nigerian energy company in the Commercial Court in England over alleged breaches of a multimillion-pound bond guarantee.   
• Advised a Nigerian oil company in ICC Arbitration proceedings concerning a claim for over US$300 million in connection with the purchase of an oil mining licence.    
• Advised a joint venture company between a subsidiary of a Nigerian oil company and a company registered in Singapore in an LCIA arbitration with regard to a fraud dispute relating to a multimillion-pound purchase of oil rigs.    
• Acted for a US-based manufacturer of conveyor belts in a defects dispute against a major UK contractor concerning the design of the conveyor belts in the construction of a nuclear facility in the UK.    
• Advised a US manufacturer of conveyor belts in the negotiation of a construction contract concerning the design, manufacturing, and supply of conveyor belts for the construction of a nuclear facility in the UK.    
• Acted for Sunlink Energies and Resources Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, in a significant legal dispute (US$1 billion) with The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), a subsidiary of the global Shell Group.   
• Acted successfully for a Slovenian oil and gas company in a London-seated LCIA arbitration claim against a Croatian company for damages over $32 million arising out of a contract for the supply of petrol-related products.    

Our team provides strategic advice on distribution arrangements within the energy and natural resources sector. Assisting clients in drafting and negotiating distribution agreements that ensure efficient and compliant delivery of products and services, we anticipate challenges and regulatory changes to help clients maintain operational resilience across supply chains. 

• Drafted terms and conditions governing supply, distribution, and risk allocation.   
• Drafted and negotiated a framework utility infrastructure agreement for the landowner with an independent distribution network operator in respect of large-scale gas and electricity upgrades and supply for the development of land at Silverstone Park Northamptonshire. 
• Drafted and negotiated an electricity supply and works agreements with an independent distribution network operator in respect of a major 33/11kV electricity reinforcement project at Milton Park Oxfordshire. 

Our employment lawyers provide expert advice on employment matters within the energy and natural resources sector. We assist clients in navigating complex employment issues, including workforce restructuring, compliance with employment legislation, and managing employment disputes.

• Advised a British multinational oil and gas company on day-to-day employment related matters, grievances, disciplinaries, contract of employment and policy work.   
• Advised a board member of a Middle Eastern oil and gas company on breach of contract, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claims.    
• Advised on a major redundancy for a large Korean energy company.   
• Advised on modern slavery obligations for a large Korean energy company.    
• Advised on an employee fraud issue for a large Korean lubricants company.    
• Advised a national oil company as borrower in relation to the financing of its USD55 billion acquisition of another national oil company from an international oil major. 
• Advised a global mining business on a large-scale international staff restructuring and redeployment project.   
• Created and established a bespoke share and share-related staff incentive program for an advisory business in the renewables sector.    
• Advised on the UK integration and restructuring of two business streams for an employer in the solar power sector. 

With deep sector knowledge, we support clients through complex finance arrangements in energy and natural resources markets. Our team advises on project financing, debt and equity financing, and other financial structures, ensuring transactions are structured efficiently, risks are mitigated, and regulatory requirements are met. We deliver commercially sound solutions that enable projects to proceed with confidence and financial clarity. 

• Due diligence on a trade finance structure involving the importation of crude at USD2.5 billion into India.   
• Advised ExxonMobil in relation to all ongoing aspects of the Chad–Cameroon pipeline project and the related Three Fields oilfield development in Chad, project financed by various commercial banks as well as the World Bank/IFC, EIB, COFACE and US Ex-Im Bank.   
• Due diligence on a trade finance structure involving the importation of crude at USD2.5 billion into India.   
• Advised Citibank as lender in relation to a financing of Azenerji (Azerbaijani energy utility).   
• Advised the lender in relation to the bridge financing of a EUR 10.5 billion acquisition of a strategic stake in an international oil company by the Qatari Investment Authority. 

Our intellectual property lawyers provide expert advice on protecting and exploiting IP assets within the energy and natural resources sector. We assist clients in managing patents, trademarks, and other IP rights, ensuring their innovations and brand identities are safeguarded. Our deep knowledge of IP law enables us to offer commercially focused solutions tailored to our clients’ needs, with a focus on securing competitive advantage through robust and enforceable IP strategies. 

• Advised on IP/technology sharing, licensing and secondment arrangements for large-scale enhanced technical services agreements between Shell and Kuwait Oil Company for three new oil and gas fields.   
• Coordinated IP due diligence, advice and contract negotiation for numerous Shell Ventures investments in Digital, New Energies and Oil & Gas third-party technology companies or spin-outs.    
• Supported Shell Ventures on identifying IP risks and opportunities when setting up multiple large strategic investment funds.    
• Project lead for creation and roll-out of Shell group-wide global online IP (brand & technology) compliance training programme.    

Our expert lawyers support clients through all stages of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate structuring within the energy and natural resources sector. We provide strategic advice on transaction structuring, due diligence, and regulatory compliance, ensuring deals are executed smoothly and efficiently. We work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver clear commercial outcomes and lasting partnerships. 

• Due diligence on a trade finance structure involving the importation of crude at USD2.5 billion into India.   
• Advised an international oil company on its $850m acquisition of OML 30 in Nigeria from Shell and other oil majors.   
• Advised an energy company on the potential acquisition of interests in oil and gas blocks in Africa.   
• Advised in relation to a $166 million acquisition of South African oil and gas rights.     
• Advised an international oil company on its $850m acquisition of OML 30 in Nigeria from Shell and other oil majors.   
• Advised the lenders in relation to the take-private certain-funds bid financing of the acquisition of Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC), structured to comply with The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

Our planning experts are on hand to advise on all aspects of planning and consents within the energy and natural resources sector. We assist clients in navigating the complexities of planning applications, environmental impact assessments, and obtaining necessary consents for their projects. Our insight into regulatory requirements ensures smoother progress through planning stages and greater certainty for project delivery. 

• Acted for a landowner who successfully challenged a planning proposal for development of an AD plant (anaerobic digestion) in the Green Belt.   
• Advised a key landowner on compensation issues who faced compulsory acquisition for the Hinckley Point C nuclear project.    
• Advised Bird & Bird LLP on planning when they have been acting for clients on deals acquiring various solar projects in the UK.    
• Advised Greener Wind Energy Limited on a High Court challenge. 
• Advised on commercial-scale solar development.    
• Handling housing and wind farm agreements for Cornwall Council and for Wiltshire District Council (on secondment).    
• Planning appeals for developers (wind and solar), including two planning appeals (wind) for one of leading suppliers of renewable energy worldwide.   
• Legal audit of planning applications / EIA for both solar and wind developer clients.    
• Advised in relation to renewable energy proposals in the greenbelt – advised developer clients in relation to site selection and planning strategy in relation to solar projects in the greenbelt, with reference to case law and recently decided planning appeals and identifying market trends.    
• Advised National Grid Gas on a DCO for the replacement of a 6km tunnelled section of high-pressure gas transmission pipeline under the River Humber.   
• Advised ESB Solar on environmental aspects of the purchase of a 6.86MW grid-connected battery storage system from Anesco Limited at a site in Grantham. 
• Advised Barking Power Limited on its application for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for a 470MW extension to the existing 1000MW combined-cycle gas turbine power station.    
• Advised on the 2CO Project in the Don Valley. This was the UK’s and EU’s leading carbon capture and storage proposal.

Our property and real estate team supports energy-sector clients at every stage – from land and site acquisition, leases and easements, through planning, construction and asset optimisation.  

• Acted for developers in the creation of bespoke land agreements for renewable energy schemes including some ‘first of their kind’ projects involving data centres and crypto mining hubs.    
• Acted for a landed estate client in relation to the grant of an option for lease of two NSIP scale multi-technology renewable energy schemes.    
• Acted for a corporate landowner in relation the negotiations of a solar project forming part of a multi-landowner scheme, including advise around securing vacant possession of the land from an agricultural tenant.    
• Advised landowners and developers in relation to the negotiation of access and cable easements with DNOs and statutory undertakers to facilitate the development and energisation of renewable developments.    
• Acted for a business focused on rewilding former agricultural land with the development of an EV charging car park and battery storage scheme that was being developed within greenbelt land.    
• Advised on the installation of EV charge facilities throughout England and Wales.    
• Secured multiple panel appoints for renewable developers as a recommended legal adviser for landowners.     
• Acting for a battery storage developer with its £90 million disposal of a portfolio of flexible power generation facilities.    
• Acting for a waste management company with a pipeline of acquisitions of waste treatment facilities, including a recycling and skip rental company (£62 million acquisition).  
• Acting for an energy fund with its sale of a £33 million battery storage project. 
• Acting for a battery storage developer to procure construction financing for its portfolio of projects with Goldman Sachs.    
• Acting for a PLC which are one of the largest owners of rooftop solar assets in the UK with the acquisition and refinancing of a portfolio of rooftop and ground mount solar sites.    
• Acting for a syndicate of three institutional investors in relation to a £70 million debt financing for the construction of a 100-megawatt battery storage facility (BESS).    
• Acted for a landlord in the restructuring, consolidation, letting and refinancing of their 16-acre, 20-commercial unit estate portfolio.   
• Acted for a series of landowners in respect of cable easements to support one of the UK’s first offshore floating wind projects.   
• Acted for the developers on the acquisition, promotion, and sale of a succession of ground-mounted solar development sites.   
• Advised a solar investment fund on the real estate aspects of the acquisition of numerous solar projects, including a 49.9MW site.

Our EU and competition lawyers advise on regulatory compliance and competition law matters within the energy and natural resources sector. We assist clients in understanding and adhering to regulatory requirements, managing competition law risks, and responding to investigations. We help clients proactively engage with regulators and shape strategies that align with evolving legal frameworks. 

• Advised on fuel-emissions trading schemes and regulatory compliance under UK and EU frameworks.   
• Advised on solar energy projects, focussing on deliverability and grid connections as well as battery storage. This has included advice on Best and Most Versatile Land, National Planning Polices and Guidance (including Green Belt, National Landscapes (AONBs) and heritage assets), Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, as well as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.   
• Advised on fuel-emissions trading schemes and regulatory compliance under UK and EU frameworks.   

Our expert lawyers guide clients through every phase of renewable energy projects – from site acquisition and financing to construction, offtake contracts, and regulatory consents. Drawing on deep sector insight, we support solar, wind, battery, hydrogen, and waste-to-energy ventures, delivering commercially driven legal advice that complex issues into successful, sustainable outcomes. 

• Advises developers on the leases and power purchase agreements required for both roof-mount and large-scale ground-mount solar projects.   
• Advises landowners on the development of wind turbines, anaerobic digesters, and synchronous condensor projects.    
• Provides advice to land agents to assist in their negotiation of heads of terms for renewable energy projects.   
• Advised on the £120m development of two sites for low-carbon commercial glasshouses with infrastructure for delivery of heat from both renewable and waste heat sources.   
• Reported on real estate due diligence aspects in favour of a bank, providing loan facilities secured by a portfolio of solar projects.   

Our team provides strategic advice on technology development and commercialisation within the energy and natural resources sector. We assist clients in protecting their technological innovations, managing IP rights, and commercialising new technologies. We support innovation from concept through to market, helping businesses scale effectively and remain legally protected. 

• Acted for landowners granting options and leases for the deployment of EV charging sites on their land ranging from single-charger facilities to 80 charger drive-in sites.   
• Advises a leading heat pump manufacturer in respect of the deployment of ground source heatpump networks for new and existing housing developments including property due diligence and ground array leases for the provision and supply of heat.   
• Advised on IP/technology sharing, licensing and secondment arrangements for large-scale enhanced technical services agreements between Shell and Kuwait Oil Company for three new oil and gas fields.