Over the past 13 years our team of energy lawyers have developed expertise and gained unique experience in advising funders, developers, objectors and numerous other stakeholders in renewable energy projects.
We have a comprehensive understanding of the policies, market structures and economics affecting the development of the Renewables sector in Ireland, most notably grid connection and the continuation of REFIT. Our team have witnessed the dynamic evolution of these policies, structures and economics and we fully appreciate their political and economic interaction with the wider energy market.
We have advised on AER and REFIT power purchase agreements and the State aid issues and risks associated with such off-take arrangements. We actively advise on and participate in key market consultations, such as the consultation on the treatment of wind in the SEM. We have advised both price markers and price takers on key SEM compliance issues and the impact of regulatory changes on revenue flows.
We are fully conversant with the Gate system and the grid connection processes. We have advised on auto-production.
Together with our Environmental & Planning Group we can advise energy clients on all of the environmental and planning controls as they apply to energy projects, including land-use planning consents, Environmental Impact Assessment, pollution control licensing and the new critical infrastructure regime.
Our experience includes advising:
ESB Novusmodus on its investment in Wind Energy Direct, an 'on-site' wind energy developer
Glanpower in relation to the development of a number of HE-CHP Pyrolysis plant utilising municipal waste, biomass and bio-gas.
Preferred Bidder in relation to the sale by tender auction of Energia, which included conventional and renewable generation assets and a developed retail supply business.
Aughinish Alumina Limited in relation to all its activities undertaken in Ireland, including: the procurement and construction of the 160MW CHP plant; its significant fuel oil and gas supply arrangements; its CfD with the ESB in relation to the SEM; its carbon hedging and trading arrangements; on its extension to its Bauxite Residue Storage Facility at its alumina refinery; and in relation to one of the largest global energy and commodities transactions where Rusal acquired the alumina assets of Glencore International.
Pratt & Whitney on entering into a proposed turnkey contract for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of two oil fired gas turbine generators sets.
RWE Ireland in relation to its O&M contract with a 380MW gas fired CCGT plant and its gas supply and tolling agreement.
RWE Gmbh in relation to the disposal of its Irish gas supply division.
E.ON on operational and regulatory issues in relation to its 130MW Edenderry peat burning power plant and its subsequent disposal of that plant to Bord na Mona.
JP Morgan Venture Energy Corp on its successful takeover of EcoSecurities Group plc.
Enercon GmbH and Aloys Wobben in relation to a patent dispute concerning turbine supplier, Vestas.
ConocoPhillips on providing a serviced site to Bord gais on which to construct a 440MW gas fired CCGT plant at Whitegate, Co. Cork.
Atlantic Fuel Supply Company, on the design, build and financing of a major oil terminal facility at Foynes Port County Limerick.
Bioverda in relation to the purchase of the waste to energy assets of Irish Power Systems including landfill gas generation assets with a generating capacity of 38MW.
Gazprom in relation to supply arrangements for the Irish I&C sector.
Flogas Natural Gas in relation to its gas procurement and trading arrangements and its downstream domestic gas supply business.
Co-gen in respect of its proposals to roll out small/medium sized CHP generators to industrial demand sites.
We advise numerous clients on wind farm projects in relation to Renewable Supports/REFIT and banking and equity funding for such projects.
We are consistently ranked as one of the leading Energy & Natural Resources law firms in Ireland.
Department
'The dedicated energy team at this leading firm continues to attract prominent work across the field'.
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Energy & Natural Resources
William Fry offers a ‘broad depth of industry knowledge’ and provides ‘sound, relevant advice'.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2011 - Projects, Energy & Natural Resources
The team's 'experience, knowledge and practical approach have been hugely helpful, particularly when dealing with new markets and regulations'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Energy & Natural Resources
William Fry ‘holds a diverse team and can bring in relevant experience as required’ and response times are considered ‘considerably better than the rest’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Projects, Energy & Natural Resources
William Fry has a ‘good customer service ethic’ and a ‘huge amount of experience and expertise’. Clients praise the team’s ‘first class industry knowledge’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009 – Projects, Energy & Natural Resources
Impressing clients with the commitment and hands-on approach of its partners, "this team will work tirelessly to get the deals through", sources say.
Chambers Europe, 2009 – Energy & Natural Resources
Team
Fergus Devine
Group head Fergus Devine 'plays a starring role in many of the firm's leading energy mandates and is held in high regard by market observers.'
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Energy & Natural Resources
Clients appreciate that Fergus' 'advice provides commercial value as well as legal expertise'.
Chambers Europe, 2011 - Energy & Natural Resources
Fergus Devine is ‘extremely hands on’.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Projects, Energy & Natural Resources
Fergus Devine is one of Ireland’s most experienced energy lawyers. Clients say he is "able to perfectly balance commercial and legal concerns".
Chambers Europe, 2009 - Energy & Natural Resources