A&O Shearman has a diverse practice that handles energy sector M&A, major renewable energy project developments, litigation, tax and finance matters. Managing partner Tom Schoors is a key adviser on offshore wind projects, which are crucial to Belgium’s renewable energy matrix. Filip Tanghe is a key contact for PPP and project finance matters and recently advised a consortium of export credit agencies on the €5.5bn financing in connection with Europe’s largest ever investment in electrolysis projects to make green hydrogen. Project finance specialist Yves Van Pul frequently handles offshore wind projects, and Gauthier van Thuyne advises on PPPs and concessions. Litigation expert Astrid Lecomte is also recommended.

DLA Piper 'excels in providing comprehensive and client-centric legal services in the energy sector' and maintains a growing presence in the market. Lead partners include Orestis Omran, whose focus on matters involving Greece sees him take a leading role in advising on key energy transition projects in South-Eastern Europe, and the newly promoted Alec Van Vaerenbergh, who 'sees the bigger picture in climate and energy' and stands out for advising on regulatory and transactional advice, including for major public clients such as the Cabinet of the Belgian Federal Minister for Energy. Litigation and regulatory partner Bob Martens is a further key contact, and Caroline Hoste is recommended for finance and projects work.

Fieldfisher‘s energy and utilities practice, which is part of the EU regulatory group, is praised for its ‘pragmatic and professional approach’ to commercial and regulatory matters. The practice is co-led by regulatory partner David Haverbeke and by Wouter Vandorpe, who offers ‘practical, legally solid solutions‘ in connection with large energy projects. Together with Nicolas Celis, the team’s key contacts are well-regarded for their ability to handle contentious matters related to licensing and regulatory issues, including proceedings before the Belgian Constitutional Court and the EU Court of Justice. The team also regularly advises on joint venture negotiations and power purchase agreements.

Liedekerke's broad-ranging energy practice, which sits in its regulatory group, continues to take a lead role in a diverse portfolio of projects, including large solar farm developments, battery electrical storage systems, and carbon capture storage and usage infrastructure, as well as being a key advisor on carbon emissions regulations, hydrogen projects, and capacity remuneration mechanisms. Practice head Damien Verhoeven, who has ‘a very sharp mind in providing advice and is outstanding in providing the right message in court pleadings‘, and regulatory specialist Lola Malluquin regularly represent major power and gas companies and federations in proceedings before Belgian and EU courts. Thibaut Hollanders has extensive experience in hydro and solar power projects, while regulatory partner François Tulkens stands out for advice on matters in the nuclear sector and Olivier Vanden Berghe focuses on commercial contracts. As a climate change specialist, Jonas Van Orshoven is a key adviser on carbon regulation.

Clifford Chance has a ‘pragmatic, efficient and business-oriented team‘ that handles M&A, construction, financing, and regulatory matters in addition to representing corporate energy clients in litigation proceedings. Corporate partners Xavier Remy, who primarily advises on solar and wind energy projects, and the newly promoted Patrice Viaene, ‘a true leader with outstanding legal and commercial knowledge‘ with extensive experience advising clients on large infrastructure undertakings, act as key contacts in the team. Associate Pieter De Bock focuses on public and regulatory law.

Loyens & Loeff‘s energy and infrastructure group is ‘reliable and highly experienced‘ and provides integrated advice on real estate and renewable energy matters across the Benelux region. Practice head Koen Panis is ‘extremely knowledgeable in the renewable energy sector in Europe in its entirety‘ and is a key contact for advice on solar energy projects PPPs, turbine supply agreements, and the tendering of corporate PPAs, as is Bram Devlies. Finance partner Marc Vermylen handles high-profile M&A in the energy sector and recently advised Virya Energy on the €1.55bn sale of its interest in offshore wind farm holding company Parkwind. Thomas Chellingsworth and Christine Delagaye left the firm in late 2023.

NautaDutilh's energy and utilities practice is noted by clients for its ‘good teamwork, knowledge and experience‘. Corporate partner Nicolas de Crombrugghe, who advises on major joint ventures and transactions in connection with renewable energy projects co-leads the practice with regulatory specialist Jens Mosselmans. Maxime Vanderstraeten is a key adviser on contentious matters concerning public, administrative, energy and environmental law, while Stef Feyen, who has niche expertise in hydrogen law, is also sought after for his advice on capacity mechanisms and electricity market design.

Deloitte Legal has a multi-disciplinary team of ‘excellent strategic thinkers‘ that is led by managing partner Kathleen De Hornois, a public procurement and PPP specialist who also advises on regulatory questions in connection with wind and solar power projects. Having played a key role in the development of regulations for hydrogen transportation, the team is now increasingly active in advising on the drafting of legal frameworks in the hydrogen space. Dominique Vanherck, a key adviser on climate and energy matters, is another highly recommended member of the team.

Eubelius ‘combines superior technical skills and a wealth of experience‘ to advise government bodies, energy producers, TSOs, investors, and lending bodies on regulatory matters, construction projects, corporate transactions, and litigation proceedings. Lead partners Barteld Schutyser and Wim Goossens stand out for their public law expertise and ability to advise on energy construction projects respectively. They are supported by the ‘very accessible‘ Thomas Vandenberghe, who primarily advises on corporate matters and PPAs.

Linklaters has ‘excellent experience in the Belgian energy market, including regulatory elements and PPA drafting‘, and advises on a growing portfolio of domestic and international matters in the energy sector. Global co-head of energy and utilities Arnaud Coibion is a key adviser on energy sector M&A, a recent example being his advice to Virya Energy on its €1.55bn sale to Parkwind. Lothar Van Driessche is sought after for advice on public law and regulatory matters. The firm also handles large project finance mandates.

Lydian combines ‘in-depth knowledge in the complex energy regulatory field with pragmatic, business-focused advice‘ in connection with renewable energy projects developments and energy sector M&A. Kyoto Van Herreweghe is a key adviser on energy regulatory matters. Jens Debièvre left the firm in 2024.

Philippe & Partners handles litigation and transactional work arising from the energy sector and stands out for its work for the likes of Engie Electrabel and Tractebel on matters concerning the energy transition. Practice head Denis Philippe, who is a director of the Belgian Nuclear Association, is respected for his work in both international and domestic arbitration. Mathieu Clément de Cléty is a key adviser on contentious matters concerning constitutional, administrative, and energy law.