Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: Energy

Regulatory expert and academic Régine Feltkamp leads Ariga‘s energy practice, which ‘combines extraordinary experience with a very focused approach’ and is known for its advice on market coupling, energy trading, regulatory matters, and the balancing costs of renewable energy generation.
Noted for its 'extensive experience in competition law', Strelia focuses predominantly on regulatory matters, including matters of capacity allocation for TSOs, with practice head Pierre Goffinet in particular standing out for his ability to lead on matters before domestic and EU courts, including before the EU competition authorities.

Industry focus: Energy in Belgium

A&O Shearman

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Schoors


Autres avocats clés:

Filip Tanghe; Yves Van Pul; Gauthier Van Thuyne; Astrid Lecomte


Principaux clients

EIB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the financiers on a project financing for the greenfield construction of an olefin complex by INEOS in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as part of Europe’s largest ever investment in electrolysis projects to make green hydrogen.
  • Advised various offshore wind farm operators in connection with operation and exploitation of their wind farms, including on regulatory issues, force majeure issues and liability disputes as well as on the new regulatory framework for future tenders for offshore wind energy production installations in the Belgian North Sea.
  • Advised various international corporates on their investments in renewable energy projects, including offshore, onshore and geothermal energy.

DLA Piper

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Orestis Omran; Alec Van Vaerenbergh


Autres avocats clés:

Bob Martens; Caroline Hoste; Eirini Roussou


Les références

‘DLA Piper’s public law practice stands out for its creative thinking, its client orientation and its flexibility. We have worked together on several projects by now. Each time, we find a good intellectual match and a great cooperation to the benefit of our clients.’

‘DLA Piper excels in providing comprehensive and client-centric legal services in the energy sector, offering clients access to a global network of expertise, advanced technology tools, and a deep understanding of sustainability and ESG issues.’

‘Alec Van Vaerenbergh is the strongholder of the team. He sees the bigger picture in climate and energy, while digging deep into the subject with his team. He combines a wide energy sector knowledge with a transversal public law interest.’

Principaux clients

Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy


Belgian Federal Ministry of Economy, DG Energy


Cabinet of Belgian Federal Minister for Energy


Fluvius System Operator CV


Mytilineos S.A.


EuroAsia Interconnector Limited


Piraeus Bank S.A.


Eurobank S.A.


Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator SA


Claritas Investments


Eunice Energy Group


Vlaams Klimaat- en Energie Agentschap


DEME Group


BASF Antwerpen


BayWa AG


Vlaamse Energiebedrijf


ArcelorMittal Belgium


General Electric


Agoria


Belgian Eco Energy


ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen


Eurogas


Decathlon


City of Antwerp


Katoen Natie


City of Ghent


VLEEMO Group


Kuwait Petroleum


FINEG


Veolia Flexcity


UGI International – Antargaz


ENGIE Electrabel


Lotus Bakeries


DIF Capital Partners


Prime Capital


EDP


STX Commodities


Uniper Global Commodities SE


Lhyfe


The Farm Energy Company


Fastned


Polenergia


Consortium TM Edison


Euclid


Prologis


GridConnector


WeForest


Renewi


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy and PPC on the resolution of the case AT.38700, concerning Greek lignite and electricity markets and remedy commitments.
  • Advised the Cabinet of the Belgian Federal Minister for Energy on the regulatory and contractual framework for the re-powering of the existing offshore wind farm concessions in the Belgian part of the North Sea.
  • Represented Kuwait Petroleum Belgium in a legal challenge before the Constitutional Court in connection with the Belgian implementation of the EU’s temporary energy windfall profits tax.

Fieldfisher

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Haverbeke; Wouter Vandorpe


Autres avocats clés:

Nicolas Celis; Guillaume van Doorslaer


Les références

‘What makes Fieldfisher unique is the in-depth knowledge of legislation in the energy field, the local practices and pitfalls, and the way to find solutions.’

‘What makes the Wouter Vandorpe stand out is the unique mix between legal competences and the understanding of the field of an energy operator. Nice and efficient collaboration. Pragmatic and professional approach.’

‘Wouter van Dorpe is a very qualified lawyer who understands the business very well. Wouter and his team are very approachable and are always willing to make time available to discuss any questions you may have. ’

Principaux clients

2Valorise


Amundi


BayWa


Bnewable


BStor


Centrica


Eneco


FuelCell Energy


Greenpulse


Groenleven


Helexia


Lhyffe


L’Oreal Energie Verte


MIVB/STIB


Pluq


Service Public de Wallonie


Slovenske Elektrarne


Storm Management


Sunrock


Unilin


Virya Energy


Vlaams Energiebedrijf


Windvision


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Centrica on their flexibility services on regulatory and contractual matters, including its relationships with the relevant regulatory authorities.
  • Advised FuelCell Energy on its European strategy regarding hydrogen production and the roll-out of CCUS technology in the EU, including advocacy mapping and regulatory monitoring.
  • Assisted Sunrock with its strategy around solar energy projects in multiple European countries, including the UK, Belgium, France and Italy.

Liedekerke

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Damien Verhoeven


Autres avocats clés:

François Tulkens; Olivier Vanden Berghe; Thibaut Hollanders; Lola Malluquin; Jonas Van Orshoven


Les références

‘Damien Verhoeven is a very sharp mind in providing advice and is outstanding in providing the right message in court pleadings. Lola Malluquin is an excellent and promising lawyer, with a real understanding of the client’s business and an ability to provide strong and efficient advice in very technical matters.’

Principaux clients

Elia


Air Liquide


TotalEnergies


Engie Electrabel


Luminus


Eneco


Veolia


FEBEG


PerPetum Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted the federation of energy stakeholders FEBEG with the opposition to the Belgian implementation of EU Regulation 2022/1854, an emergency intervention to address high energy prices.
  • Assisted Imerys with the development of a power plant in Willebroek.
  • Acted for Luminus in a litigation regarding the reimbursement of the federal levy on gas used to generate power.

Clifford Chance

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Xavier Remy; Patrice Viaene


Autres avocats clés:

Pieter De Bock; Philippe Baert


Les références

‘Strong team with solid experience in large (cross-border) infrastructure projects. Excellent responsiveness and good understanding of commercial context.’

Pragmatic, efficient and business-oriented team. Special mention to Patrice Viaene, who has developed a perfect understanding of our company’s needs and leverages this on a regular basis to provide a custom-made service to us.’

‘Experienced team of experts with the ability to combine legal and commercial knowledge to provide pragmatic solutions to complex problems.’

Principaux clients

50Hertz


DESFA


Ekopak


Elia Group


Equinor


Ethernetics


EuroAsia


Fluxys


Fluvius


Hydrogene de France


Iberdrola


Macquarie


Publigas


Publi-T


PV Vlaanderen


Resa


Sibelgas


Socofe


Thyssenkrupp


TotalEnergies


Varo Energy


Windgrid


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Elia on the structuring and negotiation of the EPCI construction contract for the world’s first artificial renewable energy island.
  • Advised Publigas, the majority shareholder of the European gas TSO Fluxys SA/NV, in connection with the transfer of CDPQ’s minority stake in Fluxys SA/NV to EIP and a group of Belgian investors.
  • Advised EuroAsia on the development and construction of the EuroAsia Interconnector, a European Project of Common Interest.

Loyens & Loeff

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Koen Panis


Autres avocats clés:

Bram Devlies; Maarten van Kalmthout; Marc Vermylen


Les références

‘In-depth knowledge on complicated and difficult matters. In a fast-moving energy environment, the team is well-informed and up-to-date on the most recent legislation. Feedback is clear, to the point and hands-on.’

‘Professional staff with good knowledge of industry-related matters. ’

‘The Energy team from Loyens & Loeff consists of a highly competent members who all have a thorough and broad knowledge of the energy sector and have a very good understanding of the particularities of our company.’

Principaux clients

Fluvius System Operator


Virya Energy


Parkwind


WDP


Elicio


Alliander


Plug Power Inc.


Norther


Cameco


Pure Energie


Veolia


KBC Bank NV


Nippon Koei Energy


Yuso


KBC Bank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Virya Energy on the sale of 100% of the shares in offshore wind developer Parkwind NV to the leading Japanese power producer JERA Co., Inc.
  • Advised ten renewable energy developers on legislation introducing a windfall tax on certain electricity generators and represented one developer, Eoly Energy, in a legal challenge before the Constitutional Court against parts of this legislation.
  • Assisted WDP on its roll-out of roof-mounted solar projects, including on the drafting of WDP’s power purchase agreements and on regulatory matters surrounding licenses, subsidies, grid connection, and a new type of “renewable energy” obligation.

NautaDutilh

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolas de Crombrugghe; Jens Mosselmans


Autres avocats clés:

Maxime Vanderstraeten; Stef Feyen


Les références

‘Good teamwork among law office staff. Good understanding of legal matters in our sector. Thinking along to properly substantiate a legal case. Always available and well prepared. Knowledge and experience is present. There is always consultation and files are well followed up.’

‘Every individual lawyer/adviser has his specialties and they complement each other. Each has the gift of correctly estimating legal impact to convey and make clear. To the point! Jens Mosselmans runs his team with respect for his collaborating lawyers.’

Principaux clients

Belgian Shell


ENGIE Electrabel


Fluxys


Parkwind


Technip Energies


Virya Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Technip Energies alongside Skadden on negotiations with John Cockerill for the creation of a new joint venture under the name Rely.
  • Advised ENGIE on regulatory matters in connection with the capacity remuneration mechanism and its further implementation.
  • Assisted Electrabel with the implementation of ca. 30 000 charging points for electrical vehicles in the context of the Flemish energy tranasition.

Deloitte Legal

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kathleen De Hornois


Autres avocats clés:

Dominique Vanherck


Les références

‘Very good professionals, excellent strategic thinkers, perfect documents prepared with the greatest care and spot-on.’

‘Excellent lawyers, with a complete set of the relevant skills.’

Principaux clients

Elia


POM West-Vlaanderen


Parkwind


FPIM


Nexans


Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy


Beaulieu International Group


Aquafin


WVI


Leiedal


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised POM West-Vlaanderen on the legal framework and policy recommendations for a sustainable decommissioning and repowering of offshore and onshore wind turbines in Belgium.
  • Assisting FPIM with the establishment and operationalization of a DRFM entity for the energy renovation of federal public buildings.
  • Assisted Elia with its digitization processes and the transition to a cloud environment.

Eubelius

Eubeliuscombines 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 accessibleThomas Vandenberghe, who primarily advises on corporate matters and PPAs.

Responsables de la pratique:

Barteld Schutyser; Wim Goossens


Autres avocats clés:

Bart Martel; Thomas Vandenberghe; Quinten Jacobs; Bram Devolder; Siel Demeyere; Daan Degrande; Hans Plancke


Les références

‘The multi-disciplinary team is a real advantage of Eubelius. They can help us on any case of our business.’

‘Thomas Vandenberghe has the capability to quickly dive in the topic and find the solutions. Bart Martel has unmatched experience in thinking alongside the client toward the most bullet-proof approach.’

‘The way of working is very fluent and constructive to maintain the main goal of closing the deal. We have a single point of contact who gathers answers on all our questions/remarks. ’

Principaux clients

Cabinet of the Federal Minister of Energy – Federal Public Service for Economy – General Directorate of Energy


B.new.able


A&U Energie


A&S Energie


Aspiravi


Water-Link


Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen


Flemish Energy Company


O3 Invest


SEDS


Interleuven


Total Energies


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for the Belgian Federal Government as lead counsel in its dealings with Engie-Electrabel on the prolongation of the lifespan and operation of two nuclear reactors as well as on related arrangements with regard to the long-term storage and final disposal of radioactive waste and the regulatory framework of nuclear operations in Belgium.
  • Advised the FPS Economy – General Directorate Energy on a number of energy-related topics, ranging from legislative and advisory work to representation before administrative and judicial courts.
  • Advised several real estate developers on the development of energetically self-sustaining neighborhoods, involving the integration of several decentralized energy sources.

Linklaters

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Arnaud Coibion


Autres avocats clés:

Charles-Antoine Leunen; Xavier Taton; David Ballegeer; Lothar Van Driessche


Les références

‘Excellent experience in the Belgian energy market, including regulatory elements and PPA drafting.’

Principaux clients

Fluxys


Virya Energy


ENGIE Electrabel


Helexia


Elia Group


Fluvius


INEOS


Essent


John Cockerill


E.ON


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Virya Energy NV, a subsidiary of the Colruyt Group, on the sale of 100% of the shares in Parkwind NV to JERA Green Ltd.
  • Advised Helexia on all aspects of the structuring, tax structuring and financing of a geographically and technologically diverse portfolio of ca. 600 solar PV and energy efficiency projects located in France, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Romania.
  • Acted for Dutch company Essent Sales Portfolio Management B.V. on the onward sale of 100% of the power, guarantees of origin and other tradable rights under its existing power purchase agreement with C-Power to Electrabel.

Lydian

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kyoto Van Herreweghe


Les références

‘Some distinctive strengths and capabilities include the eagerness to render service on a timely basis, the swift collaboration within the firm with colleagues of different legal areas, further to an acknowledged need within the specific case and the distinctive effort to transmit legal knowledge to a broader public of clients and prospects.’

‘Kyoto Van Herreweghe has a thorough knowledge of the Flemish energy legislation, including both decentralized energy production and distribution. Ms Van Herreweghe outstandingly coordinates team work involving due diligence activities as well as the negotiation and the precise drafting of energy distribution agreements.’

‘Lydian’s energy team stands for combining top legal in-depth knowledge in the complex energy regulatory field with pragmatic, business-focused advice.’

Principaux clients

Anglo Belgian Corporation NV


Elia Assets


Equans NV


Essent


EDF Luminus


EEW Energy from Waste GmbH


Elecnor SA


KBC Groep NV


KBC Vastgoedportefeuille NV


KBC Verzekeringen NV


IBP Water-Link OFP


Immogra / Service & Development Group Belgium NV


Mobix Engetec NV


Nationale Nederlanden


Gcube


Axis


Nippon Express


Norton Rose Fulbright LLP Paris


NW Groupe


Reed Smith LLP


Stora Enso Langerbrugge NV


STIB /MIVB


Tractebel Engineering NV


Visser & Smit Hanab


Water-link OV


Antwerp Gateway NV


Cores Development NV


Pacification Construction NV


TotalEnergies


VMA NV


PSR Brownfield Developers


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised several energy service companies and project developer on the development of energy projects, especially in connection with “energy as a service”projects.
  • Assisted NW Groupe with the development and operation of its energy project on electric mobility in the three Belgian regions.
  • Assisted Reed Smith LLP with its advice to international players on the energy market in connection with the Belgian energy regulatory framework.

Philippe & Partners

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Denis Philippe


Autres avocats clés:

Mathieu Clément de Cléty


Principaux clients

Engie Electrabel


Tractebel


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a major energy supplier in criminal proceedings initiated in the context of sabotage of a nuclear power plant.
  • Acted for a major energy supplier in a claim against distribution system operator that failed to fulfil its legal obligations due to a problem that occurred during the migration of an IT system.