DLA Piper is renowned for its capabilities in energy projects, routinely advising Chinese clients on their outbound investments in Hong Kong and worldwide. Net-zero initiatives, including the development of the first two solar portfolio projects in Hong Kong and advising on key energy transition projects in Indonesia and Vietnam, are notable recent highlights. In addition, the firm has a reputable LNG practice, routinely advising clients across the entire supply chain, from upstream development to downstream sales and transport. Practice head Matthias Schemuth is a specialist in project financings across Asia, with a particular focus on the energy and renewables sectors. Leveraging his engineering background, Russell Wilkinson regularly acts for major oil, gas, and LNG players. Carolyn Dong is renowned for her counsel to a significant roster of China-based institutions and state-owned enterprises, and her clients include China Development Bank and Sinopec. Among recent team developments, Trinh Hoang joined in 2022 from Linklaters, while Crystal Chen left for the International Finance Corporation in April 2023.
Projects and energy in Hong Kong
DLA Piper
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthias Schemuth
Autres avocats clés:
Rusell Wilkinson; Carolyn Dong; Trinh Hoang; Tom Van Hoof
Les références
‘The team’s practical experience in terms of breath and depth is very good.’
‘Very responsive and accommodating, and can find workable solutions.’
Principaux clients
Asian Development Bank
ACO Investments
ANZ
Arctic Green Energy Corporation
Barito Pacific
BBVA
China Energy Investment
China Huadian
CKH Holdings
DBS Bank Ltd
Ditrolic Solar
DZ Bank
Gulf Energy
HSBC
ICBC Asia
Indonesia Power
KEPCO
Medco Energy
Natixis
PAG Assets (Real Estate) Ltd.
PT Medco Energi
PT Freeport Indonesia
PT Pertamina
PT Nusantara Regas
Rabobank
Shenhua Guohua Lion Power Indonesia
Societe Generale
Sojitz Corporation
Supreme Trading
TTCL Public Company
UniCredit
Zhefu Holdings
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Natixis Investment Managers International Hong Kong Limited, Sunlife Insurance, and Fubon Bank as lenders in relation to the limited recourse financing of a large portfolio of up to 30 MW rooftop solar PV projects in Hong Kong undertaken by Widex Solar.
- Assisting China CITIC Bank International Limited and The Bank of East Asia Limited as mandated lead arrangers, bookrunners and underwriters, as well as the Bank of Communications, Hong Kong Branch, as mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, with a US$500m multi-currency term and revolving facilities agreement for China Water Affairs to finance water treatment projects in the PRC.
- Acting for Medco Energi Global Pte Ltd on its acquisition from a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company of ConocoPhillips’s entire Indonesian business.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills' array of experienced partners represent a number of sponsors, utilities, governments, lenders, and contractors on some of the most diverse energy projects in Hong Kong and abroad. Hilary Lau heads the practice and has extensive experience of the projects and energy field, and has notably assisted the International Finance Corporation on its sustainability-linked investment. This project aims to set the stage for impactful ESG-driven investments in the waste management sector in emerging markets in Asia. Other leading figures of the practice include Calvin Ho, a veteran shipping and projects specialist, who has substantial experience in a range of cross-border transactions for some of the top energy and infrastructure companies in Hong Kong. Associate Yida Xu is also a key contact for international energy companies seeking to establish their presence in the APAC region.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hilary Lau; Calvin Ho; Monica Sun
Autres avocats clés:
Yida Xu
Les références
‘Hilary Lau has a good team of associates who have good attention to detail, which gives us comfort on the quality of documents produced by them.’
Hilarly Lau has good knowledge of Taiwan offshore wind transactions and also participates in discussion where needed.’
‘Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has extensive experience in dealing with legal issues related to company establishment, sanctions, project acquisition and project exit. It has provided accurate, comprehensive, timely and efficient legal support for many projects.’
Principaux clients
Stonepeak
CNPC International Ltd.
Mitsui
International Finance Corporation
CNOOC
Woodside
Engie
Anglo American
MIE Holdings Corporation
Sichuan Development Holding Co., Ltd.
Renesys Energy Inc.
Principaux dossiers
- Advised CNPC International on its continued restructuring of its global businesses, including acquisitions and disposals around the world.
- Advised Mitsui on its partnership with Engie to develop, construct, and operate a renewable hydrogen plant in Australia.
- Advised IFC’s debt and equity investment into ALBA Group Asia Limited.
Linklaters
Linklaters is at the forefront of renewable power projects, such as onshore and offshore wind, and low-carbon energies like hydrogen and solar. Working on its own, as well as ‘supplemented by access to one of the top global projects practices’, the group fields a multi-disciplinary projects team that collaborates frequently with its London office, providing expertise across various practice areas, including corporate M&A, finance, projects, capital markets, regulatory matters, and dispute resolution. In addition to supporting the development of major renewable energy projects in South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, the firm continues to focus its expertise on Taiwan, advising lenders on solar and onshore wind portfolios, as well as other high-value M&A deals in the region. James McLaren co-heads the energy and infrastructure group and advises on transactions in emerging markets, with a particular focus on the financing of large-scale renewable energy projects in North Asia, while the ‘conscientious and dedicated’ Ying Fu specialises in advising on energy and natural resources M&A transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
James McLaren; Ying Fu
Les références
‘Responsive and commercial with an excellent bench of quality partners and associates. Their deliverables are always on point, they always understand what we are looking for, and they are flexible on billing and fee structures.’
‘Great expertise, supplemented by access to one of the top global projects practices. Always willing to go above and beyond in helping us get the result we need.’
‘Ying Fu is strong technically and helpful, always looking to ensure the client is happy, and a lot of fun to work with. Conscientious and dedicated.’
Principaux clients
Actis
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
China Light and Power
China Southern Grid
Goldwinds
Hong Kong| Electric
Northland Power
Ørsted
wpd
Northland
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan
BP
PETRONAS
Noble Group
BAML
BNP Paribas
Citigroup
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
HSBC
ING Bank
JP Morgan
Morgan Stanley
Royal Bank Scotland
Societe Generale
Standard Chartered
UBS
DP World
Hutchison
International Container Terminal Services Inc.
Jardine Matheson
ORIX
Atradius
Bpifrance
EDC
EKF
IFC
KEXIM
K-SURE
Hermes
JBIC
NEXI
UKEF
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the lenders on the second financing of the solar assets of BlackRock Alternatives’ Climate Infrastructure business in Taiwan, comprising an initial NT$3.913bn long-term, multi-tranche green loan facility which has the capacity to be significantly upsized.
- Advised on the acquisition of a majority stake in Levanta Renewables, a Southeast Asia-focused renewables platform with 300MW of onshore wind power projects in advanced development in Vietnam.
- Advised Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on the acquisition of a 26.67% stake in CWP H1 Energy Pte. Ltd., the green hydrogen and green ammonia venture of CWP Global, and related strategic joint venture arrangements.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
With ‘in-depth knowledge’, the projects team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner regularly advises sponsors, lenders, developers, and procuring authorities on all aspects of development and investment in both regulated and unregulated markets. The firm’s offering is jointly chaired by Ilan Freiman, a power projects expert, and Andrew MacGeoch, who has over 30 years’ experience in handling energy and infrastructure projects, from power plants to stadia and exhibition centres. Working alongside them is New York-qualified Wayne Ma, noted for his real estate and project acquisition expertise, and particularly for renewables-related matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ilan Freiman; Andrew MacGeoch
Autres avocats clés:
Wayne Ma
Les références
‘BCLP has presented itself and acted all along in a very professional, timely fashion, with in-depth knowledge.’
‘All lawyers we have been involved with in the BCLP team, from partners such as Ilan Freiman and Andrew MacGeoch, to associates, were very responsive and highly efficient. And as a result, our legal work was also enhanced by BCLP’s diligent and responsive work.’
‘We worked with Wayne Ma who, assisted us on various Taiwan offshore wind transactions. He has a good team of associates who has a good eye for detail. Wayne also participates in discussion where needed.’
Principaux clients
crXsspark
Digital Edge
CLP
Fangda Partners
Fangda Partners frequently advises clients on projects and infrastructure initiatives central to Hong Kong, China’s domestic landscape, and the expansive network of Belt and Road nations. The firm’s involvement spans across a wide range of areas, including plant and infrastructure development, overseas project investments, and the establishment of port terminals and trade zones globally. Projects expert Michael Tam heads the practice, while Joe Biqing Zhou specialises in cross-border M&A, infrastructure, and energy investments. Helen Yuxieu Huang has particular expertise in advising Chinese clients on their investments in Africa.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Tam; Joe Bing Zhou
Autres avocats clés:
Helen Yuxieu Huang
Principaux clients
Shenzhen Energy Group
China Merchants Group
The Airport Authority Hong Kong
China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited
Hongkong Electric (Natural Gas) Limited
CTHG Fund
Shanghai Electric Group
Veolia
China-Africa Development Fund
China State-Owned Enterprise Mixed Ownership Reform Fund Co., Ltd
Shangqi Capital under SAIC Capital China
State Grid Corporation of China
ICBC International Holdings Limited.
China Railway Group
Saudi Arabian Oil Company
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Shenzhen Energy Group on the development, financing, construction, and operation of the 180MW Ramu II Hydropower Plant in Papua New Guinea.
- Advised a leading state-owned infrastructure developer and operator on the financing, construction, development, and operation of a deep-water port terminal and related development in Myanmar.
- Advised Airport Authority Hong Kong on the financing, development, construction, and operation of a Sea-air Transshipment International Logistics Park in Dongguan, Guangzhou.
King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons has a multi-disciplinary team that advises clients on a wide variety of transactions and disputes across the energy, infrastructure, and construction sectors. The practice assists with every stage of the lifecycle of a project, from front-end project development and construction drafting, to financing and corporate matters. Recent highlights for the team include advising West Kowloon Cultural District Authority on its 40 hectares project development. Sam Farrands is an expert in PPSs and infrastructure projects, and co-heads the practice with Wenjing Tian and Xiao Yong. Scott Gardiner has particular expertise in climate change, data, and energy mandates, and often advises on projects in these areas, while Jessica Zhou specialises in a range of loan financing work. Nicholas Molan, an energy sector specialist who acts for both private and public sector entities, is another key contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sam Ferrands; Wenjing Tian; Xiao Yong
Autres avocats clés:
Scott Gardiner; Jessica Zhou; Nicholas Molan; Tian Xu
Les références
‘Nick Molan has supported a number of M&A transactions for us – he is a consummate M&A lawyer, who is quick to grasp the dynamics of the transaction, the targets of his clients and what drives the other party. He provides practical, pragmatic and sensible advice. He is very responsive and has excellent drafting skills.’
‘The team provides an unrivalled scope of experience in the development, negotiation and execution of key projects across the Asia Pacific region.’
‘Sam Farrands and Tian Xu provide a cohesive unit from which clients can obtain practical commercial and legal advice to assist with key projects.’
Principaux clients
West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Ocean Park Corporation
CLP Power Hong Kong Limited
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
Hong Kong & China Investment Limited
China Gas
CNOOC International Trading Company Limited
Osaka Gas
Chemchina Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
LOGOS Korea Core Venture 1 Pte. Ltd.
SUSI Partners Asia Pte. Ltd
China Everbright Limited
Industrial Bank Co., Ltd
China Construction Bank Corporation
China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.
Guotai Junan Capital Limited
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Principaux dossiers
- Advised West Kowloon Cultural District Authority on the procurement of a PPP project to develop a commercial, entertainment, and cultural complex with over 40 hectares of land in West Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Advised Ocean Park Corporation on the procurement of three new PPP projects as part of the corporation’s strategy to redevelop as a multi-purpose retail, recreation, education and conservation complex.
- Acted for Hong Kong & China Investment Limited on its tolling of LNG through the Dapeng LNG terminal, including advising on the LNG Co-Operation Agreement, the Terminal Use Agreement and the LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP is highly adept at providing solutions to Chinese and Asia-based national oil and energy companies and private equity and infrastructure funds in the energy sector. The team frequently works on clean energy and LNG projects financings across the Middle East, Central Asia, and other emerging markets. David Blumental departed in 2023 to join Simmons & Simmons.
Gibson Dunn
With a grasp of multi-jurisdictional energy projects in both a conventional and renewable context, Gibson Dunn‘s Hong Kong-based practice draws from its international network, handling mandates that span across the entire energy value chain, with a clientele featuring a variety of global energy companies and financial institutions. Heading the practice is Patricia Tan Openshaw with over 20 years’ experience acting primarily for Philippine and Southeast Asia-based clients on cross-border energy, M&A, and infrastructure transactions surrounding transportation, power, and telecoms sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Patricia Tan Openshaw
Les références
‘I have worked with Patricia Tan Openshaw and her team on a greenfield solar energy project in the Philippines. She supports our project with a lean team that is responsive, agile, and keeps a tight watch on hours spent.’
‘Patricia Tan Openshaw is hands-on, responsive, and brings a unique touch to present local law issues in a way that is comprehensible and palatable to international institutions. The guidance is critical and of tremendous value.’
Principaux clients
Manila Electric Company
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Landbank of the Philippines
SMC Mass Rail Transit 7, Inc.
San Miguel Holdings Corp.
I Squared Capital
AC Energy Holdings, Inc.
Republic of the Philippines
First Pacific Company Limited
RCBC Banking Corp.
Metropolitan Bank of the Philippines
Banco de Oro Universal Bank
PLDT Inc.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.
KKR
STACK Infrastructure
Etisalat Group
Milbank
Based across Beijing and Hong Kong, Milbank's projects team acts for Chinese and international companies, excelling in providing representation for lenders and sponsors across South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The team also plays a role in the decarbonisation of the industry, advising on a number of government ventures to advance renewables projects. Leading the team are Desiree Woo, focusing on power generation and natural resources, and Beijing-based Shephard Liu, who is especially prominent in acting for Chinese lenders and export credit agencies. Both admitted to practice in New York, associates Jenny Zhang and Marco Ying are also notable members of the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Shepard Liu; Desiree Woo
Autres avocats clés:
Jenny Zhang; Marco Ying
Les références
‘Strong communication skills for the benefit of clients.’
‘Desiree Woo has been working with us for many years, which has been reflected in timely and efficient communication and effective submission of proposals.’
‘Experienced in projects.’
Principaux clients
The Export-Import Bank of China
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Shandong Electric Power 3
Asian Development Bank
PT Amman Mineral Industri
GNPower Ltd
BOC
PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap
HTG Development Group
S. Alam Group
Nebras Power
Principaux dossiers
- Advising CEXIM on the EUR190m financing of the Dabar hydropower project in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Advising Asian Development Bank and other lenders on the Monsoon 600 MW wind project, a greenfield wind power project which will sell power from Lao into Vietnam under a long term PPA with EVN as off-taker.
- Advising The Export-Import Bank of China on the US$200m term loan facility to Banco do Brasil S.A.
Watson Farley & Williams
With a ‘thorough understanding of the market’, Watson Farley & Williams‘s projects and energy team is highly reputed for its ability to advise on renewable energy deals, and it is particularly active in matters regarding project development and financing in Vietnam and China. Splitting her time between Hong Kong and Hanoi, the ‘extremely reliable and commercial’ Linh Doan leads the team, regularly acting for government entities, sponsors, lenders, and investors on a number of power plant developments.
Responsables de la pratique:
Linh Doan
Les références
‘We continue to have a very good working relationship with the WFW team and our experience working with them is very positive.’
‘Linh Doan leads a strong team of lawyers who are very capable and their coverage across the globe, particularly Asia, together with their thorough understanding of the market environment in Vietnam has been valuable when advising on complex matters.’
‘During the implementation of the above projects last year, many difficult legal issues came up and we completely relied on Linh Doan and her team to propose solutions to deal with very sophisticated matters.’
Principaux clients
Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam
Asian Development Bank
Principaux dossiers
- Advising EVN on the Monsoon wind energy project in Laos (600MW) and working with EVN on the power purchase agreement which is the first of its kind for wind projects in Vietnam and may be used as precedent for offshore wind projects in the future.
- Advising EDF Renewables on two significant wind energy projects in the province of Daklak, Vietnam, which includes advising on the development of two onshore wind projects Alpha (20MW) and Beta (50MW) and Long Thanh Wind Power Plant Projects.
- Advising Iberdrola on the on-going acquisition of 1,020 MW onshore wind portfolio in Vietnam.