A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP‘s projects and energy team has specialisms in a range of services, including electricity regulation, offshore and onshore wind, and solar farms. Team lead Mark Stockdale leads on major projects in the wind and solar sectors. John Palmer advises foreign developers and has deep knowledge of local and international energy regulations. Micaela Diver has extensive experience in regulatory disputes and public law issues in the energy sector. Property law expert John Tougher handles the land-related issues for solar and wind developments.
Energy and projects in Northern Ireland
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Stockdale
Autres avocats clés:
John Palmer; Micaela Diver; John Tougher; Mark Thompson
Les références
‘A&L Goodbody has an excellent energy team and M&A team. The energy team has a great track record and has acted in most of the significant Northern Ireland energy deals.’
‘I particularly know Mark Stockdale, who is outstanding as an energy specialist. Mark Thompson is an approachable and great lawyer.’
‘A&L Goodbody are always 100% attentive to our needs. For us, their key strength is their in-depth and unique skills and knowledge of the energy business in general and the renewable energy business in particular. Their range of staff skills and expertise is just outstanding in their field.’
Principaux clients
CK Infrastructure
Mutual Energy
MPG Wind
SONI
Moyle Interconnector
SSE plc
Energia
Northern Ireland Electricity
Statkraft
Orsted
SBM Offshore
Scottish Power
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Hong Kong Infrastructure “CKI” on the Northern Ireland aspects of the acquisition of Phoenix Gas, the largest gas company in Northern Ireland.
- Advising Mutual Energy on the development of an energy storage project using renewable energy to pump saltwater to a reservoir to produce electricity backup storage.
- Advised MPG Wind on the acquisition of Castlegore Wind Farm, one of only a handful of large wind farms in NI currently being developed.
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP draws on its extensive international network to advise on multijurisdictional projects. Team lead Richard Murphy has a track record in advising on large energy infrastructure, including in the renewables sector. Matthew McMurray, described as being ‘increasingly engaged with the renewables industry’, assists clients on purchase agreements and commercial contracts related to wind farms.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Murphy
Autres avocats clés:
Matthew McMurray
Les références
‘The Pinsent Masons team continues to lead on energy policy both through engagement with industry and public communications.’
‘Richard Murphy continues to chair the RenewableNI Markets Working Group, providing expert insights and analysis, as well as contributing to policy papers.’
‘Matthew McMurray is increasingly engaged with the renewables industry and it is great to have access to this additional resource.’
Principaux clients
Western Power
DCC plc
Transmission Investment (TI)
Resonance
iPower
ERG
Thompson Green Energy
Mutual Energy
Energia Group
Schroders Greencoat
Principaux dossiers
- Advising DCC plc on its partnership with Impax Asset Management to form a new venture of “Solar as a Service” as an offering to industrial and commercial customers.
- Providing legal support to a proposed new interconnector between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Advising Western Power on development of two proposed offshore wind farms in Northern Ireland.
Arthur Cox Belfast
Regarded for its ‘broad knowledge of the energy sector’, the energy group at Arthur Cox Belfast is particularly well versed in regulatory issues. David White leads the energy team, while William Curry leads the projects and procurement team. White’s practice covers M&A transactions and commercial contracts, while Curry specialises in the procurement aspects of major projects. Erin Carruthers has a presence in both regulatory matters and in acquisitions.
Responsables de la pratique:
David White; William Curry
Autres avocats clés:
Erin Carruthers
Les références
‘David White is reliable, accurate, knowledgeable and insightful, experienced. Always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Broad knowledge of the energy sector and key developments within it. Supportive and discrete in M&A activities, with a good range of disciplines to bring in for specialist tasks.’
‘David White provides an excellent service with clear and responsive communication. His guidance is focused and avoids unnecessary amendments and battles.’
Principaux clients
Mutual Energy Group
Heron Bros. Energy Limited
Everun Limited
Phoenix Energy Group Limited
SSE plc
Share Energy Trading Ltd
Department for Communities
Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
Apex Housing Association
arc21
NB Housing
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Energystore Limited
Share Energy Trading Limited
Arena Capital Partners Limited
Carson McDowell
The energy and renewables team at Carson McDowell is well-positioned to advise on planning applications and large acquisitions for businesses and utilities companies in the energy sector. Notably, the team recently advised on the sale of Firmus Energy (Supply) Limited to Yuno Energy. Practice head Neasa Quigley is a top choice for M&A transactions. Gary McGhee focuses on the planning aspects of infrastructure projects. Le-ann Campbell, praised for her ‘clear expertise’, assists with regulatory matters and renewable energy matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Neasa Quigley
Autres avocats clés:
Gary McGhee; Le-ann Campbell
Les références
‘The team at Carson McDowell LLP have been a superb asset to our company, assisting us (primarily) with all things energy-related. Their approachability and expertise have been invaluable to our team over the years.’
‘Le-ann Campbell, in particular, has been a great help with our renewable energy strategy and requirements. The professional approach and clear expertise have helped our company enormously.’
‘Carson McDowell’s unique strength, in my opinion, is the commercial acumen used by their various teams aligned with their legal competencies. Carson McDowell has demonstrated not just outstanding legal competencies, but also an ability to advise on the commercial nuances and implications of contracts or land agreements.’
Principaux clients
Firmus Energy
EP Kilroot Limited
Equitix
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks)
Islandmagee Energy Limited
Renewable Energy Systems (RES)
Corlacky Energy Limited (CEL)
Newry Power Limited (NPL)
Systems Operator of Northern Ireland – SONI Limited
Evermore Energy
GP Joule
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on the sale of Firmus Energy (Supply) Limited by its shareholders, Firmus Energy (Distribution) Limited and Equitix to Yuno Energy pursuant to a competitive auction process.
- Advised EP Kilroot Limited in relation to a series of urgent issues regarding the electricity capacity market
- Advised Newry Power Limited in connection with the finance, construction and development of a 20MW electricity grid support business using energy-generating technologies such as gas or diesel engines to participate in the Capacity Market.
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
The Cleaver Fulton Rankin energy and renewables team handles a breadth of matters for energy companies, covering corporate transactions, financings, regulatory matters, and disputes. An ‘expert in the NI renewables area’, Stephen Cross is regularly called upon by international law firms on investment-related matters. Commercial real estate lawyers Joe Marley and Michael Boyce, who was promoted to director in October 2024, advise on the real estate aspects of renewable projects. Brendan Martyn has particular expertise advising on planning law and is the go-to for environmental permits and licensing issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Cross
Autres avocats clés:
Joe Marley; Michael Boyce; Brendan Martyn; Karen Blair
Les références
‘The energy team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is excellent. We have worked closely together on many high-profile matters over the past years and have found them to be extremely knowledgeable, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘Stephen Cross is an expert in the NI renewables area and brings his many years of experience to bear when advising clients. Michael Boyce provides targeted and commercial advice, always appreciated by clients. Karen Blair provides invaluable planning expertise.’
‘Unparalleled professionalism. Great breadth and depth of experience.’
Principaux clients
Dalradian Gold Limited
EirGrid / SONI
Assured Energy LLP
The Lycra Company
Close Brothers Asset Finance
Gravis Capital Partners
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIEN)
Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR)
HSBC UK Bank PLC
Harland & Wolff plc / Islandmagee Energy Limited
Welcome Break Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Northern Ireland Electricity, the licensed distribution network operator for Northern Ireland, on its wayleave network for Northern Ireland’s electricity distribution network to include the granting of all new wayleave agreements, together with their wayleave portfolio management.
- Advising Assured Energy LLP on (1) an enforcement notice issued by a local authority in respect of an anaerobic digester operation, and (2) the management of their portfolio of AD plants, which included the sale of a 250kW plant.
- Acting for EirGrid and SONI to provide cross-border consultancy advice on the operation of the Single Electricity Market and the Trading and Settlement Code that provides the framework for the operation of the electricity market on both sides of the Irish border for generators and electricity suppliers.
TLT
The TLT future energy team represents development and energy companies, banks, and alternative funders on major energy projects, including those in the solar, wind, and battery storage sectors. Heading up the team is Andrew Ryan, known for his expertise in infrastructure planning applications for renewable energy development. Kevin Murphy advises on the real estate aspects of projects while Sarah Mulholland supports the team across planning and environment matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Ryan
Autres avocats clés:
Kevin Murphy; Sarah Mulholland
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Orsted on a number of planning applications for major windfarms in Northern Ireland in relation to environmental matters, including the proposed decommissioning and repowering of the Owenreagh I & II sites, for Owenreagh/ Craignagapple Wind Farm in the northwest of NI.
- Advising the new owners of Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations (EP UK Investments) on a series of major upgrade projects – the two largest power stations in Northern Ireland and a key part of NI’s energy generation infrastructure.
- Advising CPHL on its environmental impact– as subsidiary of LCC which owns the Ireland-wide petrol supplier “Go” on its plans to invest £15 million in order to redevelop the existing import, storage and distribution facility at the Cloghan Point oil terminal, increasing its capacity to nearly 200,000 tonnes and to allow larger oil tankers to berth at its deep water offloading jetty.
Tughans
The energy and natural resources practice at Tughans is well-versed in corporate and financing transactions, with extensive expertise in the utilities and waste sectors. Joint practice heads Andrew Kirke and real estate partner Chris Milligan lead the team. Kirke specialises in energy regulatory matters, while Milligan handles energy infrastructure projects. Maria O’Loan is singled out for being a ‘standout leader in climate change litigation’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Milligan; Andrew Kirke
Autres avocats clés:
Maria O’Loan
Les références
‘Tughan’s reputation precedes them. They are well known in this jurisdiction and their client list is a who’s who of top-level players. I felt like we had the might of the entire firm behind us, and that in and of itself made people sit up and listen. ’
‘Tughans has been integral in providing highly specialised advice within the complex intersection of planning, environmental, and public law. Their ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks sets them apart from competitors.’
‘Tughans have continually demonstrated their knowledge and understanding in this field. Acting in both a legal and advisory capacity in many cases.’
Principaux clients
UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DSNZ)
SONI Limited
SSE Plc
ESB Group
Adman Civil Projects Limited
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (t/a Translink)
Indaver NV
Greencoat Capital
ERG S.p.A.
Natural World Products
Northern Ireland Water
Mills Selig
The Mills Selig climate and energy team continues to place an emphasis on investments and acquisitions, advising both lenders and borrowers on renewable energy mandates. Team lead Anna-Marie McAlinden routinely acts on the sales and acquisitions of wind and solar portfolios. Glenn Watterson handles commercial matters from pre-construction to disposal.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anna-Marie McAlinden
Autres avocats clés:
Glenn Watterson
Les références
‘The partners in Mills Selig have a wealth of practical legal knowledge in all aspects of complicated conveyancing with respect to large scale renewable projects.’
‘Anna-Maire McAlinden very efficiently provides clear and detailed information to any query asked.’
Principaux clients
Natural World Products Limited
BSI Wind Ltd
3T Power Limited
Alpha Real Renewables (England)
Rengineers (Dutch)
Windkraft Waigandshain GmbH
Fuhrlander Turbines
Octopus Sustainable Infrastructure Fund L.P
Principaux dossiers
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP focuses on investments in the energy infrastructure sector, supported by the firm’s wider UK offering. Grant Edwards is head of the practice. Edwards is well-equipped to advise on corporate transactions and disposals, both locally and internationally.
Responsables de la pratique:
Grant Edwards
Les références
‘The team were extremely diligent, stuck to deadlines and were flexible when needed, The partner was hands-on and always available which was key due to several moving parts of the transaction.’
‘Grant Edwards was a great asset to us on the buyer side, converting the deal and ensuring everything stayed on track. Always available to assist, he is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the energy sector and resected in his field.’
Principaux clients
Liberty Global
Foresight
Iona Capital Limited
EnergieKontor
ABO Energy (rebranded from ABO Wind in 2024)
MPG Wind (development entity) and MPG Energy (O&M entity)
ReGen Waste
Deepbridge Capital LLP
Industrial Finance and Leasing
Harvest Green Developments Limited
UrbanChain
Shawton Energy Limited
Engie UK
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Liberty Global on the purchase by its subsidiary, Egg Power, on the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Rag Lane Solar Limited, which holds the development rights for Rag Lane Solar Farm.
- Advised the shareholders of Derrynanny Wind Ltd on the sale of its entire issued share capital.
- Advised Foresight on its investment in to critical infrastructure business, TES Group.