Gowling WLG

Energy; Real Estate; Asset Management; Retail

Partner

"I identify issues early and propose resolutions that strike an equitable balance between the various stakeholders, avoiding unnecessary and costly negotiation."

Helen Emmerson is a partner specialising in helping her clients develop, fund and invest in energy generation facilities, crossing a range of technologies. Her focus is on the acquisition of the necessary land rights and grid connection requirements, as swiftly and efficiently as possible, whilst always being mindful of the funding and investment perspective which sits alongside these developments, together with the regulatory challenges of the sector.

Helen has worked with many of her clients to develop streamlined precedents and working methodologies, providing a robust platform for taking their business forwards.

In addition, Helen supports some of our key corporate occupier and retail clients, on the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold properties. Helen's understanding of the key business drivers for both landlords and tenants, together with her experience in a wide range of asset management work, means she understands how to maximise the value of real estate holdings. Helen also has considerable experience in managing a number of fast paced acquisition and disposal programmes.

Helen is known for identifying issues early and proposes resolutions that strike an equitable balance between the various stakeholders, avoiding unnecessary and costly negotiation. She is known for her sensible approach and client friendly manner.

Clients Energy

Lightsource Renewable Energy, Partnerships for Renewables, Octopus Investments, Primrose Solar, Infinis and UK Power Networks.

Retail and Corporate Occupier

Nike, B & Q and Midcounties Co-op. Qinetiq and GKN.

Experience

Advising on the property aspects of E.ON's proposed Isle of Grain development of a 1200MW power station, together with the related gas and heat pipe easements and leases to allow the import of gas and the supply of heat and chill to the Grain LNG facility. This was a major piece of infrastructure development, requiring numerous complex legal arrangements to be put in place to ensure the successful operation of the project.

Working with a major Energy-from-Waste developer on the negotiation of documentation to secure land rights to permit the development of a commercial waste to energy project, including a heat supply network.

Supporting Partnerships for Renewables on the creation and negotiation of standard property documentation for the creation of a large portfolio of onshore wind projects on public sector land, together with the subsequent negotiation of that documentation across a wide range of sites, together with the associated title due diligence.

Advising on and negotiating options and leases for the development of a number of UK onshore renewable energy plants, including the drafting and negotiation of revenue sharing arrangements based on income from energy (and associated benefits).

Helping an offshore windfarm developer with ownership issues for land surrounding the foreshore, together with Crown Estate owned portions of land arising from the proposed connection arrangements for the project.

Advising a major landfill gas operator on leases of compounds and landfill gas collection networks across its extensive portfolio, including revenue sharing arrangements linked to electricity generation and/or injection of gas into the national grid

Acting on the acquisition of flagship retail premises for Nike to secure key presence for the London 2012 Olympics, together with dealing with the related branding and marketing issues presented by the unique challenge of the Olympics.

Advising on numerous leasehold acquisitions, at speed, for a major retai...

English