The energy finance practice of Colombian financial law firm Mendoza Abogados only advises on projects which utilise clean technologies to minimise their negative environmental and social impacts while furthering the government-promoted renewable energy targets. 

A key solar sector client is PV project developer Powertis. The firm assisted in due diligence, transaction structuring, and the negotiation of the share purchase agreement for the client’s acquisition of a 65% stake in the owner of the Manglares solar park. The firm then prepared the project’s successful bid in the Colombian government’s third renewable energy auction, before negotiating the fifteen-year PPA required to commence development. 

Supporting the adoption of renewable self-generation projects, which help decarbonise industrial clients while minimising the stress on the local electricity grid, the firm advised Powertis on the acquisition of the 19.99 MW Noria Carcolito solar park and the amendment of its PPA with Cemex Colombia. 

Also assisting with the decarbonisation of Bogotá’s public transport system and the reduction of urban greenhouse gas emissions, the firm acted as legal counsel to lenders Proparco and FDN, performing legal due diligence regarding the clients’ $130m financing of Greenmovil’s acquisition of a 406-electric bus fleet. 

Founding partner Mateo Mendoza leads the firm’s client work while also contributing significantly to the industry discussion on the energy transition. Mendoza participated in the Latam Future Energy and Energyear conferences, which discussed how tax structuring opportunities and innovative investment strategies can boost the desirability of renewable energy projects among conventional energy-sector companies. 

Internally, the firm has adapted its activities to reduce its environmental impact. Alongside developing a broader ESG policy to help focus its decarbonisation path, the firm has introduced energy and water saving facilities while encouraging a new recycling policy.