Minter Ellison is well known for its strength in renewable energy, having advised the State of Victoria on the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) 2 program to facilitate the development of 623MW of solar projects. Practice head Simon Scott advises on a broad range of M&A, joint ventures and commercial mining mandates. Brendan Clark and Clay Wohling display vast expertise in project development and issues affecting projects within the electricity market. 'Technically savvy' Fiona Lewis is regularly instructed by governments on major energy policy implementation. Counsel Simon Batten advises on general electricity regulatory and compliance matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team offers expertise in the regulatory framework in addition to the usual commercial considerations which is invaluable.'
  • 'Fiona Lewis is an exceptional lawyer. Her knowledge of the regulatory framework and practice advice on how to navigate it makes her a stand out. She is also very technically savvy - able to speak confidently about various energy technologies and infrastructure.'
  • 'Brendan Clark is exceptional. His knowledge across the energy sector and solid commercial approach make him a key part of our business. Simply put, we could not execute key business objectives without Brendan and the broader team.'
  • 'Simon Batten has outstanding knowledge of the energy sector and is always an absolute pleasure to deal with.'
  • 'Minters has a diverse set of expertise with excellent depth which makes it a legal one-stop-shop.'
  • 'The depth of expertise on specific matters and being able to apply that in a commercial setting is super useful.'

Key clients

  • AGL Energy
  • Anglo American
  • Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
  • Australian Government
  • ConocoPhillips
  • Energy Queensland
  • EnergyAustralia
  • Inpex Corporation
  • Jemena
  • Neoen
  • Power and Water Corporation
  • Powerlink
  • Rio Tinto (including Oyu Tolgoi LLC)
  • SA Power Networks
  • South32
  • Stanwell Corporation
  • Vintage Energy
  • Zen Energy

Work highlights

  • Advising the State of Queensland on its acquisition of a 1,100km private transmission project in North Queensland.
  • Advising Neoen on the Kentbruck Green Power Hub, a proposed AUD1.2bn 600 megawatt wind farm in western Victoria.
  • Acting for Stanwell Corporation in the acquisition of 50% of Stage 1 of the $770m Wambo Wind Farm and entry into a long term power purchase agreement for the remaining 50%.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Simon Scott

Other key lawyers

Brendan Clark, Fiona Lewis, Clay Wohling, Simon Batten