Prieto Abogados's 25-strong energy and natural resources practice ‘stands out for its extensive knowledge of the energy industry’, with recent mandates including regulatory work, major energy M&A deals and energy sector projects. Examples include the acquisition of a large energy generation portfolio and the development of battery energy storage system projects. Acting for electricity generators, transmission companies, construction firms, and investment funds, the team’s experience also covers the sale of unconventional renewable energy projects’ plant portfolios, including the management of bidding processes. Among the team’s several key advisers, Juan Tagle's specialisms encompass the electricity generation, distribution and transmission markets, as well as natural gas transportation, joint ventures, and energy and natural resources project-related bidding processes; Fernando Bravo serves as the longstanding secretary to Engie Energía Chile’s board of directors; Nicolás Yuraszeck K is increasingly involved in the acquisition and development of electricity projects; and Agustín Martorell advises on energy and natural resources-related projects and regulatory issues. The department further includes counsel Andrea Von Chrismar, whose energy sector experience covers regulatory matters, competition law, tender processes and transactions. Notable growth includes the hire of practice director Romina Tobar from Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service in April 2023; and -following the departure of former counsel Federico Rodríguez- the promotion of energy M&A practitioner Andrés Laymuns to counsel in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great client service.’
‘They work well together and are proactive in anticipating important situations.’
- ‘Prieto's practice stands out for its extensive knowledge of the energy industry, and for its specialists in the different areas of law associated with it.’
- ‘A very good practice that is agile and competent.’
- ‘Excellent knowledge of their subjects - responsible and responsive.’
- ‘Juan Tagle has great electricity law and project knowledge and experience.’
- ‘Juan Tagle is a good and sensible negotiator, who can be trusted by all parties.’
‘Juan Tagle negotiates with transparency, looking for agreements that are sustainable over time.’
Key clients
- Solek Chile Services
- Verano Energy
- Engie Energía
- Anglo American Sur
- BICE Inversiones
- Fotowatio Renewable Venture
- EDP Renewables
- Pacific Hydro
- Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre
- Bio Energía Molina
- AES Andes
- Compañía Minera Doña Inés De Collahuasi
Work highlights
- Assisted Engie Energía Chile with a legal claim before the Environmental Court of Antofagasta, which was filed by the Mejillones community against the environmental permit that allows the transition of an existing and operational plant from carbon-based energy to gas-based energy generation.
- Advising Conexión Kimal – Lo Aguirre on the construction of a high-voltage direct current transmission line from the Antofagasta Region to the Metropolitan Region.
- Representing Engie Energía Chile before the Competition Tribunal (as a third interested party) in a contentious proceeding initiated by two renewable energy market players against the National Energy Commission for issuing the Technical Rule that contains the so-called inflexibility condition.
Lawyers
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Juan Tagle, Fernando Bravo, Nicolás Yuraszeck K, Agustín Martorell, Andrea Von Chrismar