Energy and natural resources

Cuatrecasas

Client Satisfaction

Equally adept at transactional and regulatory matters, Cuatrecasas’ energy and natural resources practice provides a ‘unique combination of strong legal experience and deep understanding of energy market dynamics’. Its broad regulatory expertise is a key differentiator and the team advises major global names, particularly in the renewable energy space, on the full range of regulatory compliance, administrative law and environmental law issues. The group is also a strong performer in transactional matters, including M&A, joint ventures and financings. Key partner Ana María Sánchez brings together skill sets in energy, infrastructure, finance and public law; she is noted for her experience in structuring energy projects. Senior associate Manuel Gómez leads the energy and regulated industries practice and is widely lauded for his ’very deep knowledge of Colombian regulation’; he advised Canadian Solar on regulatory matters connected to the construction and operation of a battery-energy storage system in Barranquilla. The team also includes finance specialist Manuel Quinche and ‘very business-oriented’ senior associate Fabio Ardila.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘It possesses extensive transactional experience in markets such as electricity and supply contract negotiations and others, where the team provides essential market knowledge, and also in-depth knowledge of the regulation of the energy, gas and other markets, which is essential for clients' decision-making.’
‘Manuel Gómez is a crucial associate in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure team. His permanent availability and creativity (without losing focus on legal certainty) to solve problems are fundamental for this sector.’
‘In my opinion, Manuel Gómez is the person with the most regulatory knowledge of the sector in Colombia. Not only for knowing the regulations in detail, but for their knowledge of project precedents in the country.’
‘Its highly trained team offers a unique combination of strong legal experience and deep understanding of energy market dynamics. What sets this practice apart is its ability to not only address complex legal challenges, but also to provide comprehensive strategic and business perspectives.’
‘Manuel Gómez is an exceptional lawyer, he leads the energy practice with a strategic approach and very deep knowledge of Colombian regulation. His strategic vision and knowledge of the energy market provides a differentiating component to Cuatrecasas. He resolves legal challenges in a comprehensive manner.’
‘Senior associate Fabio Ardila demonstrates impeccable management of complex industry transactions, with a very business-oriented vision. He was a major player in our successful entry transaction into the renewable market.’
‘A multidisciplinary team, well informed about the laws and practices of each aspect that is related to the business. It has collaborated in the creation of value, reduction of costs and times in the development of the projects. Lawyers stand out for their effectiveness and group cohesion. ’
‘Its ability to critically analyse the problems facing the business is a particular talent of the professionals we work with. Through activity and customisation of the solution, lawyers establish a relationship of trust and security that is reflected in the positive results that have impacted our business processes.’

Key clients

Canadian Solar
Atlas Renewable Energy
Asociación de Energías Renovables - SER Colombia
Total Energies
Notus Energía Colombia
BTG Pactual Comercializadora de Energía
Total Eren
Blue Arrow SAF
Macquarie Bank
Jinko Power Energy
Banco De Bogotá, Banco De Occidente
CI Fortia Minerals
AES Colombia
EDF Renewables Colombia
Viridi Re
Acciona Concesiones
DVP Solar
Atitlan Helios
Abo Wind
Canacol
Cobra
Enerlink
Enerland
Mainstream Energy
OPDenergy

Work highlights

Advising SER Colombia on its intervention before the Constitutional Court in the framework of a constitutional judicial review against article 233 of the National Development Plan, which imposes discriminatory tax burdens for non-conventional renewable energy generation plants.
Advising Canadian Solar on regulatory matters connected to the project to construct, operate and maintain a stand-alone, battery-energy storage system in Barranquilla, among other work.
Advising Macquarie Group on the financing for the acquisition of Lewis Energy Colombia by LNG Canada HoldCo.