Europe - Italy
3

Industry focus: Energy

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

More informationMore information

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP' team of energy specialists routinely assist clients in high-profile energy projects, complex financings, joint ventures, acquisitions and disputes. Francesca Morra notably focuses on energy M&A deals and project development, energy contracts, and regulatory and ESG matters, while Simone Egidi is noted for his expertise in project financing and project portfolios. Other key names are Giacomo Gavotti, who regularly represents utilities, infrastructure funds and oil majors in M&A transactions, and Chiara Miccolis, who specialises in the financing of projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Technical knowledge of the solar technology and construction practices, and energy PPA, including the commercial issues. Excellent knowledge of the renewable sector arena of most prominent players.’

  • 'The HSF energy team can assist clients on every kind of energy matter, both in terms of legal expertise and sectors (renewables, oil & gas, biogases, sustainable mobility etc.).'

  • 'Francesca Morra is a leader of the sector, and she can cover different areas of law, which makes her quite unique. The deep knowledge of the sector is a real added value she can bring.'

  • ‘The energy team led by Francesca Morra is one of the best known in the market, with a strong track record in the most innovative and important transactions in Italy. They were pioneers in the long-term PPA market as well as in the renewables energy segment.’

  • ‘Francesca Morra is a very talented professional with a deep knowledge of the energy sector and an outstanding industry profile. She is very practice and able to focus immediately on the most important aspects of the deal.’

Key clients

  • Avenir LNG
  • DXT Commodities/Duferco
  • Edison
  • Enel
  • Eni
  • ERG
  • Everwood Capital
  • Gestore dei servizi energetici - GSE S.p.A.
  • Glennmont
  • Quercus Real Assets
  • Sorgenia
  • Vivi Energia
  • ING Bank and AOT
  • Pacifico Energy Partners
  • L'Oréal
  • Worldenergy
  • Voltalia
  • Futura Srl
  • Solarpack
  • GreenIT
  • Higas

Work highlights

  • Assisted GreenIT in an agreement with Hive Energy and SunLeonard Energy for the development of four photovoltaic projects with a total capacity of up to 200MW.
  • Assisted Sorgenia in the project financing of a non-incentivised photovoltaic plant with a total capacity of approximately 35MW and the related PPA.
  • Assisted ERG in signing a 12-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the supply of approximately 900GWh of clean energy over the period 2023-2034 to EssilorLuxottica.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Francesca Morra
Francesca leads the Italian energy and infrastructure practice at Herbert Smith Freehills. Her extensive knowledge of the energy and infrastructure sector is based on nearly 20 years of experience advising Italian and multinational energy companies, international sponsors, project developers, private equity funds and leading investment banks on some of the most innovative and complex transactions in the renewables space, conventional power, oil and gas (including LNG), energy efficiency, electric mobility and various types of infrastructure projects. Her practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, the development of projects and infrastructures, industry contracts and regulatory matters, including ESG, MiFID, EMIR, MAR, REMIT, TPA exemptions. She also advises on competition, foreign direct investment and consumer protection issues. Recognised as one of Italy's energy & infra experts by the main legal directories, Francesca is a frequent speaker on various energy-related topics and a contributor to legal publications. She also lectures on energy and competition law.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Francesca Morra

Other key lawyers

Simone Egidi, Giacomo Gavotti, Chiara Miccolis

© 2024 Legalease Ltd. All rights reserved

Registered company in England & Wales No. 2423756 VAT 324572722

Registered address: 188 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2AG