Its focus on renewable energy makes the team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP a one-stop-shop for clients looking to enter the renewables sector. The firm advises on the full life cycle of various renewable energy projects, from wind farms and solar power plants to biomass projects. With over 18 years’ experience in the renewables field, Minako Wakabayashi took over as practice head after Yoichi Katayama retired from the firm in March 2023. Wakabayashi leads the energy team in its work in corporate PPAs and M&A transactions, which are recent growth areas within the sector. While Yuko Inui brings expertise in inbound renewable energy projects, the group has also seen an increasing number of outbound deals, advising Japanese clients on renewables projects and related transactions outside of Japan. Southeast Asia has been a particular new focus area for the practice that has seen it collaborating with the team in Singapore on various energy transactions, including corporate PPA deals.
Key clients
- Amp Energy
- Pattern Energy Group LP
- Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd.
- Infrastrutture SpA and Hergo Japan Energy
- iAccess Energy GmbH
- Invenergy Japan
- Shizen Energy Inc.
- Osaka Gas
- Pacifico Energy
- Green Power Investment Corporation
Work highlights
- Advised Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure Co. Ltd. on its entry into the US renewables market with more than 1.0 GWac of solar and 2.5 GWh of BESS projects.
- Advised Infrastrutture SpA on the sale of 100% share of Hergo Japan Energy Corporation to AEJ Hayama Wind GK.
- Advised Pattern Energy and Green Power Investment Corporation in connection with the development of a 79.8 MW onshore wind project called “Fukaura,” being developed in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Minako Wakabayashi