Addleshaw Goddard is renowned for its advice to a number of energy clients across a spectrum of complex M&A, project finance, and project development matters in the conventional power generation sphere. The team’s expertise spans advice on electricity storage, transmission, and regulation, alongside the development and financing of nuclear power projects. From the Glasgow office, Sarah Baillie is noted for her specialisation in planning and infrastructure consenting, while Richard Goodfellow - head of the firm’s energy and utility team - is a key contact for large energy infrastructure projects. Matthew Williams stands out for his transactional prowess, particularly in matters pertaining to the energy transition, where he advises on a wide array of issues including M&A power transactions and structured energy transactions, and Rory Connor provides comprehensive assistance to energy and infrastructure corporates, financial sponsors, and financial institutions. Karen Rowe‘s broad practice spans M&A, regulatory advice and project development in the energy sector, particularly in nuclear energy.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Matthew Williams is very helpful in negotiations, as he explains clearly legal issues and cuts through complexity to bring solutions.'
  • 'The energy team led by Rory Connor has broad capabilities and combines deep legal expertise with a commercial mindset.'
  • 'Rory Connor's advice is crystal clear and to the point.'
  • 'Richard Goodfellow is collaborative and works in partnership with my team not only to provide the advice we ask for, but the advice we need. Richard really adds value in being able to tailor his advice from a public sector perspective.'
  • 'Rory Connor has been instrumental in a recent complex infrastructure transaction for my team. Not only has he led technical negotiations and complexity of the deal, he has also taken the role of representing the deal team to our investment committee and dealing with executive level Q&A and simplifying complex points to enable effective decision-making.'
  • 'The team has demonstrated ability to help shape an agreement that is innovative in many aspects and complex. The work has related to a new unproven technology, where they demonstrated an ability to understand the fundamental value drivers and incorporate this into the legal structure.'
  • 'Matthew Williams understood our objectives and was able to ensure that the commercial position was captured in the legal documents. Considering the complexity of the project, we have been very satisfied.'
  • 'Karen Rowe has done a great job in drafting the legal document, identifying and improving any markup points, and always looking across all agreements to ensure consistency and avoid unintended consequences. We have been very satisfied.'

Key clients

  • Alpiq AG
  • Schroders Greencoat LLP
  • National Grid ESO
  • European Energy
  • NeXtWind
  • Greenvolt Power
  • World Bank
  • Alcemi Storage Developments UK Limited
  • Norfund
  • Peel NRE Renewables
  • SSE
  • Octopus Investments
  • Greenvolt
  • Serengetti Energy
  • Gridworks
  • Highview Power
  • UKIB
  • World Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised a UK Investment Bank in relation to its investment in the proposed 3.2GW new nuclear power station at Sizewell C. Once built, it will produce enough electricity to power 6 million homes.
  • Advised National Grid ESO on designing an early competition procurement framework for onshore electricity transmission projects in the UK, to increase speed of delivery of onshore transmission projects at this crucial time for reaching the country's net-zero ambitions.
  • Advised Highview Power on the development of the world's first commercial liquid air storage system, supporting them with both their equity fundraising, and with general project development advice on a wide range of topics.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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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
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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sarah Baillie, Rory Connor, Richard Goodfellow, Matthew Williams

Other key lawyers

Karen Rowe