Dimitri Papaefstratiou
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLPWith a focus on Africa and the Middle East, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s energy and infrastructure practice is well-equipped to advise on nuclear power and electricity-related matters. The team routinely assists with structuring and restructuring in the electricity sector, project development, corporate transactions, and regulatory issues related to nuclear power plants, gas-fired power plants, and transmission and distribution systems. The team is led by project finance expert Ferdinand Calice, who specialises in energy transactions in emerging markets. In March 2024, Dimitri Papaefstratiou joined from Ernst & Young LLP, bringing expertise in hydrogen and high-efficiency thermal and gas-fired power projects. Project finance specialist James Simpson has recently advised on significant nuclear power programs in Romania and Saudi Arabia, while Jason Parker focuses on project development agreements and finance documentation for projects in the Middle East and Africa. In 2023, international disputes specialist Maurice Kenton joined the team from Clyde & Co.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'We have a very close relationship with Dimitri Papaefstratiou and his excellent team, having worked with them on a number of projects over the years.'
- 'The team is excellent and really understands their clients. Their service level is excellent, with great availability and responsiveness. They are solution-focused and commercial, but also excellent technical lawyers who can really give you the edge when things get difficult or contentious.'
- 'They have worked for us on highly complex matters, spanning a number of different practice areas and jurisdictions- from renewable energy project finance and M&A in the UK and Europe, gas-fired IPPs in Africa, numerous construction projects and many others besides. They have excellent people, from the big hitters at partner level to junior associates.'
- 'Dimitri Papaefstratiou is a first-rate project finance lawyer and one of our most trusted advisers. He is highly commercial in his approach and has a unique combination of legal knowledge, technical expertise and client care skills. What differentiates Dimitri from others in the field is his innovative approach and attention to detail, without which we may not have overcome some of the challenges we have faced, nor enjoyed as much success as we have, on multiple recent deals.'
- 'Dimitri Papaefstratiou just gets it; he has an outstanding knowledge of the sector, from oil and gas and gas-fired IPPs, through to renewables and even on dispute resolution and settlement.'
Key clients
- SNN Societatea National Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN)
- FEI Ongrid LP
- Hrvatska Elektroprivreda
- Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. (Petro Rabigh)
Work highlights
- Advised SNN on the refurbishment and expansion of its nuclear power program.
- Advised FEI Ongrid LP in connection with the financing of two subsidiaries of Escotel Mauritius (“Escotel”) in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ferdinand Calice, Jason Parker, Maurice Kenton