Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has significant expertise in the renewable energy sector, advising clients on project financing, structuring, and regulatory issues, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. The firm frequently handles cross-border project financing for the construction and operation of solar and wind power plants and investments in solar and waste-to-energy projects. Project finance expert Ferdinand Calice leads the team, advising on renewable energy projects across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. ‘First-rate project finance lawyer’ Dimitri Papaefstratiou has recently advised on innovative solar power projects in the UK, Mediterranean, Africa, and EMEA, while James Simpson is currently leading on major floating offshore wind projects. Jason Parker is noted for his expertise in developing energy and infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa, including solar PV, wind, and geothermal IPPs. International arbitration and disputes expert Maurice Kenton is another key contact.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Ferdinand Calice is particularly strong in comprehensively identifying legal risks while suggesting solutions and giving pragmatic advice and guidance tailored to the type and size of deal.'
  • 'It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and the team of Dimitri Papaefstratiou. Having worked closely with them on our hydropower project, I can attest to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their unparalleled expertise in renewables. Dimitri and his team consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the issues and a keen ability to navigate complex legal challenges with precision and integrity.'
  • 'Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is not only focused on delivering exceptional legal services, but also on building strong and lasting relationships with their clients. They prioritise clear communication, responsiveness, and collaboration, ensuring that clients feel supported and informed every step of the way. We therefore only have the best of recommendations for Dimitri and his team.'
  • 'Dimitri Papaefstratiou is a standout legal professional whose commitment to clear communication, responsiveness, and collaboration sets him apart. Clients under his guidance consistently feel supported and well-informed at every stage of their legal journey. Notably, Dimitri operates with unwavering ethical standards, embodying the principles of justice and fairness in all his endeavours. His sterling reputation for integrity and reliability makes him the go-to partner for legal matters of any scale or complexity.'
  • 'Dimitri Papaefstratiou is an exceptional lawyer whose dedication to excellence and ethical practice make him a valuable asset to any legal team.'
  • 'We have a very close relationship with Dimitri Papaefstratiou and his excellent team, now at Hunton Andrews Kurth, 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 - great availability and responsiveness are key to our business, and these guys just get it. 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, the lead partner, is a first-rate project finance lawyer and one of our most trusted advisors. Dimitri 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.'

Key clients

  • Afreximbank
  • Africa Go Green Fund
  • FEI OGEF LP
  • KOKO Networks Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised  Afreximbank on lending transactions to the energy sector in Africa. Afreximbank is a leading DFI providing debt financing in Africa.
  • Represented KOKO Networks Limited as the Sponsor in connection with the securitisation of future carbon credit sales.
  • Advised Offgrid Energy Access Fund on several lending transactions in Africa.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ferdinand Calice, Jason Parker, Maurice Kenton

Other key lawyers

Dimitri Papaefstratiou, James Simpson, Ayesha Waheed, Seyfi Can Kandemir