With extensive experience in the regulatory, financing, transactional and litigious aspects of energy matters and projects, the ‘multidisciplinary’ team at Clifford Chance enjoys a first-class reputation in the market, often attracting instructions from a spread of international and Spanish energy companies and private equity funds. The ’exceptional’ José Guardo is highly skilled at advising on the financing of energy and infrastructure projects. He jointly heads the practice with Jaime Almenar, whose background in public law makes him counsel of choice for several clients seeking advice on energy regulations. Other noteworthy practitioners include José Luis Zamarro, an expert in Spanish regulated sectors, Eduardo Sánchez, who is praised for his ‘excellent negotiating skills’, and Eugenio Fernández-Rico, who is often engaged in M&A involving energy assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Multidisciplinary team, with great knowledge of the sector and client needs. Full availability to achieve the client's objectives, mitigating project risks, and perfect coordination with other teams and advisers. They are not limited to giving legal advice, but rather have an active part in the negotiation strategy.’
‘Work capacity, knowledge, experience, talent and willingness to help.'
'Eduardo Sánchez - excellent negotiating skills.’
‘Clifford Chance has a perfectly integrated team, which complements and coordinates to provide high-quality legal advice. They are capable of delivering the matters entrusted to them in a short period of time, making the client feel well cared for. ’
‘The relationship between the professionals and the client is fluid; they are always available and focused on providing quality work.’
‘Ability to access lawyers from different practices quickly. Knowledge of technical and financial aspects.’
‘Clifford Chance is a safe bet for project matters in the energy sector. Both due to its international knowledge and the collaboration of the projects and public law teams, Clifford is a safe reference for matters of great importance.’
‘José Guardo is an exceptional lawyer; he is valued for advising companies on strategic and complex matters. José combines knowledge of civil and commercial matters with a deep understanding of business, especially energy projects.’
Key clients
- Iberdrola
- Endesa
- Soladvent
- Repsol
- Eni
- Grenergy Renovables
- China Three Gorges
- Galp
- Finerge
- Elawan Energy
- AIP Management
- Atlas Renewable Energy
- Cubico
- Banco Santander
- Natixis
- Forestalia
- Ardian
- Vauban
- Solarpack
- Solaria Energía
Work highlights
- Advised Norway's sovereign wealth fund Norges Bank on the acquisition of a 49% interest in a 1.3 GW portfolio of solar plants and onshore wind farms in Spain from Iberdrola.
- Advising Iberdrola on a wide range of matters, including the sale by Neoenergia of 50% of the shares of Neoenergia Transmissora 15 SPE for over €230m.
- Advising Grenergy on the acquisition of Sofos Harbert Renewable Energy, the sale of a 150 MW PV plant in Spain to a European IPP, and the financing of green energy projects in Chile.
Lawyers
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jaime Almenar, José Guardo