England - Yorkshire And The Humber • Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI)
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Energy and projects

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DLA Piper

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DLA Piper‘s practice combines traditional strength on transactional matters in the solar and onshore and offshore wind sectors with an increasing focus on matters such as battery storage and hydrogen projects. The team’s global reach encompasses projects involving Nordic and Irish companies, and it is also noted for its ’ significant coverage of the corporate PPA market’. Leadership duties are shared between five partners: in Leeds, Natasha Luther-Jones, Robert Smith and Ben Peecock oversee the team, while Teresa Hitchcock and Ian Doig are the key names in Sheffield. Transport regulatory expert Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby, energy and infrastructure finance specialist Laura Gordon and Emma Whitfield, who is well-versed in renewable PPAs, are further names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Emma Whitfield is knowledgeable and warm. She takes real ownership of the mandate.’

  • ‘Good industry knowledge, regional support allowing flexible working approach and reduced fee levels.’

  • ‘Great industry experience, which was helpful in navigating a fairly unique deal.’

  • ‘The main attraction is the team's significant coverage of the corporate PPA market where they remain the go-to lawyers in this space.’

  • ‘The day-to-day work was led by Tom Metcalfe who is adept at leading complex challenging legal work. Tom is enjoyable to work with and diligent in everything he does, committed to doing what is necessary to get the job done. One to watch.’

  • ‘The firm has a strong knowledge of the subject area it worked on and, as a result, was able to provide good advice.'

  • ‘The individuals fitted well into the team and explained situations and solutions clearly.’

Key clients

  • National Highways
  • Elgin Energy
  • Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
  • Voltalia
  • Power Capital Renewable Energy
  • NTR Asset Management
  • Kelda Group Limited
  • Canary Wharf Group
  • Kommunalkredit
  • Nord/LB
  • LBBW
  • Rabobank
  • UK Department for Transport
  • South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority/South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive
  • Northern Trains Ltd
  • Nottingham City Council
  • Schroders Greencoat
  • Statkraft
  • Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive (Nexus)

Work highlights

  • Advising National Highways on the £8bn+ Lower Thames Crossing project. The team is advising on the documentation relating to the procurement of the tunnel and two link road contracts, as well as the procurement of a hydrogen supply contract.
  • Advising Elgin Energy on the sale of a 100 MW portfolio of three solar PV projects across the UK to Pennon Group PLC, an English-based water utility company.
  • Advising Nord/LB, LBBW and Rabobank (the Lenders) on financing arrangements relating to two long-term corporate power purchase agreements entered into between Highfield Solar and Facebook-owner Meta, with an estimated investment of EUR180 million in two newly operational solar farms in Ireland with a combined capacity of 276 MWp.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Emma Whitfield
DLA Piper

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Natasha Luther-Jones, Robert Smith, Teresa Hitchcock, Ben Peecock, Ian Doig

Other key lawyers

Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby, Laura Gordon, Emma Whitfield