Energy
The energy industry is undergoing a once-in-a-generation change, transforming for the better.
This has been prompted by supply and reliability concerns, a growing focus on renewable energy, advances in technology, and changing customer expectations. Underpinning much of this change are energy networks – particularly the transmission system that transports electricity from sources of generation to points of consumption.
As we move away from coal-fired generators, and see the increasing effects of climate change, energy networks will be fundamental to the transition to a cleaner energy future. This transition will support a sustainable, affordable and secure power system that can provide long-term solutions to energy-related challenges.
How we can help
We can help you navigate the policy, technological, regulatory and commercial drivers that underpin the energy transition and the energy sector more generally, as well as the risks and opportunities that arise. We advise on the full spectrum of legal issues, including:
- all types of energy projects – solar, wind, battery storage, pumped hydro, waste to energy, and behind the meter;
- regulatory reform and compliance;
- new energy technologies, including hydrogen;
- electricity and gas contracting, both wholesale and retail;
- electricity distribution and transmission connection agreements; and
- for our oil and gas clients, navigating decarbonisation and decommissioning.
To find out more about our capabilities and how we can help across the full spectrum of energy, visit energy in focus.
Leading the way in renewables
Having advised on many renewables projects in every Australian jurisdiction, we can guide you through the complex and broad-ranging legal issues associated with the development, acquisition, sale and financing of renewable energy assets. We are at the forefront of cutting-edge deals, including corporate and other PPAs, and the development and integration of utility-scale storage and behind-the-meter assets.
The right team with the right experience
Our team includes specialists in electricity and gas industry regulation, competition policy, environmental regulation, project finance, IP strategy for new technologies, corporate restructuring, privatisation and corporatisation. They provide unrivalled value through their intimate understanding of the local regulatory environment and current market trends, and their networks of contacts across the industry.
Setting the agenda for the future of the sector
We regularly advise both the public and private sector on a range of significant regulatory matters, which includes supporting the market bodies in relation to the drafting and implementation of fundamental policy reform. This means we are across the latest developments, and can offer unique insights into current policy thinking and direction (regarding specific regulatory agendas, such as transmission access reform and the Integrated System Plan; and updates to the national electricity and gas rules more generally).
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Experience
Leading the charge on utility-scale battery projects
Advised on the procurement of the Waratah Super Battery project, the largest standby network battery in the Southern Hemisphere. This included advising on transaction documents and funding, as well as revenue determination, within a bespoke regulatory regime. Also advised Macquarie's Green Investment Group and ENGIE on the procurement of the Hazelwood battery, Australia's largest privately funded and owned utility scale battery. It was a first-to-market project and will assist ENGIE in transitioning the decommissioned Hazelwood Power Station into a long-term sustainable energy asset.
Landmark pumped hydro projects
Advised on the work associated with the 2,000 MW Snowy Hydro 2.0 expansion scheme, including on all funding, construction, environmental planning, regulatory and real estate aspects. Also advising the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility on the $777 million financing of Genex Power Ltd’s 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Queensland, the first in the world to use abandoned gold mine pits.
AusNet takeover
Advising ASX-listed Australian energy company AusNet in relation to the proposed $10.2 billion cash acquisition by a Brookfield-led consortium of 100% of AusNet shares via a scheme of arrangement. AusNet owns and operates the primary Victorian electricity transmission network, an electricity distribution network and a gas distribution network.
Ground-breaking waste-to-energy projects
Advised the lenders on the financing of the Kwinana waste-to-energy project, the first utility-scale waste-to-energy project in Australia; as well as on the development and financing of the East Rockingham waste-to-energy facility, Australia’s second such facility.
Market-first offshore wind project
Advising Corio Generation on feasibility studies for and development of the Great Southern Offshore Wind Farm, a proposed 1,000 MW project to be located off the Bass Coast Shire in Gippsland, Victoria. Corio Generation has been awarded $16.1 million in contributory funding from the Victorian Government's Energy Innovation Fund, to conduct preliminary assessments in support of the wind farm.
Electricity Market participants and WA players
Advised various participants in the National Electricity Market, the South West Interconnected System and the North West Interconnected System on regulatory requirements across the full supply chain, including generation, transmission and retail regulation, as well as assisting clients to navigate and prepare for significant policy reform and increased regulator scrutiny in the energy sector.
Renewable portfolio M&A
Advised global investment manager Igneo Infrastructure Partners on the acquisition of Elliott Green Power Australia through Igneo's Australian renewables business, Atmos Renewables, with the portfolio comprising the Childers, Susan River and Nevertire solar farms with a combined capacity of 302 MW, and well-advanced co-located battery developments totalling 125 MW / 250 MWhs. Advised Meridian Energy Limited on the $740 million sale of its Australia-based electricity generation assets and retail business, Powershop. Also advised a consortium comprising KKR, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board and Public Sector Pension Investment Board on the acquisition of all issued securities of Spark Infrastructure (ASX: SKI) in an all-cash transaction for approximately $5.2 billion.
Advancing corporate PPAs
Advised on a variety of complex and innovative PPA structures, for clients including NBN, Newcrest, WestConnex, Coles, CBA, Sydney Airport, Salesforce, Orora Limited, Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, Intelligent Water Networks, Beryl Solar Farm and Transport for NSW.
Solar-gas project to power Pilbara mines
Advised the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility on the provision of a loan of up to $90 million to Alinta Energy Pty Ltd, to fund the Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid Project.
1GW MacIntyre Wind Farm development
Advised ACCIONA Energy on the development and financing of the 1026 MW Macintyre Wind Farm Precinct in Queensland, which will be one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world. The precinct consists of the 923 MW Macintyre Wind Farm, which is owned by ACCIONA Energy in a joint venture with Ark Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of Korea Zinc Company; and the 100 MW Karara Wind Farm, owned by CleanCo Queensland and developed by ACCIONA Energy.
TransGrid on sustainable energy interconnector
Advised TransGrid on the procurement and construction of Project EnergyConnect, a proposed 860-kilometre electricity interconnector for which TransGrid has contracted with SecureEnergy, a joint venture between Clough and Elecnor.
Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone
Advised the financiers to the winning bidder and another shortlisted consortium on their bids to design, construct, finance, operate and maintain new transmission network infrastructure within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone – a unique and first-of-its-kind transaction, procured using a hybrid regulated asset base and PPP model.