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Renewables

Over the past 20 years our team of energy lawyers have developed expertise and gained unique experience in advising funders, developers, objectors and numerous other stakeholders in renewable energy projects.   

We have a comprehensive understanding of the policies, market structures and economics affecting the development of the Renewables sector in Ireland, most notably grid connection and the adoption of RESS.  Our team have witnessed the dynamic evolution of these policies, structures and economics and we fully appreciate their political and economic interaction with the wider energy market.

We have advised clients availing of the previous AER and REFIT subsidy regimes and are working with clients on the new RESS regime and the upcoming auctions.  We actively advise on and participate in key market consultations, including on the implementation of the Clean Energy Package and its impact on priority dispatch.  We have advised both price makers and price takers on key ISEM compliance issues and the impact of regulatory changes on revenue flows.

We are fully conversant with the ECP grid connection processes. 
 
Together with our Environmental & Planning  we can advise energy clients on all of the environmental and planning controls as they apply to energy projects, including land-use planning consents, Environmental Impact Assessment, pollution control licensing and the new critical infrastructure regime.

Key projects and clients we have worked on and with in recent years include:

Brookfield Renewables on its development and financing of the Slieve Callan wind farm project in South West Ireland (which included a 25km 110KV contestable grid connection).

European Investment Bank in its financing of the Oweninny Wind Farm in County Mayo. 

Parkwind NV, one of Europe’s leading offshore Wind Farm developers, in its strategic investment in the Oriel Wind Farm – a 330MW offshore wind farm project proposed in the Irish Sea.

ESB Novusmodus on its investment in Wind Energy Direct, an 'on-site' wind energy developer.

Various Solar clients, on project fundraising, corporate structuring, and delivery.

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Department 

  • One client notes that "William Fry have been our-go to lawyers for over 20 years and are an integral part of our team. We demand a lot from our legal advisers and the team at William Fry consistently deliver. They really understand the complexities of our business and have an in-depth legal and commercial understanding of the Irish energy sector." Another source notes that "William Fry has represented the largest global energy players active in the Irish market, They have experience advising all players in the market" Legal 500 2020
  • A client describes the firm’s performance as “very impressive,” noting in particular that the team’s “client service and commercial awareness are both excellent.” Chambers Europe, 2020
  • "William Fry’s broad practice advises domestic and international clients such as utilities, lenders and developers in the gas, water and commodities space, as well as the renewable energy sector." Legal 500, 2019
  • ‘Business acumen is excellent’ at William Fry, where the team’s growing client base includes oil, gas and manufacturing companies, utilities, independent project developers and commercial banks. Legal 500, 2018
  • The firm's "depth and versatility to provide the entire range of legal requirements" is often praised, with clients saying: "It is invaluable to have it all under one roof." 
    Sources also remark that the team is "very responsive and knows the sector well." Chambers Europe, 2017
  • William Fry excels at electricity and gas work, where its advice is ‘always focused on the key issues’. Legal 500, 2017

Team

Fergus Devine

  • Legal 500 2020 have ranked Fergus in the 'Hall of Fame'. One client said Fergus has "a particularly in-depth level of knowledge on the workings of the transmission and distribution network and the complex regulatory framework that comprises that SEM in Ireland. We found his advice to be timely, pragmatic and commercial. "Another client added that they work with Fergus on a daily basis: "He is our go-to lawyer for all our important transactions and projects. We leverage his extensive legal knowledge of the energy and natural resources market to drive real value for our business. He continues to provide the best legal advice when we need it and is not afraid to give a view. He has a real affinity for this sector."
  • "Excellent. Can't think of any weakness affecting the given energy advice." IFLR1000 2020
  • One source admires Fergus's "ability to make very complex regulations and legislation simple. He is very knowledgeable and commercially aware, whilst also ensuring that everyone involved is fully conversant with the issues at hand."Chambers Europe 2020
  • According to Legal 500 2020 Fergus was "available round the clock during the transaction" and "excellent at minimising the stress that accompanies a large scale PPP transaction working to a tight timeline."
  • Fergus Devine has two decades of experience, advising clients on a wide range of energy projects. "I have great respect for Devine," remarks one admiring market source, adding that "he's a brilliant energy lawyer." Chambers Europe 2019
  • "Strengths are numerous but outstanding leadership from Fergus Devine stands out the most." IFLR 1000 2019
  • Department head Fergus Devine is "very responsive, exceptionally pleasant and has a broad and in-depth knowledge of the energy sector," according to interviewees. Chambers Europe 2018
  • The "business-focused" Fergus Devine is highly active in the energy sector and is a "clear communicator". Legal 500 EMEA 2018
  • In Chambers Europe 2017, Fergus is praised for his "huge depth of knowledge and dynamism." According to Legal 500 EMEA 2017, Fergus "does not shirk the difficult messages."
  • In Chambers Europe 2016 Fergus draws plaudits from interviewees for being "able to understand complex, technical issues" and "grasping the mechanics of the energy markets".

 

Key Contacts

Fergus Devine Partner