Small Reactors: Big Questions?
Rising demand and intermittent renewables have brought nuclear SMRs into energy conversation everywhere. Is Ireland ready for this?
Fergus is one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy experts and is consistently ranked as one of Ireland’s leading gas and energy specialists. He has particular expertise in advising new market participants, and those considering opportunities, in the energy sector in Ireland, including in relation to the on-shore and offshore renewable generation.
Fergus also advises procuring authorities, developers, data centres, financiers, contractors and operators in relation to large energy projects. Prior to joining William Fry, Fergus spent four years working as a projects and transactional lawyer in California, where notably he advised on wind and geothermal power generation.
Recent significant work includes advising EirGrid, CIP, RWE, DIF, Brookfield, Flogas, DCC Energy, Digital Realty Trust, IBM. Notably, Fergus has recently advised:
- A number of data centre developers in relation to energy centres at the proposed projects, including battery storage, HVO fired generation and gas fired generation.
- Market Participants, including storage projects, in relation to securing DS3 and FASS revenues, participation in the capacity market and the energy markets.
- EirGrid plc, the Irish state-owned electricity transmission operator, on the procurement of circa 660 MW of temporary emergency generation.
- Copenhagen Infrastructure Fund (CIP) on the acquisition by its fund, Copenhagen Infrastructure IV k/S of 50% of Statkraft A/S’ offshore wind portfolio in Ireland.
- Digital Realty Trust (DRT), the world’s largest Data Centre provider on a number of electricity market contracts (including a complex corporate PPA).
- Aughinish Alumina in relation to the gas, HFO and bauxite supply arrangements for its 160MW CHP plant and alumina refinery and related financial and physical sales contracts.
- RWE in its participation in the Irish energy market.
- On the structuring and funding of the €1.6b Celtic Interconnector, a 700MW HVDC submarine power cable linking Ireland and France.
- DIF Capital Partners on its fund’s acquisition of a 51% stake in ib vogt GmbH,one of the world’s leading developers in utility-scale PV solar.
- Brookfield Renewableson its development and financing of the Slieve Callan wind farm project in South West Ireland (which included a 25km 110KV contestable grid connection).
- A number of large solar developers in relation to the RESS scheme.
2026 Legal 500 EMEA
"Fergus Devine always has the skills, knowledge and expertise to support our business whatever the issue." "Fergus Devine is peerless within the energy sector. He has unparalleled experience and expertise. He is attentive, practical and focused on delivering outcomes for clients."
2026 Chambers Europe
"Fergus Devine is very knowledgeable in his field." "Fergus Devine is very responsive, knowledgeable and up to date on the law." "He is an exceptionally capable lawyer, with outstanding commercial judgement and a solution-driven approach."
2025 Legal 500 EMEA
"Fergus Devine is very knowledgeable about the industry we operate in, which is advantageous when contracts for large projects need to be negotiated." "Fergus is peerless within the area of energy and natural resources law. He provides timely, practical, and refined advice that sets him apart and manages do so efficiently, proactively and in a manner tailored to our particular needs and role. His manner and collegial approach enable us to achieve best results whilst maintaining and fostering relations with stakeholders and customers."
2025 Chambers Europe
"Fergus Devine is an excellent lawyer who is very knowledgeable and provides clear advice." "Fergus has a great depth of knowledge, is commercially and client-focused and always adds value." "He is an expert in the field."
2024 Legal 500 Green Guide EMEA
Fergus is ranked as an ESG expert in the Legal 500 Green Guide EMEA 2024.
2025 IFLR 1000
Fergus is ranked as a Market Leader in IFLR 1000 for Energy & Natural Resources.
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