Energy and Infrastructure

Energy

We have deep knowledge of energy industries, having advised major energy and utility companies on projects right across the sector, from the acquisition of energy assets and asset procurement and construction to wholesale and retail customer arrangements.

We advise on the acquisition of oil and gas assets, electricity businesses and generation assets, and wholesale and retail customer bases. We act on the procurement of thermal, geothermal and wind generation plants, high voltage electricity transmissions tunnels and lines and other major equipment, including on a turn-key basis by international tender.

Our mandates have included advising on operational matters, such as the introduction of asset optimisation systems and asset maintenance and capital works outsourcing, and the commercial arrangements between utility companies and their wholesale and retail customers.

We work with energy sector clients on complex regulatory processes and pricing determinations regarding cost of capital, asset valuation and cost allocation issues. In particular, we assist clients to gain the price and revenue certainty needed to invest in long life energy assets. We work closely with clients to effectively engage with governments to shape policy outcomes which impact on the energy sector, including privatisation, water reform, climate change and competition law reform.

Infrastructure

Our lawyers advise across the full range of infrastructure projects, including complex high value projects. We have a reputation for quickly understanding the requirements of the project, becoming part of the project team and delivering pragmatic, quality advice in a timely manner.

We provide strategic and legal advice on infrastructure ownership structures including on consortium formation, joint venture or limited partnership establishment, equity investment and inter-shareholder arrangements. We are fully conversant with procurement methods used internationally, from build only and design-build procurement, through to the various whole-of-life outsourcing formats.

Our experience includes running competitive tenders, often on an international basis, preparation and negotiation of project documents (including contracts based on internationally recognised standard forms) and ancillary arrangements such as long term asset maintenance agreements.

Our lawyers have been involved in the procurement and construction of many high performance assets including thermal, hydro, wind and geothermal power stations, wastewater treatment plants, SCADA systems and high-tech processing plants. We have also advised on many significant civil projects, such as the construction of tunnels and roads, and routinely act for clients on their major capital procurement programmes.