Energy and Climate Change
Future facing law firm delivering solutions for energy transition and climate challenges
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Today’s energy sector requires expertise in global geopolitics, economics and regulation; but, rather than becoming more standardised and commoditised, the sector’s pace of change is accelerating. CMS teams work across the globe to help meet the demands of climate change, technological disruption, urbanisation in developing economies, social concerns and political agendas.
Our early work in designing and implementing modern energy markets – and subsequently guiding the sector’s push to decarbonisation – means CMS is not simply a transactional or project adviser, but is ideally placed to help shape its future.
We have supported the success of our clients by recognising the sector’s growing diversity and by working actively against 'silo thinking'. We are market-leading, global advisers on:
- Oil & gas exploration and production
- Mid-stream activities,
- Traditional or newer electricity generation technologies
- Energy transition and climate change strategies
- Energy efficiency
- Project finance
- M&A
- Disputes or regulatory and commercial issues
- Hydrogen
Thanks to our cross-sectoral knowledge and expertise, we help ensure clients receive the advice best suited to their commercial needs and to our collective future.
Get in touch with our Energy & Climate Change team to find out more about how we can help.
Facilitating the future of energy
Our experts have shaped the sector by creating the legal frameworks upon which markets around the world are based. We have written energy market rules in over 60 countries, and recently won multiple awards for our work on Mexico’s electricity market reform and long-term auctions.
CMS lawyers thrive at the leading edge. We advise on a wide range of new energy technologies including energy storage, electrification of transport, decarbonisation of heat, floating offshore wind/LNG/solar, shale and alternative O&G, nuclear fusion, carbon capture and storage, tidal lagoons and digital energy. In some cases, we’ve “written the book” on these emerging energy technologies.
From the oil rigs in Azerbaijan to the hydro plants in Brazil, CMS lawyers will be where you need them. And most likely, will have been there before.
Legal experts for Energy & Climate Change
Highlighted experience
Case studies
We advised Equinor on its agreement with bp to sell 50% of its non-operated interests in the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind assets on the US east coast for a total consideration before adjustments of USD 1.1 bn. Power generation from each site will be sufficient to power more than 1 million homes.
Through this transaction, the two companies also established a strategic partnership for further growth within offshore wind in the US.
What makes this case study interesting/ different/ innovative:
This complex transaction allowed us to assist Equinor in exporting the approaches we and they have developed on European and Asian offshore wind projects and transactions to the nascent offshore wind market in America. It has helped to shape the emerging practice in the US.
This landmark deal, which supports the coming together of two energy giants, is a critical moment in energy transition. Equinor have made innovative arrangements for a fossil fuel major to take steps to becoming a zero-carbon energy company. It is a significant step forward in the renewable energy industry.
CMS won the Offshore Wind Deal of the Year Award at the Wind Investment Awards 2021
Spain’s 300MW Talayuela Solar Park will be one of the largest in Europe. CMS lawyers from across Europe have worked on the project.
CMS UK advised solar park operator Encavis AG on the ground-breaking framework agreement with the developer under which the project was acquired, with CMS Spain assisting on the acquisition. CMS Germany advised on the virtual PPA with a major utility - which was then closed under the lead of CMS UK, in parallel with a financing run out of Germany.
What makes this case study interesting/ different/ innovative:
Our seamless, strategic cross-border advice has enabled Talayuela to be delivered without state subsidies. The ability to do this that is offered by PPAs - especially virtual PPAs, structured as contracts for difference – is a new phenomenon in Europe. It is widely regarded as a key step towards market viability for renewables, ensuring stable income streams and project bankability.
Energy & Climate Change Insights
Local market knowledge. Global outlook
We provide future-facing legal advice to help your organisation thrive. Combining local market knowledge and a global perspective, and with lawyers in locations worldwide, your organisation benefits from the expertise it needs, even across borders.
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