Energy & the environment

Advice on the environmental aspects of energy projects and power plants, including planning and permitting, dealing with regulators, environmental liability and changes to the law.

Environmental aspects abound for energy projects at all stages of their development and subsequent operation. Numerous development and environmental consents and permits must be obtained, often involving detailed environmental analysis, negotiations with regulatory authorities and sometimes public inquiries. Providing legal advice on these and other aspects requires the right mix of skills and experience.

At Clifford Chance we recognise this and can advise you on all aspects of the development process. We have advised on the environmental aspects of developing and financing gas fired power stations and the environmental issues arising from the restructuring of the nuclear industry. We have also given environmental advice on the sale and purchase of electricity undertakings (power stations, grid connections or shares in energy companies), LNG projects, gas storage developments, oil refineries, financing of various power plants and been involved in advising on the environmental aspects of privatisation within the industry.

Projects Energy Oil and Gas

We also advise on renewable energy projects that are increasingly coming on stream as a result of international and European developments in this area. Examples of projects we've advised on include the development of wind farms and waste to energy schemes.

There are also the regulatory requirements to consider particularly in light of increasing regulation. We can provide ongoing advice on regulation requirements, environmental management procedures and risk management strategies including environmental insurance. We also advise on other aspects of environmental and health and safety liability, such as contamination, waste disposal and asbestos. For more information on how we can help, contact one of the team.