Clifford Chance
Clare is co-head of the Worldwide Projects group and co-head of the Energy Sector, with a particular focus on offshore wind projects, renewable portfolio transactions, hydrogen and other energy transition projects. She works on project development, financings and M&A in the sector. Clare acts for a broad range of market participants including sponsors, corporates, institutional investors, banks and multilaterals.
Clare is a founder member of the firm's ESG Board and is an expert in sustainable finance. Her recent work includes advising on the financing of H2 Green Steel project in Sweden, advising AIP and PFA on the sale of a stake of their holding in the Walney Extension offshore wind farm, advising Renantis on the refinancing of renewable projects across Europe, and advising on the project bond refinancing of the Benban Solar Park in Egypt.
- the second lien lenders on the financing of a multi-billion dollar green steel project in Sweden comprising the production of green hydrogen and rolled green steel produced using H2-enabled DRI iron. Europe Sustainability Deal of the Year, PFI Awards 2023; Europe Blended Export Finance Deal of the Year 2023, TXF Awards; Europe Manufacturing Deal of the Year 2023, Proximo Infra Awards
- AIP Management and PFA Pension, on the sale of a stake of their holding in Walney Extension, the operational offshore wind farm located in the Irish Sea
- Falck Renewables S.p.a. (now Renantis) on the restructuring and platform refinancing of 30 renewable projects across Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway and the UK
- the senior lenders and the export credit agencies funding the Sotra Link consortium on the RV 555 PPP project in Norway, the largest road infrastructure development in Norway to date. Commercial bank debt was provided by Bank of China, Credit Agricole, Caixa, DZ Bank, KDB, KEXIM, KfW and Santander. Europe Export Finance Deal of the Year 2022, IJGlobal Awards; Europe PPP Deal of the Year 2022, PFI Awards
- MUFG on a project bond refinancing of 6 PV projects in the Benban Solar Park in Egypt. Project Bond Deal of the Year 2023, Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Africa Awards; MENA Renewables Refinancing Deal of the Year 2022, IJGlobal Awards
- HSBC and Citi, and other managers of the largest ever project bond, and largest amortising bond, to refinance the acquisition of shares in the Abu Dhabi gas distribution network. MENA Oil & Gas Deal of the Year 2020, IJGlobal Awards; Middle East Infrastructure Deal of the Year 2020, PFI Awards
- Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) on their purchase of 50% of the Hornsea 1 offshore wind farm pre-construction from Orsted and the related hybrid bank, project bond and mezzanine financing (the biggest ever single renewable asset project financing). Global Institutional Deal of the Year 2018, PFI Awards
- Gatwick Airport on all its financing matters, including its OpCo and HoldCo debt offerings
- Danish pension funds PKA and PFA on all aspects of their successful purchase and holdco financing of a 50% interest in the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Project. The financing combined institutional investors, export credit from EKF and commercial bank OFTO financing. European Renewable Deal of the Year 2017, PFI & IJ Global Awards
- Lenders on the project financing of the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm in Scotland. European Renewables Deal of the Year, PFI Awards 2019 and subsequent amendments and additional financing
News and client work
Contact details
Career and qualifications
- University of Manchester (LLB) 2001
- Joined Clifford Chance 2003
- Admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales 2005
- Partner since 2015
Professional bodies
- Member of the AFME Growth/CMU Working Group, together with the AFME-ICMA Infrastructure Working Group and AFME Sustainable Finance Working Group
- Member of the UK council of IPFA (International Project Finance Association)
- Sits on the European Green Securities Steering Committee (chaired by the Climate Bond Initiative)
- Board member of Hertfordshire Independent Living Service, a social enterprise
Awards and citations
- "Clare Burgess is an incredible leader and lawyer – she is extremely knowledgeable of the infra sector and in project financing. She has built a solid team and is always ready to step-in when needed, she is an excellent communicator with a great sense of humour."
Legal 500 UK 2024: Power (including Electricity, Nuclear and Renewables) - "Clare is a fantastic lawyer and a pleasure to work with. She always delivers excellent advice, from the start of a deal through to execution.“
Chambers UK 2024, Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy - "Clare consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities. At the same time, she is an exceptional adviser and lawyer.“
Chambers UK 2024, Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy - "Clare is strong on capital markets and has solid renewables deals practice."
Chambers UK 2023, Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy