Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables & Alternative Energy

Burges Salmon has a notable nuclear power and renewables practice with a real depth of experience in dealing with domestic issues. The firm is also adept at handling conventional power and utilities regulatory work. The team is regularly engaged in onshore and offshore wind matters, solar developments and biomass projects. The firm offers standout expertise in renewable and emerging technologies, including battery storage and waste-to-energy plants. The team frequently advises on the real estate, environmental and financing aspects of significant renewable developments. It is also adept at advising clients on regulatory matters, particularly issues pertaining to nuclear developments.

"Burges Salmon has exceptional responsiveness. The lawyers are approachable, friendly and extremely accommodating to client needs."

"The team is made up of seasoned professionals with the experience and agility to deal with complex matters."

Burges Salmon acted for Gresham House, a specialist alternative asset manager, on a range of battery energy storage M&A deals. This includes the acquisition of the 40 MW Stairfoot battery storage project in North Yorkshire.

The firm was appointed as the principal legal provider for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in relation to the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) Project to deliver a prototype nuclear fusion energy plant.

Head of the firm's nuclear power practice, Ian Salter is widely considered a market leader in the nuclear power sector. He possesses considerable experience in project development and management, including assisting with complex regulatory issues. "Ian Salter is superb. He's very good on the regulatory side of things but also has broad experience and is very knowledgeable." "He is a nuclear regulatory expert. He's also very commercially savvy."

Ross Fairley is head of the firm's renewables group and is instructed by both private and public sector clients in significant and high-profile projects. He advises on the acquisition and development of various energy assets, including geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and battery storage projects. "Ross has his finger on the pulse when it comes to developing areas in sustainability projects. He is also very accessible and pragmatic in his advice."

Camilla Usher-Clark is a partner at Burges Salmon. She often represents energy companies and investment funds in single asset or portfolio-scale acquisitions arising from the solar, biomass and battery storage spaces.