Projects & Energy: Domestic
Europe Guide 2024 : France
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+33 156 88 21 21About
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
WFW has a leading practice in the development and financing of large energy projects. It is at the core of WFW’s offering, with over 30 of Paris’ 55 lawyers work daily on these transactions, making the firm one of the largest energy teams in the French market.
The Energy team includes specialists in project finance (notably for renewable energy projects and PPP projects), M&A, sale and divestments, project development, project contracts, tax, public law, regulatory, real estate and public domain. Its advice extends to competition rules especially State aid, abuse of a dominant position and mergers, and we also assist clients in courts and arbitral tribunals.
In addition, the project finance team includes several dual-qualified lawyers, enabling us to advise on both French and English law aspects in cross-border matters.
The team is particularly active in regulated industries in which the firm has strong sector expertise, notably in renewable energy and energy infrastructure. This includes prospective topics such as hydrogen, white certificates, corporate PPAs, storage, floating offshore wind, repowering, electric mobility/stationary energy storage systems and smart ports projects.
Chambers Review
Watson Farley & Williams represents developers, investors and banks in a range of domestic energy projects and transactions, including acquisitions and joint ventures. The lawyers are well versed in the renewables sector, especially wind and solar power, in addition to assisting with energy storage and waste treatment matters. Watson Farley & Williams boasts additional expertise in financing and refinancing matters.
Work Highlights
- Watson Farley & Williams advised the French Ministry of Defence on the bidding process for a concession related to the construction and operation of military servant housing.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I am very satisfied with Watson Farley & Williams; it has very good knowledge of the sector."
"Watson Farley & Williams is proactive in the client relationship."
"Watson Farley & Williams is very involved in the evolution of the market and regulatory aspects."
"I am very satisfied with Watson Farley & Williams; it has very good knowledge of the sector."
"Watson Farley & Williams is proactive in the client relationship."
"Watson Farley & Williams is very involved in the evolution of the market and regulatory aspects."
Notable Practitioners
Head of department Laurent Battoue is noted for his experience assisting with transactions in the renewable energy sector, including wind and solar portfolio acquisitions. He also has expertise in concessions and project financing.
"Laurent Battoue is a good listener and has a good commercial approach, with very good knowledge of the sector."
"His strengths are his very good knowledge of the regulations and very fine analysis. He is also pragmatic and understands the wider commercial aspects."
"Laurent Battoue is very good technically. He helps me to analyse risk, not only on paper but in reality, and is also extremely responsive."
Laurence Martinez-Bellet represents public entities, energy companies and investors. She is particularly active in renewable energy assets financing and acquisitions, as well as the development of social and transport infrastructure projects.