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Watson Farley & Williams

Projects & Energy: Domestic

France Guide 2026 : France

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Watson Farley & Williams

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About

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

Provided by Chambers

Projects & Energy: Domestic - France

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

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 renewable 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.

À propos de l’équipe

Watson Farley & Williams représente des promoteurs, des investisseurs et des banques dans le cadre d’une gamme de projets et de transactions énergétiques nationaux, y compris des acquisitions et des joint ventures. Les avocats connaissent bien le secteur des énergies renouvelables, en particulier l’énergie éolienne et solaire, et assistent sur les questions de stockage d’énergie et de traitement des déchets. Watson Farley & Williams possède une expertise supplémentaire en matière de financement et de refinancement.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Watson Farley & Williams assisted a consortium of banks with the financing to a subsidiary of Amarenco for a multi-country solar infrastructure project.

  • Watson Farley & Williams a accompagné un consortium de banques dans le cadre du financement d'une filiale d'Amarenco pour un projet d'infrastructure solaire multinational.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The lawyers are quite innovative and are able to structure the transactions well.

    Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

  • I appreciate the quality of the service and the fact that the team is client-focused. The lawyers really make sure that when you have a deadline everything is done on time.

    Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

  • The lawyers are always available and very responsive.

    Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

  • The team's clear and structured approach repeatedly leads to the development of suitable solutions, even in complex and demanding situations.

    Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

  • The lawyers adapt themselves to the context of the situation and are very flexible too.

    Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

  • Les avocats sont très innovants et savent bien structurer les transactions.

    Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Laurent Battoue
    Laurent Battoue

    Laurent Battoue

    Head of department Laurent Battoue is noted for his experience in 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, chef de département, est reconnu pour son expérience dans le cadre d’opérations dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables, y compris les acquisitions de portefeuilles éoliens et solaires. Il possède également une expertise en matière de concessions et de financement de projets.

    • Laurent Battoue is one of the reference partners in Paris and in this industry.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurent is very good in his analysis, with very transferrable skills.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurent Battoue is a very reassuring and pedagogical adviser.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • We appreciate his work a lot. He is accurate and very commercial in his approach.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance
    • Nous apprécions beaucoup son travail. Il est précis et très pragmatique dans son approche.
      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurent Battoue est l’un des associés de référence à Paris et dans cette industrie.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurent Battoue est un conseiller très rassurant et pédagogique.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurent est très bon en analyse, et ses compétences sont très transférables.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance
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  • Laurence Martinez-Bellet
    Laurence Martinez-Bellet

    Laurence Martinez-Bellet

    Laurence Martinez-Bellet represents public entities, energy companies and investors. She is particularly active in renewable energy asset financing and acquisitions, as well as the development of social and transport infrastructure projects.

    Laurence Martinez-Bellet représente des entités publiques, des entreprises du secteur de l’énergie et des investisseurs. Elle est particulièrement active dans le financement et l’acquisition d’actifs dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables, ainsi que dans le développement de projets d’infrastructures sociales et de transport.

    • Laurence has the ability to deep dive into new subjects, and her experience in this field is very helpful.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurence is super experienced; she has been working in the market for decades. You feel that everything is covered with her, and she is really dedicated to her clients.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurence has very good technical expertise and a good approach to global matters.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurence a la capacité de s’immerger en profondeur dans de nouveaux sujets, et son expérience dans ce domaine est très précieuse.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurence a une vaste expérience; elle travaille sur le marché depuis des décennies. On sent qu'elle maîtrise tous les aspects et elle est vraiment dévouée à ses clients.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance

    • Laurence a une excellente expertise technique et une bonne approche des enjeux mondiaux.

      Projects & Energy: Domestic respondentFrance
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Ranked Individuals at Watson Farley & Williams (2)

France

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