Projects & Energy | Global

Bowmans is a pre-eminent law firm in the projects and energy space, with significant experience in renewables and power, as well as in important infrastructure projects. The group acts for companies and a number of major lenders at all stages of project development. The team is frequently involved in cross-border matters; its expertise spans M&A, financing and construction contracts as well as regulatory advice. The practice is also highly regarded for its formidable procurement experience.

Fasken enjoys a high level of prominence in the project finance market, advising local and overseas lenders on matters arising in areas such as mining, oil and gas, solar and wind. The group frequently represents project companies in bids for power producer procurement programmes and is well versed in commercial transactions within the projects arena. The practice also advises on related disputes. In addition to its strength in renewables, both domestically and regionally, the team is active on infrastructure development and PPP projects.

ENS operates a well-respected projects team with notable cross-border experience. The group is particularly strong in the negotiation and drafting of project documents, including EPCs, PPAs and power procurement. It offers broad expertise covering wind, solar and biomass projects, advising developers and sponsors on regulatory issues, contracts and finance. The team also advises on infrastructure and oil and gas projects in South Africa and further afield. The firm's clients benefit from the group's broad network of offices, which sees the team involved in mandates across anglophone and francophone Africa.

A reputable international law firm with a respected South African projects offering, Norton Rose Fulbright handles mandates on behalf of sponsors and lenders across a variety of energy and infrastructure developments. Leveraging the firm's expansive overseas presence to act on cross-border projects, the team also provides a nuanced understanding of national developments, including South Africa's REIPPP programme. It often advises on project finance mandates in relation to power generation and oil and gas activities.

Webber Wentzel is well regarded for its expertise in gas-to-power projects, as well as handling upstream work in the oil and gas sector. The practice also advises bidders on their submissions for renewable energy projects, with further expertise in project finance, PPAs, M&A and regulatory issues. The firm represents a diverse roster of public and private clients, including investors, energy companies and significant South African banks.

Baker McKenzie is an international powerhouse with a strong foothold in the South African projects market. The firm is known for its representation of developers and lenders in financings, investments, litigation, PPA negotiations and EPC contracts, as well as assisting energy producers with all stages of their gas and coal projects. The team is increasingly involved in renewable energy projects, including as part of the REIPPP programme, and including biomass and solar projects.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr advises infrastructure investors, financial institutions, developers, and exploration and production companies on the full spectrum of project matters, predominantly in the energy sector. The practice possesses expert knowledge in procurement, transactional matters and regulatory energy law, which it draws on to advise on power procurement programmes beyond South Africa. The practice is further adept in project finance and equipped to guide sponsor clients from bidding to operation and maintenance. The team offers additional experience in oil and gas, and frequently advises significant suppliers on regulatory and compliance matters.

Pinsent Masons has a well-regarded projects and energy department, offering its clients expert advice on PPPs, regulations and PPAs. The team advises on a range of infrastructure projects, including social and transport infrastructure, with further activity in energy projects. Its client base consists of developers and development banks.

Werksmans advises on high-profile mandates in the transport and energy sectors, including several large projects in the country's renewables and coal base load programmes. The practice demonstrates deep knowledge of the regulatory framework governing road and rail infrastructure and is well respected for its PPP practice. The group services a range of sponsors and lenders and has considerable experience handling PPAs and project finance.