Our services

Energy & Natural Resources

Over the past two decades, we have established a reputation as one of the leading Irish law firms advising on renewable energy projects.  

Our award winning energy & natural resources team has extensive experience representing developers, funders and investors in a wide variety of energy projects, with a combined generation capacity of over 2GW to date.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide practical, cost efficient and solutions-driven advice from the feasibility stage right through to planning, financing and ultimate construction of the project.

Our people

Key contacts

Ainsley Heffernan
Ainsley Heffernan
Partner
View full team
Side by Side

Our services

  • Owners'/Funders' legal advisor on the project finance and construction of energy projects, including wind (both onshore and offshore), solar, bioenergy, CHP, waste to energy and energy storage projects
  • Planning law advice to include advising on EIA, AA, modifications to existing planning permissions, planning appeals and Judicial Reviews
  • Energy regulation, to include advising on I-SEM, CRM, DS3 and other upcoming changes in the Irish energy market
  • Legal due diligence, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures
  • Advice on off-take arrangements, including Power Purchase Agreements, CfDs, Balancing Services Agreements, supplier-lite structures and corporate PPAs
  • Negotiating turbine supply agreements, operation and maintenance agreements, civil and electrical balance of plant contracts
  • Drafting and negotiating all related property documentation, including wind leases, solar leases and wayleaves for grid connection
  • Advice on EIIS and other funding arrangements for energy projects
Side by Side

Experience

Innogy Renewables

In the acquisition and on-going development of the proposed 600MW Dublin Array Offshore Wind Farm, a JV with Saorgus Energy

E.ON

Advising on the consenting and permitting regime for offshore energy projects in Ireland

C6 WtE Ireland

In the acquisition, development and finance of the €85.4 million Derryclure Waste to Energy Project

Innogy Renewables

In the acquisition of a 103MW battery energy storage portfolio from Highfield Energy

Grange Backup Power

In the sale, by competitive auction, of a 115MW open cycle gas dual fuel power plant to Combined Heat and Power Investments Ireland Limited

ABO Wind

In the €20 million project financing of the Clogheravaddy Wind Farm in County Donegal

Terra Solar

In the sale of a portfolio of 15 solar PV projects to ESB Solar

Equinor

Advising on commercial contracts and security documents relating to a change in ownership of the Corrib Gas Field

Triodos Bank

In the financing of Ballincurry Wind Farm and the refinancing of Castlecool Wind Farm

Innogy Renewables

In the development of its 60MW Lisdrumdoagh battery storage project in County Monaghan

Kiltumper Wind Farm

In the project financing of the a €10 million wind farm in County Clare

Mercury Renewables

In the development and construction of the €75 million Carrowleagh Kilbride Windfarm in County Mayo

ABO Wind

In the development and construction of the €50 million Castlewaller Windfarm in County Tipperary

Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta (FST)

On its proposed development of the 400MW Skerd Rocks Offshore Wind Farm off Ireland’s west Atlantic coast

The team at Beauchamps are very approachable. They understand the practice area and are up-to-date with the latest case law. They respond to queries and help to resolve an issue and close out a transaction in an efficient way.
Legal 500 2024
The team has particular expertise in wind farm and solar projects. The lawyers are experienced in joint development agreements and joint ventures, as well as asset sales and acquisitions.
Chambers & Partners 2024
Beauchamps is well versed in renewable energy matters, frequently assisting with finance and development mandates.
Chambers & Partners 2024
They have a unique understanding of both renewable energy, coupled with corporate law.
Legal 500 2024
I find Beauchamps to be a solutions-orientated legal advisor with an excellent appreciation of the commercial realities facing our business.
Beauchamp’s renewable energy team is exceptional in terms of the quality of key staff and industry knowledge. They are also fully aware of emerging regulatory developments and important moves by market players.
Legal 500 2023
The law firm also assists with regulatory and policy advice topics.
Chambers & Partners 2024
Ainsley Heffernan is the standout partner, coupled with Stuart Conaty and John Sweeney. The level of personal client attention and focus is second to none. The team are pragmatic and hands on in getting transactions completed.
Legal 500 2022
The Beauchamps team are unique in their deep sector expertise in renewables coupled with broad and complementary corporate expertise. Equally, they are extremely responsive to and supportive of constructive feedback.
Legal 500 2022
The unique aspect of the practice is their insight into the renewable energy business, both in terms of protocol and the commercial activity taking place within.
Legal 500 2022
Beauchamps is a very customer-focused practice. We feel we are a gold-standard client to them and this shows in the level of service we receive. We have been with other firms where we felt we were just another client, prioritised on the basis of the value
Legal 500 2022
Beauchamps has been able to quickly understand the complexities we are dealing with and regularly brings considered solutions to challenges in addition to highlighting and communicating the legal issues in simple language.
Chambers & Partners 2023
Not only is the team strong technically and legally, but it also has an acute awareness of commercial pragmatism.
Chambers & Partners 2023
Beauchamp’s team are very approachable and aware of the issues with the sector and what is the market standard.
Legal 500 2023
Beauchamp’s team can think commercially and find good commercially workable solutions, where necessary accompanied by clear advice on any residual risks.
Legal 500 2023
The team has both deep, industry-specific skill sets as well as broad corporate capabilities and knowledge. Equally, the partners are long-term relationship driven and invest significant time in maintaining and building these relationships.
Legal 500 2023
The team’s integrity, work ethic and reliability are second to none.
Legal 500 2023
Their dedication to covering all aspects of the transaction, and determination, ability and enthusiasm to reach a successful conclusion is notable.
The energy team in Beauchamps spend time to get to know our energy projects individually and therefore can be (and are) proactive in providing advice on issues as they arise and certainly before they can become critical.
Legal 500 2021
It is reassuring to know that Beauchamps have considerable experience and expertise in the field. They understand the commercial subtleties of complex legal agreements which is invaluable.
Legal 500 2021
The work is completed to a high standard and complex issues that arise are dealt with in a satisfactory manner.
Chambers & Partners Europe 2022
Beauchamps has excellent technical resources and experience.
Chambers & Partners Europe 2022
Strong energy sector experience. Practical hands on advice. Ainsley Heffernan is very knowledgeable and user friendly.
Legal 500 2020
Ainsley and his team has successfully brought us through two wind farm financings over the past two years and have consistently shown a great ability to overcome tricky issues that arise during the due diligence period.
Legal 500 2020
It's difficult to mention a certain main strength, as we get the feeling that Beauchamps has an excellent understanding of all areas of our business.
Chambers & Partners 2020
Well connected to the local market and provides client-focused advice.
Chambers & Partners 2021
The team is extremely well organised and well integrated with other departments across the firm. Ainsley Heffernan, along with his team, has a unique and in-depth understanding of both the corporate as well as renewable sectors. He manages work flows in a
Legal 500 2020
The depth of knowledge from the Beauchamps energy team is very impressive. They have expertise across a number of areas including property, planning law, construction and project finance. The difference is they are able to draw upon this expertise from wi
Legal 500 2020
What sets them apart from other firms we have dealt with in the past is the efficiency of the solutions provided; issues are closed out in a concise, commercial and effective way with no unnecessary fuss.
Legal 500 2020
very experienced in renewable energy
Chambers & Partners 2019
They have a deep understanding of the industry that goes beyond purely legal issues, and an understanding of the commercial challenges.
Chambers & Partners 2018
Clearly understood our requirements and were instrumental in devising solutions to get us there.
Chambers Europe 2017
Proactive and client-friendly.
Chambers Europe 2017
Beauchamps ‘renewable energy specialists have significant industry insight.’
Legal 500 2017
Beauchamps handled the task in a prompt manner. Their main strength was their knowledge and experience of the small wind farm sector.
Chambers Europe 2017
A solid, technically proficient team that is always abreast of market developments.
Chambers & Partners 2016
These lawyers have their finger on the pulse of the wind energy sector.
Chambers Europe 2015
In-depth knowledge of the renewables market" and team head Ainsley Heffernan provides "practical solutions.
Legal 500 2015
Their ability to bridge the gap between good business and good legal practice sets them apart from the competition.
Legal 500 2014
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Latest Updates

Two new partners join Beauchamps
11 Oct 24
Beauchamps supports in developing a comprehensive guide on offshore wind energy development in Ireland
09 May 24
Beauchamps advises Ormonde Organics on its acquisition by Heygaz Biomethane
04 Nov 24
Planning and Development Bill is published
06 Dec 23