Our services

Energy & Natural Resources

Energy & natural resources sector

The energy & natural resources sector in Ireland is going through transformational change based on a number of recent trends in the sector.

These include the sale of energy-assets by the Irish Government, the ongoing move toward renewable energy in order to reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports for power generation, EU unbundling requirements, Ireland’s 2020 renewables commitments and the implementation of the European Target Model Market.

Energy & Natural Resources Group

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

Our award winning energy & natural resources group has extensive experience representing developers, funders and investors in a wide variety of energy projects, with a combined generation capacity of almost 1GW 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
Screenshot 2025 01 13 202855
Gavin Blake
Partner
View full team
Side by Side

Our services

  • Project finance and construction of energy projects
  • Purchase and sale of wind farms and other energy projects
  • Drafting and negotiating all related property documentation – including: wind leases, solar leases, wayleaves for grid connection
  • Planning law advice to include advising on planning appeals, Section 5 Declarations, EIA, NIA, modifications to existing planning permissions and Judicial Reviews
  • Advice on REFIT and negotiation of power purchase agreements, including market change provisions and “supplier-lite” structures
  • Energy regulation, to include advising on I-SEM and other upcoming changes in the Irish energy market;
  • Negotiating turbine supply agreements, operation and maintenance agreements, civil and electrical balance of plant contracts
  • EIIS and other funding arrangements for energy projects
  • Solar, Bioenergy, CHP and auto-production projects
Side by Side

Experience

ABO Wind

As owner’s legal advisor on Milestone, Castlewaller, Clogheravaddy and Sheskin Wind Farms

AIB Bank

As lender’s legal advisor on Carrownaweelaun, Kilmeedy and Crockbrack Hill Wind Farms

AGNA

On the development of a 200MW solar PV project in Libya

Triodos Bank

As lender’s legal advisor on Gurteen Wind Farm

HSH Nordbank

As lender’s legal advisor on the refinance of Crockbrack Hill Wind Farm

Grange Backup Power

On the development of a 115MW electricity power station in Grange Castle, Co. Dublin

Vayu

On its Power Purchase Agreements and other contracts in Ireland

RES

On the sale of its operational 25.3MW Taurbeg Wind Farm in County Cork to the Renewable Infrastructure Group

Terra Solar

On an equity investment by ESB

BNRG (and other Solar PV developers)

On the drafting and negotiation of lease options and lease agreements for proposed large scale ground mounted solar farm developments in Ireland

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
Strong energy sector experience. Practical hands on advice. Ainsley Heffernan is very knowledgeable and user friendly.
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
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
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
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
Planning and Development Bill is published
06 Dec 23
Download: Beauchamps' Doing business in Ireland booklet
11 Jul 23
Beauchamps announces the appointment of four new partners
13 Jan 23