Commercial legal work for energy and transport projects in England spans consenting, construction, operation and trading of electricity, gas, hydrogen and transport assets. Solicitors advise on Development Consent Orders and planning consents under the Planning Act 2008, negotiate grid and connection agreements with National Grid ESO and Distribution Network Operators, advise on licensing and compliance before Ofgem, handle Contracts for Difference matters and transmission charging, draft EPCs, offtake and sale agreements, secure wayleaves, leases and project security, and represent clients in court, regulatory hearings and inquiries. Environmental assessment, grid capacity and procurement rules commonly influence contract allocation and project timing.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
On commercial matters solicitors manage consenting under the Planning Act 2008 and licensing regimes under the Electricity Act 1989 and Gas Act 1986; they negotiate grid connection agreements, offtake and merchant contracts, finance documentation and EPCs, prepare wayleaves and easements, and engage with Ofgem, the Civil Aviation Authority or the Marine Management Organisation as required. The complexity stems from interfacing regulatory regimes, construction risk allocation and detailed charging arrangements.