Energy & Renewables

With the drive towards decarbonisation and emission reduction, the energy sector is undergoing a rapid and comprehensive transition.

Traditional players are adapting their business models and new local and international entrants are investing heavily, particularly in renewables.

Simpson Grierson has long been regarded as a key legal adviser to the New Zealand energy sector, and we are at the forefront of helping clients navigate the changing landscape. We are heavily involved in the growth of New Zealand’s renewable energy sector, advising on a number of new solar, geothermal and wind generation projects.

We assist clients to develop projects, from financing, planning and consenting to operational and regulatory issues, and to navigate regulatory developments. We have particular expertise in key operational and regulatory areas of the electricity market, such as the Transmission Pricing Methodology, Power Purchase Agreements, and the Electricity Industry Participation Code.

Our ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, including broader community interests, is an important aspect of our service. In particular, our lawyers work closely with our Māori business specialists on engaging with Iwi.

We are also specialist advisers on the Emissions Trading Scheme which is increasingly relevant to power usage and pricing.

Work Highlights

Lodestone Energy solar project

We advised Lodestone on all aspects of the development of New Zealand’s largest solar power project, which will see utility-solar farms constructed in five locations with around 360,000 solar panels. The aggregate generating capacity of the farms will be approximately 200MWdc.

Our work on this complex project included site acquisitions, a fully subscribed equity raise, corporate structuring, engineering, construction and major equipment procurement, grid connection contracts and non-recourse debt funding.

The project has set the benchmark for solar energy generation development in New Zealand, and won in two categories at the 2023 INFINZ Awards.

Renewable energy projects

We are currently advising on numerous solar, geothermal and wind projects of all sizes for New Zealand and international clients. Our work ranges from project finance, to commercial arrangements, consenting and construction.

Transpower

We advise Transpower on a range of regulatory and market issues, including the drafting of the new transmission pricing methodology.

Decarbonisation project

We advised a large corporate on the procurement, power purchase and network connectivity aspects of a major electrification project as part of its decarbonisation programme.

OMV

We have advised OMV over many years on its New Zealand oil and gas portfolio. We have acted for OMV in Environment Protection Authority hearings, successfully obtaining marine consents under the EEZ Act. We also advised on its US$578 million acquisition of Shell’s upstream oil and gas business in New Zealand.

New Zealand Oil and Gas

We advise on its oil and gas portfolio including Kupe development and gas sales matters, sale of its Kupe interest to Genesis Energy, Tui exploration and other exploration prospects.