Overview

With a global focus on reducing carbon emissions, biomass projects are playing an important role in the UK’s diverse energy mix. But while opportunities for fuelled renewables abound in the sector, businesses need expert advice to overcome the contractual and regulatory obstacles they face.  

We are immersed in the biomass sector and have worked on some of the UK's most high profile biomass and fuelled renewables projects. Our experts advise on the full project lifecycle, from real estate to planning, construction packages to financing and operation.

We work collaboratively to ensure we assemble the best combination of people, skills and experience for each client. We have particular expertise in the fuel supply contracts and regulatory issues that are crucial to the successful delivery of biomass projects. We can also draw on the skills of our nationally-acclaimed transport team for matters relating to power stations deliveries. 

Our biomass experts are active in shaping the future of the sector through membership of a number of industry bodies, including the REA Biomass group. 

Areas of focus

Our expertise in biomass projects includes the following:

  • Procurement and funding.
  • Compliance with the Renewables Obligation.
  • Negotiating fuel supply agreements.
  • Energy regulation, CfDs and RHI.
  • Sustainability requirements and rejection procedures.
  • Drafting and negotiating port agreements.
  • Construction contracts.
  • Health and safety issues.
  • Rail aspects of biomass projects.
  • Construction disputes.
Experience

Advising iCON Infrastructure on the 19MW Beckton Biomass Plant.

Advising DONG Energy (Orsted) on all aspects of its proposed UK biomass plants.

Advising Helius Energy Plc on the CoRDe 7.2 MW biomass project using distillery by products as fuel.

Advising Mersey Bioenergy on the £110 million, 20 MW Widnes CHP biomass plant.

Advising Estover Energy on the Speyside biomass CHP plant.

Advising Estover Energy on the Cramlington CHP biomass plant (28 MW).

Advising Helius Energy Plc in relation to the development of a 100 MW biomass fuelled power station at Avonmouth Port.

Advising Helius Energy Plc on the procurement of a 65 MW biomass power station at Stallingborough.

Advising O-Gen Plymtrek/Birmingham Bioenergy on offtake arrangements for these biomass plants.

Advising RES on the proposed 100 MW Liverpool biomass plant.

Advising Estover Energy on the Discovery Park CHP biomass project.

Advising Investec on the Evermore biomass project.

Advising Prenergy Power on the development of UK's/Europe's largest biomass renewable energy plant (300 MW).

Advising GB Bio on a 17 MW straw fired biomass plant.

Meet the team
Ross Fairley

Ross Fairley Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Head of Renewable Energy
  • Environment
Nick Churchward

Nick Churchward Partner

  • Head of Resource and Waste Management
  • Projects
  • Energy and Utilities
James Phillips

James Phillips Partner

  • Head of Energy & Utilities
  • Head of Energy Transition
  • Energy Regulation
Lloyd James

Lloyd James Partner

  • Construction and Engineering
  • Energy and Utilities 
  • Infrastructure
Camilla Usher-Clark

Camilla Usher-Clark Partner

  • Corporate
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Co-operatives
Julian Boswall

Julian Boswall Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Infrastructure
  • Planning and Compulsory Purchase
Elizabeth Dunn

Elizabeth Dunn Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Infrastructure
  • Real Estate
Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson Consultant

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Infrastructure
  • Planning and Compulsory Purchase
Richard Spink

Richard Spink Partner

  • Corporate
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Private Equity
Jonathan Eves

Jonathan Eves Partner

  • Corporate
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
Euan Bremner

Euan Bremner Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Head of Scottish Real Estate
  • Head of Northern Irish Real Estate
Will Woodall

Will Woodall Partner

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Infrastructure
  • Healthcare
Graham Soar

Graham Soar Partner

  • Banking and Finance
  • Derivatives, Debt Capital Markets and Securitisations
  • Project Finance

What others say...

The team is really knowledgeable and very solution-focused.
Chambers UK 2022

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