Energy & Natural Resources
Industry experts with a business-oriented approach
One-stop shop for energy projects
The energy and natural resources sector is characterised by a return on investment over long periods of time. Here, more than in almost any other sector, you need a team that not only understands regulations and their implementation, but also knows the market drivers and risks intimately. Given the direct industry background of our lawyers, many of whom have held senior positions at major international energy companies, we understand the commercial drivers in the sector and can offer you technical advice, industry insight and recognition of business objectives that is second to none.
With one of the largest dedicated energy teams in the CEE/SEE region, Wolf Theiss is ideally positioned to be your one-stop shop for energy projects. Our cross-practice team can advise you on all issues that may arise during the life cycle of large-scale energy or mining projects, including on legislative, political and regulatory questions, as well as tax issues. We can help you manoeuvre through the labyrinth of regulations that are not always entirely clear in our developing markets. We aim to mitigate risk but sometimes disputes are unavoidable; we can support you in all administrative, litigation and arbitration proceedings including investment protection and disputes brought under the Energy Charter Treaty.
Given the current global emphasis on green initiatives and the reduction of carbon emissions, renewable energy finds itself centre stage. Review our guide on renewable energy law for unique insights into laws / regulations governing the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources in the CEE/SEE region.
Cross-practice energy experts handling all legislative, political & regulatory issues
Our cross-practice team of energy experts cover all of our legal and tax practices, including Corporate M&A, Banking & Finance, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, Construction & Engineering, Competition & Antitrust, Employment & Data Protection, Public Procurement and more.
Key Contacts
Areas of specialisation
Oil & gas
Today the oil and gas industry is influenced more than ever by factors including market volatility, supply security, environmental risks and regional politics. Moreover, there is a growing international emphasis on exploring unconventional reserves like oil sands, coal bed methane and shale. Consequently, dealing with these complex dynamics demands a higher level of expertise and experience in energy than what has been traditionally expected. We can help you with:
- fuel, gas, pipeline throughput, aviation, LNG, lubes and specialties;
- bunkering;
- concessions and licensing;
- exploration, production and storage;
- upstream, midstream and downstream;
- offshore construction, permitting and development;
- environmental law and oil and gas law.
Renewable energy
Given the current European and global emphasis on green initiatives and the reduction of carbon emissions, renewable energy finds itself in the limelight. Whatever the stage of your project, we can assist you with all issues from development and financing to construction and operation. Our guides on renewable energy law, energy efficiency and waste to energy provide unique insight into national legislations across the CEE/SEE region. We advise on a wide range of green energy projects, including:
- photovoltaic;
- wind (on and offshore);
- hydroelectric;
- geothermal;
- biofuels;
- biomass;
- hydrogen;
- waste to energy;
- energy efficiency and storage;
- transmission and smart grid;
- carbon trading (CO2).
Nuclear energy
With direct industry experience, we have the necessary skills and hands-on expertise to know what you are up against in terms of developing and running a nuclear power plant. Our lawyers have worked in-house at nuclear power plants, while others worked on large-scale project developments from ground-breaking through to completion. We can help you with the regulatory and transactional issues of existing facilities, as well as assist you with the application for, securing of, or overcoming challenges to, the regulatory approvals and permits required for new operations in the nuclear energy sector, including:
- construction and operation of nuclear plants, including small modular reactors (SMR);
- decommissioning of nuclear plants;
- transportation and disposal of nuclear fuel.
Utilities
Whichever part of the utilities sector you belong to, we offer legal expertise combined with industry-specific knowledge of electricity, gas, district heating, water, wastewater and waste management. Our guide on licensing electricity and gas wholesale activities provides a regulatory overview covering the CEE/SEE region. We can help you with:
- power construction projects;
- pricing and tariffs;
- power purchase agreements (PPA);
- trading agreements and balancing groups;
- licensing.
Mining
Exploration and mining laws have become increasingly complicated in recent years and cases often involve cross-border issues. Whether you are a mining company, exploration service company, drilling service company, investment house or an individual investor, you benefit from our law firm’s mining experience representing clients in numerous local and international mining and minerals projects. We can advise you on:
- mining operations;
- analysis of legislation concerning mining and exploration;
- obtaining exploration licenses and mining concessions;
- environmental issues;
- funding mining ventures and projects.
Regulatory
Recent years have seen increasing economic regulatory requirements at European and local levels, in terms of both formal legal requirements and less formal “soft law”. Our team can advise you on all permitting and licensing issues relating to the construction and operation of energy assets, including unbundling aspects and compliance with market rules. By maintaining excellent contacts with the relevant authorities and regulators, you benefit from our representation in all kinds of administrative proceedings.
Environmental
Considering environmental issues at an early stage of planning is essential to save time and money. The provisions of environmental law play an important role in acquisitions, as well as in the planning, implementation, development and licensing of energy and other natural resource projects. These provisions are also crucial for the rapid and efficient implementation of projects.
A multitude of national and European environmental laws and regulations makes it increasingly difficult to obtain a clear and comprehensive picture of legal requirements. Given their years of experience, our environmental law specialists are ideally equipped to filter out and handle relevant issues for you. We advise on a wide range of laws and issues, including:
- ESG and Sustainability
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
- Energy & High Voltage Transmission Law
- Construction Law
- Water Law
- Waste Law
- Zoning Law
Get in touch
When you need an international team with extensive experience, Wolf Theiss is your right partner to support your business goals through profound legal practice.
Related insights
Key Insights on CSRD Reporting Requirements for Companies Operating in the Croatian Market
On 27 July 2024, the Republic of Croatia officially implemented the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in...
Read more
E-Ladestationen im Fokus: Zwischen Recht und Wirklichkeit auf der Suche nach Klarheit
Wien, 17. April 2024 – In einer Zeit rasanter technologischer Entwicklungen bei der Elektromobilität rücken elektrisch...
Read more
Wolf Theiss assists Toms Group in shaping multi-partner PPA in Poland’s energy market
Warsaw, 12 March 2024 – Toms Group, a leading player in the chocolate and confectionery industry, has formed a partnersh...
Read more
Order of preference and a new capacity allocation regime in the Hungarian green energy market
Decade-long changes in grid connections The latest government package to support further growth in green energy was introd...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Kyoto Group on delivery of one of a kind Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS) to a major Hungarian food ingredient producer
Budapest, 04 December 2023 – Wolf Theiss Budapest has acted as lead legal counsel to Kyoto Group during the contractual ...
Read more
“Romania’s Move towards a Decarbonized Future” is the theme of the first edition of Wolf Theiss Energy Summit in Bucharest
Bucharest, 9 November 2023 – The Wolf Theiss hosted event “Romania’s Move towards a Decarbonized Future̶...
Read more
Serbian government to launch a strategic partnership tender for self-balancing solar power plants
EPS (Elektroprivreda Srbije) seeks a strategic partner to design, build, fund, operate and maintain at least 5 new solar p...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises DTEK Renewables International on the acquisition of an approx. 50MW renewable energy project in Romania
Bucharest, 22 May 2023 – Wolf Theiss acted as legal advisor to DTEK Renewables International, a growing investor and...
Read more
Renalfa acquires three renewable energy companies in Bulgaria from Alpiq with legal support from Wolf Theiss
Sofia, 30 March 2023 – Wolf Theiss advised clean energy investment group Renalfa in the acquisition of Alpiq’s ass...
Read more
Electrohold Bulgaria concludes 10-year green power purchase agreement with Yettel and CETIN with legal advice from Wolf Theiss
Sofia, 20 March 2023 – Wolf Theiss advised electricity company Electrohold Bulgaria on the conclusion of a 10-year green...
Read more
Wolf Theiss assists KKR with Ukrainian part of its USD 450 million multinational investment in Hero Future Energies
Kyiv, 16 March 2023 – Leading global investment firm KKR relied on the legal advice of Wolf Theiss regarding the Ukraini...
Read more
What Romania’s renewables market tells us about the present and future of sustainable energy
Renewables expert and Managing Partner of the firm’s Bucharest office Bryan W. Jardine takes a deep look into Romani...
Read more
Wolf Theiss welcomes new partner leading the Energy & Natural resources team in Warsaw
Warsaw, 1 February 2023 – Wolf Theiss welcomes Igor Muszyński as a new partner leading the Energy & Natural Resourc...
Read more
Hungary: Further tightening of grid connection rules – existing grid connection rights could also be at risk
*available in Hungarian below A new government decree on the application of Act No. LXXXVI of 2007 of Hungary on electrici...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Axpo Polska on signing of PPAs with Energix Group for wind power to 2034
Warsaw, 5 October 2022 – the largest independent receiver of renewable energy in Poland, Axpo Polska, relied on the lega...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Jade Power in the EUR 71 million sale of its Romanian renewable energy portfolio to Enery Power Holding
Bucharest, 6 September 2022 – Wolf Theiss acted as local legal advisor in Romania to Jade Power Trust, a Canadian-based ...
Read more
The Wolf Theiss Guide to Generating Electricity from Renewable Sources in CEE & SEE
Market and geopolitical factors drive renewed focus on renewable energy production the laws / regulations governing the ge...
Read more
Hungarian Energy Market: Energy market players that are members of the MSZKSZ will face rising costs over the next six months
*available also in Hungarian below Some energy trader costs related to gas stockpiling will increase in the future and the...
Read more
Hungarian Energy Market: Changes to capacity rules on available grid connection – what can developers expect?
*available in Hungarian below Introduction Critical information for power plant investors and developers: due to the armed...
Read more
Romania: Amendments to the Process for Connection to the Electricity Grid and Permitting of Renewable Energy Projects
The Romanian authorities have become increasingly focused on facilitating the development of renewable energy projects in ...
Read more
Hungarian Energy Market: Energy authority warns on gas contracts for next year as options narrow
*available in Hungarian below “On 1 October, the contracts of free market gas purchasers expire, so it is advisable ...
Read more
Hungarian Energy Market: Details published of windfall taxes and tax increases affecting the energy sector
(also available in Hungarian below) Key takeaways The Hungarian Government adopted and published the detailed rules of the...
Read more
Renewable Energy on the Rise in CEE/SEE region – Wolf Theiss Presents In-Depth Guide for 2022
Wolf Theiss has published the newest edition of its comprehensive guide to “Generating Electricity from Renewable So...
Read more
Hungarian Energy Market: Producers received a major stop sign for exiting renewable support schemes
(also available in Hungarian below) Background As a result of the recent electricity price increases, producers taking par...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Raiffeisen Bank Romania on granting a 325 Million Euro credit facility to Romgaz S.A.
Bucharest, 1 April 2022 – Wolf Theiss acted as a legal advisor to Raiffeisen Bank in relation to a EUR 325 million credi...
Read more
Hungary: First Publication Procedure for Power Plant Connection to Transmission Grid expected in May 2022
The Hungarian Electricity Transmission System Operator Ltd. (MAVIR or TSO) held a public consultation on 24 February 2022 ...
Read more
Hungary: Substantial changes in the connection of small power plants to the distribution network
The Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (HEPURA) approved Amendment No. 16 to the Distribution Code o...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Axpo on signing a PPA with R.Power Group for nearly 300 MW of solar power in Poland
Switzerland’s largest producer of renewable energy Axpo relied on the legal expertise of Wolf Theiss concerning its ...
Read more
Another success for Wolf Theiss’ Warsaw energy team in advising Pacifico Energy Partners on the purchase of several PV portfolios.
Wolf Theiss’ energy practice, led by Konrad Kosicki, has advised long-standing client Pacifico Energy Partners on th...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises ENGIE on entering into exclusive negotiations regarding the sale of its services subsidiary Equans
Wolf Theiss has advised ENGIE on entering into exclusive negotiations for the sale of its services subsidiary Equans to Bo...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Longwing Polska on a loan agreement for the construction of the Zalesie Wind Farm in Poland
Wolf Theiss advised Longwing Polska on the financing of construction of the Zalesie Wind Farm with a capacity of 25 MW loc...
Read more
Energy price crisis in Hungary: Exiting renewable energy support schemes is an option for developers
The unforeseen energy market conditions this year – in particular the dramatic increase of the electricity prices – ha...
Read more
METAR tender in Hungary: Changes in the procedural rules and financing instruments
Introduction Earlier this month, some important legislative changes were announced regarding the METAR tender, which aims ...
Read more
The Announcement of the liberalization of the 10h rule is still not enough to improve the energy mix
Warsaw, 6 July 2021 – Liberalization of the 10 H principle has not only been delayed by at least one year, but it may al...
Read more
Warsaw energy team records another transactional success advising Pacificio Energy Partners purchasing PV portfolio
Warsaw, 15 June 2021 – Wolf Theiss' energy practice headed by Konrad Kosicki has advised Pacifico Energy Partners in the...
Read more
Legislative changes affecting energy trading in Hungary and the regulator’s interpretation
Important changes were introduced in the Hungarian legal system in February 2021 which have a significant impact on energy...
Read more
Serbia: Shake-up in the energy market – auctions for premiums, new foreign entrants in the gas market, and much more
The Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy has opened a public debate on a set of draft energy laws intended to introduce s...
Read more
Wolf Theiss expands in Poland with the addition of experienced real estate and environmental specialist
Warsaw, 2 November 2020 – Aleksandra Jach joins Wolf Theiss in Warsaw as Counsel to strengthen the Real Estate and Const...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Kommunalkredit Austria AG on the financing of 8 solar power plants in Hungary
Vienna, 15 October 2020 – New Green Deal for Wolf Theiss: Wolf Theiss advised Kommunalkredit Austria AG on the financing...
Read more
Wolf Theiss berät Europäische Investitionsbank und UniCredit Bank Austria bei der Finanzierung des Ausbaus eines der größten Windparks Österreichs
Wien, 31. August 2020 – Die EIB und die UniCredit Bank Austria haben bei dieser 107 Millionen Euro-Finanzierung auf die ...
Read more
Umwelt- und Baurechtsexperte Stefan Lampert verstärkt Wolf Theiss im öffentlichen Wirtschaftsrecht
Wien, 23.2.2018 – Österreichs größte Anwaltssozietät Wolf Theiss baut das Beratungsangebot der Praxisgruppe Öffentl...
Read more
Wolf Theiss expands in Warsaw, launching energy practice and strengthening M&A team
Warsaw, 2 December 2019 – Wolf Theiss took further steps to expand its presence in Poland, hiring Counsel Konrad Kosicki...
Read more
Liberalization of the 10h rule as a chance to unblock onshore wind farm potential in Poland
Warsaw, 10 June 2020 – The RES industry is waiting for a change of the 10h rule, which requires wind farms to maintain a...
Read more
Romanian energy regulatory authority (“Anre”) has set the mandatory quota for the acquisition of green certificates
Order no. 158/2018 on the establishment of the estimated mandatory quota for the acquisition of green certificates for the...
Read more
Lack of regulation for energy storage harms the development of renewable energy sources in Poland
Warsaw, 29 June 2020 – The issue of energy storage has been discussed in Poland for several years. "The first experiment...
Read more
Bulgaria – Energy regulator’s decision adverse to wind RES producers repealed by court
On February 23 2018, the Administrative Court–City of Sofia (“ACCS”) rendered a Judgment repealing two chapt...
Read more
New legislation affecting companies that extract natural gas from Romania’s offshore blocks
On Monday, September 24, the Romanian Senate adopted the offshore law, which establishes the rules for companies that extr...
Read more
Bulgaria: Further liberalisation on the electricity market at production level (update)
The Parliament adopted a new Bill amending the Energy Act introducing a number of measures to further integrate RES Genera...
Read more
The Wolf Theiss guide to: Generating Electricity from Renewable Sources in Central, Eastern & Southeastern Europe
Wolf Theiss is pleased to publish this redesigned, eighth (8th) edition of The Wolf Theiss Guide to: Generating Electricit...
Read more
First successful investment treaty claim over subsidy cuts to renewable energy investments
Since 2013, several investment treaty claims have been filed in the field of renewable energy against European member stat...
Read more
The new security of gas supply regulation on the horizon – The view of Austria, Bulgaria and Slovenia
On 16 February 2016, the European Commission officially presented the new Energy Security Package, which aims at increasin...
Read more
Wolf Theiss advises Allianz in its acquisition of a minority stake of Gas Connect Austria
Vienna, 23 September 2016 - OMV has signed an agreement selling a 49% minority stake of Gas Connect Austria (GCA) to a con...
Read more
The new energy security package – A step forward to European natural gas security of supply
On 16 February 2016 the European Commission ('EC') officially presented the new Energy Security Package. The set promotes ...
Read more
The Wolf Theiss Guide To: Licensing of Electricity and Gas Wholesale Activities in Central, Eastern & Southeastern Europe
Wolf Theiss is pleased to publish the second edition (2018) of “The Wolf Theiss Guide To: Licensing of Electricity a...
Read more
Bulgaria – Competition protection commission recommends amendments of the energy act concerning the heating sector
On 8 February 2018, the Bulgarian Competition Protection Commission ("CPC") issued a Decision in a Competition Advocacy pr...
Read more
Bulgaria – Amendments to the energy act in relation to REMIT to be reviewed by the competition protection commission
On 07 February 2018, the Bulgarian Competition Protection Commission ("CPC") initiated Competition Advocacy proceedings in...
Read more
Bulgarian competition watchdog launches a sector inquiry into electricity markets
On 22 January 2018 the Bulgarian Competition Protection Commission ("CPC") announced that it opened a sector inquiry into ...
Read more
Wolf Theiss strengthens its real estate and energy teams in Romania with the addition of two lawyers
Bucharest, 11 December 2017 – Wolf Theiss welcomes back Flaviu Nanu as Counsel and adds Sebastian Boțic as Associate in...
Read more