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Energy and utilities

Legal support across the energy and utilities sector, delivering tailored solutions to navigate regulatory, environmental and operational challenges. 

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The energy and utilities sector moves quickly, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving regulatory landscapes, and a global shift towards sustainability.

At Burges Salmon, we understand the complexities of today’s energy market and anticipate where it is heading, providing our clients with the strategic foresight they need to succeed.

Our award-winning energy lawyers are at the cutting edge of the sector, helping clients to deliver groundbreaking projects and operate successful businesses across the renewables, water, nuclear, fusion, hydrogen, energy storage, energy distribution, clean heat, water and waste sectors. From regulatory insight to delivering key project rights and high-profile M&A and financings, we offer deep sector knowledge and expert advice throughout the entire life cycle of a project.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. Experts across our firm work closely together, drawing on specialist knowledge in areas such as energy and utilities regulation, construction, planning, real estate, M&A, finance, tax, competition, technology and disputes. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to view complex energy projects from all angles and provide tailored, commercially focused solutions for our clients.

Whatever support you need on opportunities or challenges across the energy and utilities sector, Burges Salmon is here to provide unparalleled legal expertise.

Our services encompass a wide range of solutions designed to address your unique challenges. From navigating complex regulatory frameworks to advising on major infrastructure projects, we ensure comprehensive support and guidance tailored to your needs.

  • Site assembly of energy and utilities projects – Advising on the legal aspects of acquiring and assembling land for energy developments.
  • Consents and planning applications – Guiding clients through the consents process and managing planning applications for energy and utilities projects.
  • Electricity and heat supply and grid connection – Expertise in conventional, corporate, virtual and peer-to-peer electricity trading arrangements and securing grid connections for energy projects.
  • Project finance – Assisting with financing for energy projects, including lender agreements, security, and financial structuring.
  • Energy regulation – Advising on compliance with energy regulation, licensing, and policy changes, including regulatory enforcement action.
  • Mergers and acquisitions – Supporting clients with the acquisition and sale and joint development of energy assets, including due diligence and contract negotiations.
  • Energy disputes – Resolving disputes related to energy projects, from regulatory issues to construction and commercial conflicts.
  • Community energy and ownership – Facilitating community involvement in energy projects, including ownership structures and financing options.

Sector expertise

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Clean heat

Expert legal solutions to support clean heat, navigating regulatory complexities and driving sustainable energy transitions.

Clean Heat
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Energy storage

With a long and market leading track record in energy storage projects, we offer specialist legal expertise to help you navigate the legal complexities of this rapidly evolving and crucial sector.

Energy storage
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Energy transition

We are at the forefront of the shift to a low-carbon economy, guiding clients through all aspects of energy transition projects including development, financing and operational matters. 

Energy transition
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Hydrogen

Comprehensive legal advice and industry insights to help businesses navigate the emerging hydrogen market.

Hydrogen
train station infrastructure

Networks and regulation

Expert legal guidance in energy networks and regulation, helping clients to navigate complex commercial and regulatory frameworks and interactions with regulators. 

Energy networks and regulation
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Nuclear and fusion

With market-leading expertise in nuclear and fusion law, we support clients on complex projects and emerging energy technologies in the UK and across the globe.

Nuclear and fusion
Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, UK

Renewable energy

Comprehensive legal solutions across the renewable energy sector, helping clients develop, build, operate, finance and invest in projects and navigate the challenges of energy transition.

Renewable energy
Engineer And Recyclable Material

Waste and circular economy

Expert, sector-focused legal advice on all aspects of regulatory, project development and contractual arrangements in energy recovery, waste and resource management and the wider circular economy, across the UK and internationally.

Waste and circular economy
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Water

Providing comprehensive solutions to the water sector across all legal areas, based on a deep knowledge of the sector.

Water
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Our team

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Examples of our work

Atlantic Green

Advised on the development and £152 million financing of Atlantic Green’s 624MWh battery storage project at Cellarhead, near Stoke-on-Trent.

Bluefield Solar Income Fund

Advised on the £112.4 million acquisition of a solar and wind portfolio and secured a £200 million revolving credit facility from RBSi and Santander to finance the acquisition.

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EDF Energy plc

Advising as a panel firm since 2008 on GW scale new nuclear projects and its existing fleet of UK AGR nuclear power stations.

Progressive Energy Limited

Advised on a joint venture with Essar Oil UK to produce low carbon hydrogen at Stanlow Refinery, including legal structuring, regulatory compliance, and offshore carbon storage in Liverpool Bay.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Advised on the £1 billion South Westminster Area Network (SWAN) project which will provide low carbon heating for some of London’s most iconic buildings including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and the National Gallery.

Severn Trent Water and Affinity Water

Advising on the Grand Union Canal DCO application for a vital new scheme to transfer water from the Midlands to the South East, comprising two SRO projects, a new advanced water treatment plant and piped connections to and from the canal network.

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Net Zero

Visit our Net Zero hub to find out how our multi-sector Net Zero Services team can support with decarbonised energy projects and learn more about our own responsible business commitments.

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What others say

“Burges Salmon has an excellent range of specialists covering our sector.”

Chambers UK, 2025

“Burges Salmon has exceptional responsiveness. The lawyers are approachable, friendly and extremely accommodating to client needs.”

Chambers UK 2024

“The team is made up of seasoned professionals with the experience and agility to deal with complex matters.”

Chambers UK 2024

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Insights

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