Ashurst-named-Best-Renewables-Law-Firm-in-Italy

Ashurst has been named 'Best Renewables Law Firm of the Year' at the TopLegal Awards, held on 10 February in Milan.

The award was made in acknowledgment of Ashurst's energy team's expertise in the full spectrum of renewable energy matters including thermopower plants, biomass as well as wind and solar plants, advising major companies, sponsors, investors, financial institutions, banks and operators in the industry. The prize was also given in recognition of the work done on the landmark debt refinancing of Antin Solar, the first project bond in Italy.

Commenting on the award, Milan Energy partner, Carloandrea Meacci, commented:

"Our Italian team advises on both regional and international mandates governed by Italian, English and New York law, and on both bank and bond financing solutions, which undoubtedly differentiates us in our market. Ashurst's global platform and capability also allows us to service our clients across their key target jurisdictions. I am delighted that the team's capabilities and major achievements have been recognised by this award."

Mark Elsey, global head of resources and infrastructure, said:

"I congratulate our Italian team on winning this award. Energy is an area of key strategic focus for the firm and we have been involved in some of the most complex and ground breaking deals in the renewables sector. This reinforces our position operating at the forefront of one of the world's most dynamic and evolving markets."

Head of Italy, Franco Vigliano, added:

"We are delighted that Ashurst's expertise in the energy sector has been recognised by the industry in this way. This is a fitting testament to the team's commitment and market-leading credentials."

Recent mandates on which Ashurst's Global Renewables team has advised include:

• Enel Green Power on the acquisition of a majority stake in Indian wind and solar power producer BLP Energy, which is one of the largest renewable energy companies in India with wind plants having a total capacity of 172 MW and a portfolio of approximately 600 MW of wind projects in different stages of development.
• ACWA Power on the development and financing of the Noor phases I, II and III concentrated solar power IPP in Ouarzazate, Morocco
• JBIC, NEXI and the commercial banks on the successful US$129m financing of the Shams Ma'an solar project, Jordan
• Infinis Energy in relation to the development and financing of a portfolio of five onshore wind farm in the UK, with a combined capacity of 52.5MW, and subsequent refinancing of their 300MW operating wind portfolio
• UK Department of Energy and Climate Change on the landmark Swansea Bay tidal lagoon energy project
• The development of the Luapula hydro projects, Zambia DRC