Schalast | Energy

Energy is an important innovation driver and the entire energy market is currently changing fundamentally. The cause of this is, on the one hand, the energy transition, climate policy and digitization effects of, not least because of the pandemic. These framework conditions shape the energy markets today, which is reflected in business models, contractual relationships and the competitive environment. The energy sector stands for safety, drive and progress. Whether as a core task or means to an end, energy never stands alone. That is why we network energy with our other core competencies and provide holistic and entrepreneurial advice.

Our consulting focus in the energy sector:

Thanks to our many years of experience in energy law and energy management advice, we know the interfaces between market players and find practical solutions for you, taking into account the different perspectives. In implementing the major tasks of supply security, climate neutrality, digitization and energy transition design, we are at your side with comprehensive industry knowledge; stakeholders and relevant technical, economic and political interactions.

For energy supply, among other things, we support companies in strategic orientation, energy and antitrust issues; access; market participation; product design; corporate law; transactions; labor law challenges and financing.

Furthermore, we advise lenders on project financing in the field of renewable energies, in particular onshore and offshore wind farms and PV/solar parks, including due diligence on projects under energy law (EEG questions, BImSchG approval, direct marketing, power purchase agreements, etc.).

We support energy suppliers and infrastructure operators in implementing legal and regulatory requirements, strategic orientation and specific product design, investment, dismantling decisions and cooperation models. Classic areas such as market processes, unbundling specifications, processing damage cases, access claims and leeway in designing legal contractual and usage relationships are just as much a part of our range of services as new challenges from metrology, re-dispatch, integrating electromobility, synergetic development of hydrogen infrastructure and power-to-gas systems.

We support industrial and large customers in optimizing costs as end consumers, implementing relevant requirements and measurement concepts as well as integrating sustainability measures in the face of challenges as a producer or infrastructure and plant operator.

We advise companies in the context of generation, whether conventional or renewable, whether new projects or subsequent uses. Decentralized energy supply in particular requires sustainable yet economical energy concepts for both electricity and heat. We support producers, energy suppliers, contracting providers and end customers. Whether redistribution, direct marketing, eligibility or self-generation concept, we check the feasibility according to EEG, KWKG and general energy law.

In addition, we advise energy supply companies and their partners on transactions, in particular company acquisitions and sales, for example in the areas of e-mobility and digitization, as well as on joint ventures in connection with establishing data centers, an area that primarily in and around big cities is currently experiencing a very special boom. Another specialty is advising energy supply companies about negative changes in the competitive environment. For example, we are currently supporting two of the largest municipal utilities in not simply accepting the market division between RWE and E.ON after the dismantling of Innogy and the resulting massive impairment of competition. Our advisory approach is regularly set up at the interchanges between energy, civil or contract law, antitrust law, regulation and financing.

The legal 500 - Firms to watch 2023