Renewable Energy
Our Practice - What We Do
Snell & Wilmer is a full-service firm with experience representing renewable energy companies in a variety of transactions. We are committed to being a leader in providing specialized legal services to the renewable energy and clean technology industry and to being at the forefront of many of the developments impacting this sector. The various practice groups within our firm work together to provide interdisciplinary representation to our clients in this industry, and our attorneys have a diverse array of specialties applicable to emerging and established companies in renewable energy. Additionally, the firm’s network of offices and professionals are ideally located in many of the areas experiencing the strongest growth in renewable energy and clean technology development.
Our Attorneys - Who We Are
Snell & Wilmer is one of the largest full-service law firms in the Western United States. Our attorneys have been nationally and locally recognized for providing superior legal services. The attorneys working within our Renewable Energy Group offer comprehensive legal services in virtually every aspect of business.
Our Clients - Who We Represent
Our clients include renewable energy and clean technology companies and entrepreneurs, venture capital and private equity firms, and strategic investors that concentrate in this industry. For our company clients, we provide a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to the size and needs of the company, whether an emerging business or a publicly traded company. We represent clients in various sectors within the renewable energy and clean technology industries, including:
Our Experience - What We've Done
With Snell & Wilmer on your side, you will have a law firm that is as committed to the renewable industry and clean technology industry as you are and has the requisite experience and resources to help you accomplish your objectives.
Project Development and Infrastructure
As a firm, we have significant experience in the siting and construction of energy generation facilities and transmission infrastructure. Our experience includes land acquisition and leasing, environmental regulation, the negotiation of power purchase agreements, engineering, procurement and construction agreements, asset purchase and sale agreements, and other energy industry specific contracts.
Regulatory Matters and Legislative Support
The firm represents clients in a variety of regulatory proceedings, including numerous matters pertinent to the renewable energy industry, such as the development of renewable energy portfolio standards, contract approvals, distributed generation rules and net metering standards. We are also active in policy and legislative strategy relating to legislation and laws that are of concern to the renewable energy industry.
Venture Capital, Private Equity, and M&A
Our corporate practice is well-equipped to handle the diverse needs of companies spanning from emerging businesses to seasoned public companies in the renewable energy industry. Our venture capital group represents companies of various stages that may be looking to raise funding or explore exit strategies or other strategic alternatives. Our mergers and acquisition group handles transactions of all sizes related to both private and publicly-held companies.
Indian Country
We are uniquely positioned to provide counsel to companies developing renewable energy generation facilities on Indian land. Attorneys in our Indian law practice have been involved in Indian law issues throughout the Western United States and have extensive experience working with Indian tribes and tribal enterprises, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Department of the Interior. Our practice includes negotiation and counseling in federal and tribal law dealing with economic development, utilities and natural resources, private and public financing, tribal water rights, land and boundary claims, commercial leasing, development of tribal codes, ordinances, and regulations, tax issues, and drafting and advocacy related to federal and state legislation.
Intellectual Property
We are experienced in protecting the proprietary technology of renewable energy companies. Should the need arise we are well-equipped to engage in dispute resolution or litigation to protect the interests of our clients.
Tax
Our tax team advises renewable energy companies on issues related to this industry and have experience in structuring projects and transactions in the most tax efficient manner and ensuring the availability of applicable tax credits.
Representative Transactions
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Represented investor-owned utility in negotiating a 30 year Power Purchase Agreement for a utility-scale solar thermal generation facility with a nameplate capacity of 280MW.
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Represented a market leader in wind turbine technology in three venture capital rounds involving several of the most prominent alternative energy venture capital funds.
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Represented a corporate investor in a venture capital financing of a company focusing on implementing a biotechnology based process to convert oil, shale and coal to natural gas within the earth in a continuous process.
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Represented investor-owned utility in its investments in various alternative energy companies.
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Represented lender in the financing of a geothermal generation facility.
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Represented developer of solar energy in land acquisition for the development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic generation facility.
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Represented purchasers of energy generation facilities in obtaining all necessary state and local permits and approvals, including air, water, and land use permits.
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Patent prosecution for various alternative energy technologies, including solar, advanced energy storage methods, fuel-cells and hydrogen fueling stations.