Energy

The energy transition in the Netherlands is accelerating.Driven by climate change and new policy targets, we are shifting from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives – while working towards greater energy independence. Natural gas is gradually being phased out and replaced with all-electric solutions, geothermal energy, hydrogen and other renewable heat sources. At the same time, more and more wind and solar farms are being developed, along with other innovative energy projects. Measures such as carbon capture and storage are being introduced to reduce the impact of fossil fuels.

Pressure on energy infrastructure is increasing.The current energy and water networks can no longer cope with rising demand. As a result, capacity shortages are affecting both electricity and drinking water supply. Businesses cannot expand and construction projects stall or are cancelled altogether. At the same time, there is growing demand for temporary and alternative solutions to meet urgent needs.

Legal advice tailored to the energy sector.Our energy law specialists understand the sector and its legal framework. Energy law intersects with many of our areas of expertise: public procurement, administrative and environmental law, construction and real estate, contract law, tenancy law, corporate law, expropriation, litigation, and transport and logistics. We are here to help.

Your legal partner in the energy transition.

We advise and litigate on behalf of a wide range of stakeholders affected by the legal aspects of the energy transition. These include project developers, contractors, public authorities, entrepreneurs, municipal institutions, private initiators and businesses in industrial estates.

They are committed to contributing to a sustainable energy system – yet often face complex legal challenges, such as grid congestion. Our energy law team provides tailor-made solutions. We think along with you, take a forward-looking approach, and ensure you can move ahead – with confidence in both the legal framework of today and what lies ahead.

How we can support you:

• Advising on the Electricity Act, Electricity Grid Code, Heat Act, Environment and Planning Act, Offshore Wind Energy Act and Water Act, and how they apply in practice
• Providing guidance on forthcoming legislation, such as the Energy Act and the Collective Heat Supply Act
• Negotiating with grid operators and public authorities
• Litigating, where necessary
• Engaging with the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)
• Advising on energy sharing, including ownership, procurement, competition and state aid
• Structuring the appropriate legal entity for energy sharing (e.g. an energy cooperative)
• Drafting and reviewing contracts for, for example, the sharing, (limited) consumption and/or (limited) feed-in of energy and/or the necessary connections for this, such as in the form of ATOs, (G-)CBCs, agreements for cable pooling, and PPAs
• Establishing pre-emption rights and applying land-use instruments to enable network expansion
• Advising and litigating on the spatial integration of sustainable energy projects – such as solar, wind and energy storage on land and at sea – including obtaining the necessary permits (e.g. nature and environmental consents)

Our approach is clear, personal and goal-oriented.

We understand the technical and societal challenges of the energy transition – and we translate them into practical legal solutions.

Want to explore your project or situation with us? We would be happy to talk.