The Energy and Natural Resources Unit, headed by Philip Daly, assists and guides a client list that boasts a wide variety of Irish and international clients in the major areas of law relating to energy and natural resources.

Over the past number of years Ireland has witnessed major developments and advances in the area of energy and natural resources, in particular in the area of wind energy and waste management. The law regulating the exploration for and development of natural resources and the production of energy in Ireland has become closely linked to areas of commercial, European, planning, property and environmental law.

The firm draws from significant experience across the appropriate practice groups to fully service the needs of our clients in this area. It is as a result of this expertise that the firm has acted for developers of wind farms both in Ireland and overseas including the largest private renewable energy provider in the State. We are successfully carving out an excellent reputation in the niche area of wind farms.

We have been involved in a number of CHP (combined heat and power) projects, district heating schemes, waste management projects and tyre recycling projects reflecting our reputational growth in this area.

Given the current consolidation in the market we have more recently been involved in a number of high profile mergers and acquisitions in the energy area.

Areas of expertise are:

• energy sector regulation at both domestic and EU level (regulatory compliance)
  
  
• development of major infrastructure projects including renewable energy projects
  
  
• joint venture agreements
  
  
• project finance
  (acting for both borrowers and financial institutions)
  
  
• wind farm projects
  
  
• combined heat and power plants
  
  
• waste recycling plants
  
  
• real property, environmental and planning issues
  
  
• electricity supply and connection contracts
  
  
• mergers and acquisitions of energy and waste management companies
  
  
• geothermal energy legislation

The Unit has been recommended by Chambers Europe in 2010, 2009 and 2008 and by The Legal 500 in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 .

• "This firm's energy and natural resources unit continues to make a strong name for itself, especially within the wind energy sector. ... Clients say the team brings 'top-level expertise in wind energy to the table.' ... According to sources, repeat clients 'keep going back to LK Shields as the quality of advice is as consistently high as the level of service.'" Chambers Europe 2010.
  
  
• "The firm has good experience in the PPP and wind energy sectors". The Legal 500, 2010 ed.
  
  
• "Praised for the high quality of its work and extremely good value, this firm is known for being approachable and flexible, and welcoming discussion."
  Chambers Europe 2009.
  
  
• "Clients praise the energy team at LK Shields Solicitors for its 'rapid response times' and 'friendly and professional service'." The Legal 500, 2008 ed.
  
  
• LK Shields Solicitors "is steadily carving itself a niche handling wind farm work". Chambers Europe 2008.