Wind Energy

Orrick's experience as counsel in the wind power sector is virtually unparalleled.  Since the early 1980s in the pioneering days of wind energy in California, Orrick has been active in the development and financing of wind projects.  In fact, in the late 1980s our lawyers represented the sponsors of a 160 MW undertaking, the largest wind project developed in the United States at that time and the first to be financed institutionally.

In Europe, our involvement began with early movers in the industry, serving as counsel to sponsors of the very early wind projects in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Greece, including an Italian project that was then the largest project financed worldwide.  Today, Orrick is active in the early stage development of wind energy in Japan and we are also advising on many projects now underway in the United States and Europe.

For the last 25 years, Orrick has addressed every aspect of the wind business and has represented nearly every player in the industry.  Whether the issues relate to power contracts, transmission interconnection, government permitting and regulations, real estate, equipment supply and performance, construction, tax structuring, or debt and equity financing, Orrick lawyers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Our track record in the development of wind energy projects hinges on a sophisticated knowledge of project development and finance techniques, the energy industry and wind power projects in particular, as well as of available tax incentives and regulatory issues.

The firm's wind energy lawyers have significant experience developing and financing wind power projects all over the world, and they routinely draw upon the experience of members of the firm's securitization, real estate, bankruptcy, regulatory, environmental and litigation practices when handling such matters.