Giji John

Giji’s practice focuses on the development and finance of domestic and international energy projects.

• Engagements

  Financings

  Giji has represented sponsors and lenders in some of the largest and most complex energy project financing transactions in recent years. Recent highlights include the following:

  Represented the project company in more than $14 billion in debt financing related to the Sabine Pass LNG Liquefaction Project, including:

  • the approximately $3.6 billion construction and term loan financing of its first two export liquefaction trains—named Project Finance International’s 2012 “Americas Deal of the Year” and Project Finance’s 2012 North American Deal of the Year;
  • the upsizing to a $5.9 billion construction and term loan financing to include its first four export liquefaction trains, comprising $4.4 billion of commercial bank debt and $1.5 billion of debt issued or covered by The Export-Import Bank of Korea and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation—named 2013 “Americas Deal of the Year” by Project Finance International, 2013 “North American Midstream Oil and Gas Deal of the Year” by Project Finance and 2013 “Trade Finance Deal of the Year” by Euromoney’s Trade Finance Magazine;
  • the approximately $325 million letter of credit facility for working capital needs of its first four export liquefaction trains;
  • the $4.6 billion construction and term loan financing of its fifth export liquefaction train; and
  • the $1.2 billion revolving and letters of credit facility for its five export liquefaction trains.

  Represented a multilateral financing institution in an approximately $56 million political risk insurance policy relating to the development of three solar projects in Honduras.

  Represented the project companies in the approximately $448 million construction and term loan financing of Phases I and II of the Los Vientos wind farm in South Texas.

  Represented a multilateral financing institution in the $97.5 million A/B credit facility to a Costa Rican bank.

  Represented a retail natural gas provider in a $150 million revolving credit facility.

  Joint Ventures

  Giji actively represents sponsors in the formation of joint venture transactions, including the negotiation of shareholders’ agreements. Highlights include the following:

  • Represented a wind developer in the 50/50 joint venture with Algonquin Power and Utilities for the approximately $300 million Deerfield wind project in Michigan.
  • Represented a natural gas company in the 50/50 joint venture for construction of a natural gas pipeline.
  • Represented a midstream oil and gas company in the 50/50 joint venture for the 150 MMcf/d Delaware Gas Basin cryogenic gas processing facility.
  • Represented a wind developer in the formation of a joint venture for the El Arrayan wind project in Chile.

  Acquisitions and Dispositions

  Giji represents both sellers and purchasers in a variety of energy-based acquisitions and developments, whether through the purchase and sale of assets or membership interests. He regularly represents clients in conventional and renewable energy electricity transactions as well as midstream natural gas transactions. Recent highlights include the following:

  • Represented the acquirer in the acquisition of the 102 MW Coram wind farm in California.
  • Represented the acquirer in the acquisition of two 20 MW battery storage facilities in Illinois.
  • Represented the seller in the disposition of the approximately 150 MW Origin wind farm in Oklahoma.
  • Represented the seller in the disposition of the approximately 200 MW Longhorn North wind farm in Texas.
  • Represented the acquirer in the acquisition of Phases III and IV of the Los Vientos wind farm in South Texas.
  • Represented two equity investors in the acquisition of 80% of the cash equity interests in the Spearville 3 wind farm in Kansas.
  • Represented the acquirer in the acquisition of an approximately 333 MW natural gas-fired, single-cycle peaking plant and relocation of that plant to Texas.

  Power Purchase Agreements and Hedge Transactions

  Giji has a wealth of experience in power purchase agreements (PPAs), fixed volume hedges, and other swap-based structures of over 10 GW of renewable energy projects. In the latter category, Giji has developed and negotiated hedge-based PPAs, settled physically and financially; with firming and shaping components; and in the WECC, CAISO, and ERCOT. He is experienced in working with the ISDA, WSPP and EEl forms in electricity and NAESB in natural gas. Recent highlights include the following:

  • Represented the developer in the power purchase agreement for the 200 MW Bluestem wind farm in Oklahoma with a technology company offtaker.
  • Represented the developer in the power purchase agreement for the 114 MW Deerfield wind farm in Michigan with a utility offtaker.
  • Represented the developer in the power purchase agreement for the 110 MW Keechi wind farm in Texas with a technology company offtaker.
  • Represented the developer in the power purchase agreement for the approximately 150 MW Origin wind farm in Oklahoma with a utility offtaker.

  Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts

  Giji has represented owners and construction contractors in EPC contracts, balance of plant (BOP) contracts, equipment supply agreements, front end engineering and design agreements. His construction contracts experience includes wind power facilities, solar power facilities, petrochemical facilities, pipelines and carbon capture and sequestration facilities. Recent highlights include the following:

  • Represented the owner in the turnkey EPC Contract for a post-combustion carbon capture and sequestration facility in Texas and related construction contract for an approximately 80 mile CO2 pipeline for enhanced oil recovery.
  • Represented the owner in the turnkey EPC Contract for a 50 MW wind farm in Guatemala.
  • Represented the owner in the cost-plus EPC Contract for a methanol facility in Texas.