Energy and infrastructure law

As the UK continues to advance towards sustainable energy goals and infrastructure modernisation, the sectors involved face increased regulatory demands, complex legal challenges, and heightened commercial pressures.

Whether you are involved in renewable energy projects, energy distribution networks, communications infrastructure or transport developments, understanding and managing the legal frameworks underpinning these sectors is crucial for ensuring effective outcomes and minimising risk.

At Moore Barlow, our expert energy and infrastructure lawyers offer clear, commercially-focused guidance to businesses, local authorities, investors, landowners, and developers across the UK. Our in-depth understanding of the energy and infrastructure landscape combined with practical industry knowledge allows us to advise effectively on strategic projects, regulatory compliance, contractual negotiations and dispute resolution. By working closely with you, we ensure legal excellence combined with pragmatic solutions to support your project’s success.

What is energy and infrastructure law?

Energy and infrastructure law encompasses the range of legal disciplines that govern the planning, funding, development, operation and maintenance of essential physical structures and networks within key sectors such as renewable energy, electricity distribution, transport, telecommunications, and utilities.

This complex area of law incorporates planning support, property and real estate issues, commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, environmental considerations anddispute resolution. Specialist legal advice in energy and infrastructure law helps clients navigate these challenging regulatory landscapes and contractual obligations while ensuring commercial viability and regulatory compliance.

The importance of specialist advice in energy and infrastructure law

Navigating the complexities of energy and infrastructure law requires tailored expertise. Because these projects frequently involve multiple stakeholders, intricate regulations, and significant financial investments, securing professional legal guidance is essential for mitigating risks and achieving project success.

Specialist solicitors can assist in several critical areas, including:

• Planning and consenting: Providing advice around securing planning permissions, managing public consultation processes and legal compliance with environmental standards.
• Commercial agreements: Helping clients draft, negotiate and manage construction contracts, power purchase agreements, infrastructure developments, procurement and supply chain agreements.
• Real estate and property issues: Managing land acquisition, leases, easements, compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and rights of way issues.
• Dispute resolution: Handling disputes effectively through mediation, arbitration and, where necessary, litigation in the courts.

Do I need a solicitor for my infrastructure project?

Given the complexities around regulations, planning considerations, and commercial contracts, seeking specialist legal advice is highly recommended. An experienced solicitor can prevent costly mistakes, ensure compliance, and improve the long-term success of your project.

How we can help with your energy and infrastructure project

At Moore Barlow, our experienced infrastructure and energy team can guide you seamlessly through the entire lifecycle of your projects. We proactively identify any potential legal risks and offer pragmatic solutions to keep your project on-track, compliant, and commercially viable.  We work closely with your other professional advisers to ensure a seamless support. Our services include:

• Assisting with planning applications and consenting processes to minimise delays and avoid costly legal pitfalls;
• Negotiating and drafting commercial contracts tailored to your project’s specific requirements;
• Resolving disputes quickly and effectively, reducing disruption and expense;
• Managing property acquisitions and rights of way agreements efficiently to keep your project timeline on schedule.

From renewable energy schemes such as solar, wind, biomass and hydroelectric facilities, to major road, rail and communications projects, our team has experience across the full spectrum of the energy and infrastructure sectors acting for the landowner in most instances. We take a collaborative approach to working with your team, offering transparent communication and practical advice designed to secure successful outcomes.