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Understanding Energy Innovation

A&O Shearman's Energy Innovation team represents energy companies, investors, financial institutions, developers, governments, offtakers and technology suppliers on cutting edge projects and commercial arrangements involving hydrogen, carbon capture, usage and sequestration (CCUS), energy storage and green industry. We are advising on the world’s highest-profile mandates. Chambers Global and other industry benchmarks rank us as one of the leading Energy & Projects firms in the world.

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Event November 07, 2023

CCUS Panel Discussion: From Emissions to Solutions

Of counsel David Clinch, counsel Angela Heywood Bible and counsel Kyle Koh hosted a breakfast panel session titled “CCUS Panel Discussion: From Emissions to Solutions” which brought together a cross-industry panel to discuss the development of carbon capture and storage in Asia Pacific, including potential business models, commercialization, financing, regulation and policy.

News October 19, 2023

Shearman & Sterling Partner Mona Dajani Finalist for Platts Global Energy Lifetime Achievement Award

Mona Dajani, Project Development & Finance partner at Shearman & Sterling, has been named a finalist for the Platts Global Energy Awards in the category of Lifetime Achievement.

Perspective June 20, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act: New Guidance on Tax Credit Transfers

On June 14, 2023, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released highly anticipated guidance relating to new Internal Revenue Code Section 6418, which was added as part of the Inflation Reduction Act to provide taxpayers an alternative to monetize certain tax credits.

Perspective May 16, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act: New Guidance on Domestic Content Bonus Credits

On May 12, 2023, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2023-38 to provide guidance on the domestic content requirements under IRC sections 45, 45Y, 48 and 48E. 

Perspective April 07, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act: New Guidance on Energy Communities Bonus Credits

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the IRA) amended the rules relating to the production tax credit (the PTC) and the investment tax credit (the ITC) to provide increased credit amounts or rates if a project is located within certain census tracts designated as “Energy Communities” (the “Energy Communities Bonus Credit”).

Perspective March 31, 2023

Indonesia Introduces CCUS/CCS Regulation to Capture CCUS/CCS Development

On March 3, 2023, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (Menteri Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral or the “ESDM”) promulgated Regulation No. 2 of 2023 on the Implementation of CCS and CCUS in Upstream Oil and Natural Gas Business Activities.

News March 22, 2022

Shearman & Sterling Advises Brookfield Asset Management in ClearPath Energy Renewable Portfolio Financing

Shearman & Sterling advised Brookfield Asset Management and its affiliates in connection with the financing of a portfolio of community solar projects located in the State of New York.

Perspective February 13, 2023

Shearman & Sterling Strengthens US Energy & Infrastructure Projects Team With Renowned Partners Mona Dajani and Jorge Medina

Global law firm Shearman & Sterling today announces the appointments of prominent global energy lawyer Mona Dajani and tax equity lawyer Jorge Medina as partners in the Project Development & Finance (PDF) practice, based in New York and the Bay Area, respectively. Mona will serve as Global Head of Renewables, Co-Head of Global Energy & Infrastructure (Projects), and Head of the Hydrogen and Ammonia Practice (Americas), and Jorge will serve as Head of Renewables (Americas).

Perspective February 1, 2023

Looking Ahead at 2023 Clean Hydrogen Growth

Omar Samji, partner and Humzah Yazdani, associate at Shearman & Sterling authored the article “Contracts, Financing Are Key To 2023 Clean Hydrogen Growth” for Law360. The piece argues that for clean hydrogen to move beyond the current “wild west” and become a viable solution in 2023, projects need to overcome two big impediments – the lack of bankable offtake agreements and an undeveloped project financing landscape.

Read “Contracts, Financing Are Key To 2023 Clean Hydrogen Growth.”

First appeared in Law360.

Perspective January 23, 2023

Prevailing Wage and Apprentice Requirements for Clean Energy Tax Credits are Coming into Effect on January 29, 2023

The Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”) provides tax incentive credits for taxpayers that pay prevailing wages to employees and utilize registered apprentices for the construction of energy efficient commercial and residential buildings, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other clean energy projects. On November 30, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service published a notice to provide guidance on the specific labor standards that taxpayers must meet to qualify for these tax incentives. This article discusses the specifics of the wage and apprenticeship requirements in order for taxpayers to take advantage of the incentives offered.

Perspective December 1, 2022

Incentivising Investment in European Renewable Hydrogen Production

The high production costs of renewable hydrogen (RH2) limit its ability to compete with alternative non-renewable fuels and technologies. This is exacerbated by a number of market failures (including failure of carbon pricing mechanisms to impose adequate price signals on more emissions-intensive production processes and unwillingness of some offtakers to commit to long-term purchases of RH2 due to a perception that prices will fall). As a result, there is insufficient investment in European RH2 production to allow the EU to achieve the targets set out in the Fit for 55 package and REPowerEU.

Perspective November 17, 2022

Maximizing Opportunities in Clean Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Under the US Inflation Reduction Act

Shearman & Sterling hosted the webinar Maximizing Opportunities in Clean Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act on November 17, 2022.

Perspective October 31, 2022

Joining the Clean Hydrogen Movement: Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy

On October 25, 2022, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry published Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy (the “Strategy”). The Strategy recognizes the potential of low-carbon hydrogen as a broad-based decarbonization tool and the economic opportunity of positioning Singapore as a regional hub for hydrogen trade. This article focuses on the key aspects of the Strategy and potential challenges to its implementation.

Perspective October 26, 2022

Facilitating Clean Hydrogen in the US: The Draft Clean Hydrogen Production Standard

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has now published draft guidance for a Clean Hydrogen Production Standard (CHPS). The draft CHPS also includes a questionnaire seeking feedback from hydrogen industry stakeholders by November 14, 2022, prior to the publication of a final CHPS. This article outlines the key features of the CHPS and the next steps in the process for a more detailed definition of “clean hydrogen” in the U.S.

Perspective October 25, 2022

Dan Feldman and Gabriel Salinas Share Their Outlook on Green Hydrogen in Latin America

Energy Innovation Team Leader, Dan Feldman, and Private Equity and Project Development & Finance counsel, Gabriel Salinas were quoted in BNamericas sharing their outlook on Latin America’s green hydrogen industry, and on how ESG, regulation and geopolitics play a key role in the future of the hydrogen market.

Perspective September 21, 2022

LatAm H2: The Growing Importance of Low-Carbon Hydrogen in Latin America

Partners Dan Feldman, Omar Samji, Roberta Berliner Cherman and counsel Gabriel Salinas have published a report on the Growing Importance of Low-Carbon Hydrogen in Latin America.

Perspective September 15, 2022

A Step Towards Removing the Red-Tape For Europe’s Green Hydrogen Sector

On September 14, 2022, the European Parliament adopted its proposed amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive (Recast) 2018 (RED II). Amongst other things, this text would make the requirements for the production of renewable fuels of non-biological origin—which includes green hydrogen, green ammonia and other e-fuels—more lenient than those proposed by the European Commission in its draft Delegated Act, published in May 2022.

Event September 15, 2022

Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship 19th Annual Energy Technology Venture Forum

Shearman & Sterling is a proud sponsor of The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship’s 19th Annual Energy Tech Venture Forum, the premier energy tech venture capital conference held in Houston, Texas on September 15, 2022.

Perspective August 29, 2022

After the Inflation Reduction Act: Permitting Reforms to Expedite Energy Infrastructure Projects

With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) now signed into law, attention is shifting to the next potential area for energy reform: permitting. Senator Manchin has outlined his priorities for energy permitting reform legislation, which could be voted on by the end of September.

Perspective August 22, 2022

Why the US Inflation Reduction Act is an Important Step in the Transition to Clean Energy

Read “Why the US Inflation Reduction Act is an Important Step in the Transition to Clean Energy.”

Perspective August 12, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act: Key Green and Blue Hydrogen and CCUS Provisions

The House U.S. Congress has passed, as of today, the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA” or the “Act”), which is expected to be signed into law by President Joe Biden very soon. The IRA is one of the biggest investments in clean energy in history and a major step towards reducing the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions.

Perspective July 25, 2022

The Bright Spots in a Complicated ESG Framework

Read “The Bright Spots in a Complicated ESG Framework.”

News July 20, 2022

Chevron Technology Ventures’ Investment in TAE Technologies

Shearman & Sterling advised Chevron Technology Ventures in its Series G-2 investment, alongside Google, Reimagined Ventures, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, and TIFF Investment Management, in nuclear fusion company TAE Technologies.

Perspective July 14, 2022

Trust, but Verify: The Recipe for A Global Carbon Credit Trading System

Industries which cannot easily decarbonize would love to be able to claim reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions by “offsetting”–creating or buying carbon credits. For carbon credit offsetting to truly have a role in decarbonization, there needs to be a robust and widely internationally accepted verification mechanism which takes account of the holistic impact of offsetting activities and a market in which to bring the various industry players together. In this article, our experienced team outlines some key initiatives in developing a global carbon credit trading system.

Perspective July 7, 2022

Basel Committee Announces Principles for the Effective Management and Supervision of Climate-Related Financial Risks

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published a set of principles on the effective management and supervision of climate-related financial risks at internationally active banks, which it said should be implemented by member jurisdictions “as soon as possible.” The principles cover corporate governance, internal controls, risk assessment, and management and reporting. As a global standard-setting body, the Basel Committee does not issue rules or regulations, but the release is important in that it is the latest and broadest articulation of what global banking regulators should be doing in this area.

Perspective June 21, 2022

UK Introduces Energy Profits Levy on ‘Extraordinary Profits’ of Oil and Gas Companies

The U.K. Government announced on May 26, 2022 its intention to introduce with immediate effect a temporary Energy Profits Levy (the “Levy”), an additional U.K. Corporation Tax charge at a rate of 25% on the profits of oil and gas companies earned from oil and gas extraction in the U.K. and the U.K. Continental Shelf.

News June 21, 2022

Preem’s €340 Million Green Bond Offering

Shearman & Sterling represented the initial purchasers in connection with Preem’s €340 million offering of 12.000% senior notes due 2027 by Preem Holding AB (publ). The offering, which was conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, closed on June 21, 2022. Shearman & Sterling also advised the banks in connection with the company’s new intercreditor agreement.

Event June 14-15, 2022

Global Energy Transition 2022

Shearman & Sterling is delighted to be an event sponsor for Reuter’s “Global Energy Transition 2022” on June 14–15, 2022, in New York. #globalenergytransition2022
 

Perspective May 24, 2022

Infrastructure Bottlenecks Loom for Green Hydrogen Imports in Europe

Obviously, interest in international trade of hydrogen is rising rapidly. New announcements of credible major export initiatives are occurring frequently. But there remain doubts about the rate of development of the infrastructure needed for importing hydrogen at scale, whether as hydrogen or via carriers such as ammonia.

Event May 11, 2022

Global Energy Summit: Accelerating Action on Energy Security and Energy Transition

Shearman & Sterling has partnered with Global Success Partnership to present the Global Energy Summit: Accelerating Action on Energy Security and Energy Transition on May 11, 2022 in Morocco. Partners Ben Shorten and James Webber and counsel Samuel Ogunlaja each moderated insightful panels during the summit.

Perspective May 09, 2022

Developing an Energy Transition-Conscious Legal Roadmap for the Chemical Industry

The chemical industry is the largest industrial energy consumer worldwide. With a total gross value addition to the global economy of $5.7 trillion annually, equivalent to 7% of global GDP, the chemical industry is an integral part of the global economic landscape, permeating nearly every goods-producing sector while supporting 120 million workers worldwide.

Perspective April 26, 2022

Mexico Nationalizes Lithium Mining

Mexico’s legislature passed a bill authorizing the nationalization of lithium mining and granting the right to mine lithium to a newly-created state entity. This is the latest in a series of measures intended to assert state control over the natural resource sector.

Perspective April 1, 2022

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Impact on European Energy Markets and Disputes

This note addresses both the short- and longer-term impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Europe’s energy markets, as well as some of the potential areas for dispute and steps that industry players can take to protect themselves.

Perspective March 31, 2022

SEC Proposes Sweeping New Climate-Related Disclosure Framework

After much anticipation, on March 21, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission released its new proposed climate-related disclosure framework, a sweeping overhaul of the current, materiality-based climate change disclosure requirements that would substantially expand the reporting obligations for public companies.

News March 2, 2022

Aemetis $100 Million Revolving Credit Facilities

Shearman & Sterling advised certain subsidiaries of Aemetis, Inc., as borrowers, on an up to $100 million financing agented by Third Eye Capital, consisting of an up to $50 million revolving credit facility to finance projects that reduce, capture, use or sequester carbon with the objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and an up to $50 million revolving credit facility for working capital purposes.

News January 20, 2022

Chevron Technology Ventures’ Investment in Mobilus Labs

Shearman & Sterling advised Chevron Technology Ventures in its investment in Mobilus Labs. Chevron Technology Ventures led a consortium of investors; proceeds will be used to expand deployment of the Mobilus Voice Communications Platform internationally, with a focus on the United States and Europe in the energy, construction, chemical and manufacturing sectors.

Event January 17-19, 2022

World Future Energy Summit: Solar & Clean Energy Forum

Shearman & Sterling is pleased to support the 2022 Solar & Clean Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi, organized by World Future Energy Summit. On January 18, partner and leader of the firm’s Energy Innovation and Global Hydrogen Industry Teams Dan Feldman will moderate the ‘Green Hydrogen Manufacture’ panel.

Perspective January 18, 2022

Applying the Midstream Model to Carbon Capture Projects

Beyond tax credits, the energy industry is increasingly adopting carbon-management strategies amid pressures from stakeholders.

Perspective January 06, 2022

Committing to a Greener Future: Indonesia Embraces the Use of Carbon Economic Value

On October 29, 2021, shortly before the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Indonesia issued Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021 on the Implementation of Carbon Economic Value to Achieve Nationally Determined Contribution Targets and Control over Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Relation to National Development. The Regulation builds on Indonesia’s ratification of the Paris Agreement, under which Indonesia expressed its hope to better manage the impact of climate change and stated its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to achieve the nationally determined contribution.

Event December 08 - 10, 2021

2nd Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit 2021

Shearman & Sterling is delighted to sponsor the 2nd Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit 2021, organized by the Sustainable Energy Council.Partner Jean-Louis Neves Mandelli was interviewed by the organizer to discuss why Shearman & Sterling became interested in hydrogen projects globally, comment on prevailing market trends, and share his forecasts for its future.

Event December 07 - 08, 2021

Connecting Green Hydrogen APAC 2021

Shearman & Sterling is delighted to sponsor Connecting Green Hydrogen Asia-Pacific 2021, which will provide a platform for more than 600 regional thought leaders in both public and private sectors to collaborate on critical issues and opportunities in harnessing hydrogen for future.

News December 06, 2021

Elysian Carbon Management Secures Initial $350 Million Capital Commitment from EnCap Flatrock Midstream

Shearman & Sterling advised EnCap Flatrock Midstream in its initial capital commitment of $350 million in Elysian Carbon Management. Elysian provides integrated end-to-end carbon capture and storage solutions to owners of industrial and power facilities seeking to transition to low carbon products and address environmental, social and governance goals through the reduction of emissions.

Perspective November 29, 2021

Hydrogen a Key Focus of New German Government’s Coalition Agreement

The new federal government has presented ambitious framework conditions for decarbonizing the German economy through hydrogen, aiming to position Germany at the center of a global hydrogen economy. German industry expects further detail in the next months.

Perspective November 18, 2021

COP26 Briefing List

This briefing brings together, in a single easy-to-navigate directory, the statements, declarations and announcements made by governments and organizations during COP26. COP26 was the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which took place in Glasgow, U.K., during November 2021.

Perspective November 11, 2021

Dispute Resolution Under the CBAM

On July 14, 2021, the European Commission published its proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). To allow businesses to adjust, the CBAM will be phased in from 2023 and only become fully operational in 2026.

News November 9, 2021

Supporting Innovative Responses to Climate Change

Shearman & Sterling is committed to doing our part to confront climate change. In a major pro bono effort, Shearman & Sterling recently assisted The Nature Conservancy, one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, in its innovative transaction under the “Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation” program with the Government of Belize to reduce its debt and provide funding for marine conservation.

Perspective November 9, 2021

The Rise of Carbon Offsetting

In recent times, carbon-intensive sectors in many parts of the world have been subject to mandatory programs that obligate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, set thresholds for permitted emissions and enforce compliance using instruments such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade.

News November 8, 2021

EGE Haina’s $300 Million Sustainability Linked Notes Offering

Shearman & Sterling represented Empresa Generadora de Electricidad Haina, (EGE Haina) in connection with the issuance of $300 million 5.625 percent sustainability linked senior notes due 2028. The proceeds of the offering shall be used to repay all or part of the outstanding principal amount of multiple series of notes issued in the Dominican Republic’s local capital markets as well as to make a contribution to a special dividend to EGE Haina’s shareholders.

Perspective November 8, 2021

Increasing Assertiveness of EU Courts in the Energy Sector

There have been a large number of energy sector disputes within the EU recently. For example, on September 16, 2021, the fiftieth investment treaty claim was filed with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes regarding Spain’s renewable energy reforms.

Perspective November 4, 2021

Energy & Infrastructure Insight—Winter 2021—Issue 5

We are delighted to bring you the fifth edition of our Energy & Infrastructure Insight, providing expert information and analysis of the current issues facing the energy and infrastructure sectors across the globe.

Perspective November 3, 2021

How Hydrogen Figures Into Europe’s Energy Transition Policy

Partners Dan Feldman and Lachlan Poustie, of counsel Patrick Wolff and associate Frederick Lazell authored an expert analysis article for Law360 about key European regulatory developments relevant to hydrogen in 2021.

News November 1, 2021

OMERS Infrastructure Signs Agreement with Ares Management to Acquire Navisun

Shearman & Sterling advised OMERS Infrastructure in its agreement with a fund managed by Ares Management Corporation to acquire 100 percent of Navisun LLC, an independent distributed generation solar power producer.

Perspective October 19, 2021

Green Hydrogen and Ammonia in Australia: A New Commodity for the 21st Century

Partner and leader of the firm’s Global Hydrogen Industry Team Dan Feldman joined a webinar titled “Green Hydrogen and Ammonia in Australia: A New Commodity for the 21st Century” co-hosted by Shearman & Sterling and Gilbert + Tobin. View the presentation slide deck.