Project finance in Australia

Allens

Allens offers a full-service approach, providing clients with advice across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure assets. The team continues to advise on some of the largest and most complex infrastructure transactions across key sectors. Michael Ryan leads the practice, bringing extensive experience in representing both borrowers and lenders in the utilities, infrastructure, resources, and oil and gas sectors. James Darcy is a recognised authority on debt capital markets and project financing, while James Darcy remains highly involved in the financing of major energy and infrastructure developments, as well as high-profile acquisitions. Ben Farnsworth‘s expertise spans senior debt, mezzanine financing, convertible debt, and streaming financing.

Praxisleiter:

Michael Ryan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michael Ryan; Rob Watt; James Darcy; Nicholas Adkins; Scott McCoy; Ben Farnsworth; Tim Stewart; Lisa Zhou; Jamie Guthrie


Referenzen

‘The Allens team takes a real interest in understanding our business and the drivers of each of our transactions. In particular, they understand the requirements of our investors and our internal requirements especially concerning budget, legal and reputational risks.’

‘Michael Ryan was a real stand-out partner. He is instrumental in progressing transactions to a close, providing solid and pragmatic legal advice.’

Kernmandanten

Exemplar Health


Sydney Desalination Plant


Cross Yarra Partnerships


Plenary Origination


Netflow OSARS (Western) Pty Ltd


Global Infrastructure Partners


Financiers’ to ACEREZ consortium


Lenders to Building Communities Consortium


Liontown


Lenders to Squadron Breeze Finco


Capella Capital


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the financiers to the ACEREZ consortium on its entry into a commitment deed.
  • Advised Global Infrastructure Partners on its investment into JV with Perdaman.
  • Advised financiers to Melbourne Metro project on the original transaction and settlements.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s project finance team continues to attract high-profile mandates for some of the market’s most significant projects. The team is well-known for its expertise in financing and refinancing projects using a diverse range of debt sources. Department head Adam Stapledon’s practice spans the full range of financing options, from bank debt and private credit to capital markets and multi-source structures. Clare Corke combines specialist project finance expertise with in-depth knowledge of the infrastructure, property, and natural resources sectors. Paul Brickley supports projects at every stage, from development to disposal and restructuring, and Julie Myers frequently advises borrowers and lenders on bilateral and syndicated facilities. Catherine Dawson offers deep expertise in corporate financing solutions.

Praxisleiter:

Adam Stapledon


Weitere Kernanwälte:

James Abbott; Clare Corke; Rommel Harding-Farrenberg; Julie Myers; Andrew Daidone; Catherine Dawson; Emma Avery


Referenzen

‘Very responsive and agile team.’ 

‘Clare Corke was very knowledgeable and helpful.’

‘Technical and commercial expertise. Genuine people who actually care about the work and their clients.’

Kernmandanten

PowerLink


Transgrid


Incitec Pivot


DIF Capital Partners


Palisade Investment Partners


Vena Energy


Port of Newcastle


Westpac


NAB


ANZ


Macquarie Bank


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a consortium on its bid to finance the transmission network infrastructure for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
  • Advised the lenders and the joint sustainability coordinators to Queensland Investment Corporation on the financing of its acquisition of a stake in Vector Metering.
  • Advised Incitec Pivot on the A$235 million financing for the Moranbah Gas Project.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is a trusted advisor to clients in the renewable energy, battery storage, and social infrastructure sectors. The team remains at the forefront of sustainable financing, advising on numerous infrastructure projects involving green financing arrangements. Erin Wakelin is a leading project finance lawyer, known for her work on some of the most high-profile and significant projects in the market. Gerard Pike brings extensive experience in project finance, energy acquisition financing, power purchase agreements, and syndicated lending. Leveraging significant project finance expertise, Elizabeth Charlesworth assists with greenfield and brownfield projects, refinancings, and acquisitions. Miles Wadley has particular expertise in financings for digital infrastructure assets and those in the PPP sector.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gerard Pike; Erin Wakelin; Elizabeth Charlesworth; Miles Wadley; Jon Evans


Kernmandanten

NSW Government


Macquarie Group


AGL Energy


RES


John Holland


Gamuda


DP World


Acciona


Highlight-Mandate


King & Wood Mallesons

King & Wood Mallesons offers comprehensive project financing advice across a broad spectrum of critical Australian industries. The team delivers effective counsel to both public and private sector stakeholders on domestic and cross-border projects and is adept at handling a range of multi-source project financing structures. Co-head of the team Craig Rogers provides considerable experience in transport and gas infrastructure, and fellow leader Claire Rogers is highly regarded in the infrastructure, energy, and PPP sectors. Jeff Clark specialises in acquisition and leveraged finance, with particular expertise in restructurings and workouts. Jo Crew brings extensive knowledge of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hydro, and hydrogen developments. Tim Ma has a strong background in infrastructure financing, delivery, and ongoing operations, and Amy Maguire is experienced in advising both sponsors and lenders across all areas of infrastructure and project finance.

Praxisleiter:

Claire Rogers; Craig Rogers


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jeff Clark; Rebecca Finkelstein; Jo Crew; Chris Dynon; Tim Ma; Catherine Danne; Amy Maguire


Referenzen

‘KWM team strike the right balance between being detail orientated and commercially pragmatic. The team not only identifies legal issues, but leads discussion with potential solutions and can read the room in knowing how to guide discussions toward a successful resolution.’

‘Chris Dynan is an exceptionally friendly, personable and positive individual. It makes working with Chris and team through mundane and routine documents a pleasure.’ 

‘Chris Dynon is our organisation’s preferred lender counsel by some distance. His collaborative and creative approach leads to a ‘best-best’ outcome for lenders and sponsors.’ 

Kernmandanten

AirTrunk


WSO Co


Palisade Investment Partners


ANZ


Zen Energy


Clean Energy Finance Corporation


European Energy


ENGIE


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised AirTrunk on obtaining multi-currency, sustainability-linked financing.
  • Advised ANZ on its financing of Super Housing Partnership’s mixed use development.
  • Advised Palisade Investment Partners on the establishment of its renewable energy platform.

White & Case

White & Case offers expert guidance on every facet of infrastructure and energy projects, from environmental concerns and land access to construction contracts and secondary market sales. The team is renowned for its leadership in renewable energy project financing, handling numerous high-profile transactions in this sector. The group also has significant experience with projects in the mining and critical minerals industries. Brendan Quinn leads the team, managing some of the most pivotal infrastructure and energy projects across Asia and the Pacific. Joel Rennie is crucial to the team’s focus on renewable energy, while Ged Cochrane has specialist knowledge of structuring revenue contracts for large-scale renewable projects.

Praxisleiter:

Brendan Quinn; Joel Rennie


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ged Cochrane; Candice Ota; Paul Marshall; Laurence Judges


Referenzen

‘The W&C energy team and PF team in Melbourne have a very strong culture. Ged Cochrane of particular note is top of his field.’

‘Without exception each of the partners provide timely and precise advice. I find W&C highly customer-focused.’

‘Ged Cochrane provides an elite standard of service. Ged and his team regularly deliver complex domestic and cross-border renewable energy financing transactions for us.’ 

Kernmandanten

Neoen


Tilt Renewables


Star of the South


Whitehaven Coal


Macquarie


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Equis on reaching equity and contractual close for the A$1.1bn stage A of the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub.
  • Advising Neoen on the debt financing of a diversified renewable energy portfolio.
  • Advised MidOcean Reef BidCo concerning both the acquisition and financing arrangements regarding its proposed acquisition of Origin Energy.

Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz maintains robust connections with sponsors, borrowers, equity participants, government clients, and financiers. The team excels in guiding both domestic and international clients through PPP projects, with an increasing emphasis on renewable energy ventures; expertise spans wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Marcus Davenport‘s extensive experience with high-profile projects draws attention from government agencies, private sector clients, major financial institutions, and large corporate borrowers. Peter Staciwa focuses on the renewables, LNG, water, and transport sectors, providing valuable insight into leveraged and corporate finance. Rohan Mishra represents both lenders and sponsors in energy and resources projects.

Praxisleiter:

Alexander Schlosser


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Marcus Davenport; Peter Staciwa; Rohan Mishra; Kate Casellas; Dan Fitts; Annabella Holcombe


Kernmandanten

VicGrid


Homes Victoria


Act Govt


Development Victoria


Frontier Energy


Casey Hospital


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for the ACT Government in the procurement of Stage 2A of a light rail project.
  • Advising Homes Victoria on Ground Lease Model 2 Project.
  • Acted for Westadium Project Co and its shareholders in the refinancing of an existing debt package.

Gilbert + Tobin

Gilbert + Tobin continues to offer expert advice to major sponsors, contractors, and financiers on high-profile construction and infrastructure projects. The practice is highly active across the transport, energy, social infrastructure, health, and waste sectors. Widely recognised for his work on major financings in the infrastructure, renewables, and resources sectors, John Schembri leads the department. Alexander Danne is regularly entrusted by sponsors, developers, contractors, and investors to lead complex project financings.  With over 35 years of experience, Simon Lynch is a specialist in complex banking and finance transactions, and Adela Smith has deep expertise in project, corporate, leveraged, and acquisition finance, particularly in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

Praxisleiter:

John Schembri


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alexander Danne; Simon Lynch; Adela Smith


Referenzen

‘Very detailed. Very thorough. Very high level of knowledge of the industry.’ 

‘G+T partner Adela Smith has been excellent to work with. Her in-depth knowledge and expertise in the industry have made the process much more streamlined and improved our negotiating position.’

‘Alex Danne is excellent at dealing with complex situations and navigating difficult commercial negotiations. He is particularly good at structuring for non vanilla deals.’

Kernmandanten

ANZ


Banco Santander


Bank of China


Blackstone


CIBC


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Deutsche Bank AG


JP Morgan


NAB


Royal Bank of Canada


Société Générale


Standard Chartered Bank,


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


UBS AG


Westpac Banking Corporation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising the MLAUBs in connection with the A$3bn financing of EIG’s joint bid with Brookfield for Origin Energy.
  • Acting for International Power on its bid in respect of Spark Renewables.
  • Advising the MLAUBs in connection with the US$600 million financing of EIG’s acquisition of Tokyo Gas’ interests.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright supports its clients with the full suite of project finance advice, including equity, capital markets, and PPP financings. The team is particularly active in the energy transition, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure sectors. Practice head Lisa Koch is held in high esteem in the project finance arena, leveraging her expertise in a variety of cross-border transactions within the energy and natural resources sectors. Alen Pazin is noted for his exceptional expertise in mining and infrastructure. Recently, Rob White has continued to spearhead numerous high-profile banking, project finance, and infrastructure transactions for both borrowers and lenders.

Praxisleiter:

Lisa Koch


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alen Pazin; Rob White; Nick Sinclair; Kate Muller; Chris Patten; Kellie Hayman; Kit Man Cheng


Kernmandanten

Australian Vanadium


AirTrunk


Perth Airport


Eurasian Resources Group


ESR Australia


Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners


Appian Capital Advisory


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for AirTrunk on the expansion of its first Tokyo data centre.
  • Advising Appian Capital Advisory LLP and its funds on a $115m royalty-linked senior secured limited recourse project financing.
  • Advised DBS Bank, SMBC and Siemens in their capacity as mandated lead arrangers on the project financing of the Gunsynd Solar Farm.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie is a prominent name for sponsors, contractors, banks, and funds in the energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors. The team boasts extensive experience with ECA requirements and frequently handles complex international transactions. Charlie Detmold leads the team and has a broad practice, including expertise in PPPs, privatisations, acquisitions, and corporate finance. Brendan Smith serves a diverse roster of high-profile sponsors, borrowers, and financiers. Howard Fraser and Chuong Nguyen are also integral members of the team, providing substantial corporate banking and finance expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Charlie Detmold


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Brendan Smith; Chuong Nguyen; Howard Fraser


Kernmandanten

ANZ, CBA, NAB and Westpac


Global Power Generation, Berrybank Windfarm 2


HSBC and Natixis


Metis


Queensland Pacific Metals


Australian Rail Track Corporation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Metis on achieving financial close for the financing of solar farm.
  • Acted for HSBC and Natixis as financiers to a solar farm.
  • Advised Global Power Generation on the project vehicle financing of wind farm.

Minter Ellison

Minter Ellison supports clients through every stage of a project, from financing to disposal. The team has a history of handling major infrastructure projects for both corporate and government clients. Peter Block brings over 25 years of experience working with government and private sector entities on complex infrastructure initiatives. Paul Paxton is skilled in project delivery, development, and consortium matters. Gemey Visscher is a trusted advisor to leading international banks and resource companies.

Praxisleiter:

James Mok; Jordan Phillips


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Block; Paul Paxton; Gemey Visscher;


Kernmandanten

Heritage Minerals


Global Credits Investments


AMP Capital


Victorian Government


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the Commonwealth Government’s Antarctic Division on the $1bn funding, refurbishment and replacement of Australia’s three Antarctic Bases.
  • Acting for Pacific Partnerships on the acquisition, and subsequent development and financing of the Hopeland Solar Farm.
  • Acted for Perseus Mining in obtaining funding of $300m for the construction, development and operation of the Edikan gold project.