‘A very flexible and dynamic law firm’, ACU Abogados is home to specialists in both the energy industry and regulatory matters. The team has a notable track record in successfully representing key electricity generation sector entities and trade organisations before Chile’s Electricity Services Law Experts Panel. The group is led by ‘knowledgeable’ co-founding partner Nicolás Atkinson, who focuses on project development (wind, solar and waste-to-energy), energy contracts, energy trading and regulatory work; and director and former legal manager for renewable energy company Solek, Teresita Vial, who ‘has great knowledge of electricity regulation and its technical components’.

With ‘great knowledge of the national energy industry’, Albagli Zaliasnik's seven-member practice has notable experience in climate change-related themes, such as emissions reductions, energy efficiency, clean energy and new technologies, and development and operational constraints. The energy and natural resources practice is co-led by: Alejandro Montt, who focuses on mining, energy, environment, and natural resources-related project developments and corporate matters; fellow director and oil and gas practitioner Antonio Rubilar; and of counsel and electricity law expert Federico Rodríguez, who is a December 2023 hire from Prieto Abogados.

The energy and natural resources team at Allende Bascuñán & Cía has significant experience in assisting mining, industrial and agricultural companies with electricity-related matters. The five-member group advises on power purchase agreement-related bids and disputes, energy transmission contracts, and electricity law regulatory issues. It also advises on photovoltaic projects. Practice head and founding partner Felipe Bascuñán Montaner is a highly-regarded specialist in electricity law-related regulations, while the practice of senior associate Diego Miranda covers energy and natural resources, regulatory work, and administrative and constitutional law.

With ‘complete knowledge of the national electricity regulations’, Arteaga Gorziglia & Cia Abogados' energy team houses experts in the development of greenfield energy projects; the negotiation of engineering, procurement, and construction agreements for power plants; and the management of power purchase agreements. The 10-strong group also advises on the operation and maintenance of solar and wind power plants, as well as representing generation companies in regulatory and administrative proceedings before Chile’s energy authorities. It additionally fields specialists in electricity law regulations. Recent mandates include advising MAE Energy on the regulatory aspects of the development of a green ammonia plant in northern Chile. The department is co-led by Ignacio Arteaga, whose commercial, corporate and business law practice encompasses energy projects and contracts, project development and finance, and energy sector M&A; and Luciano Cruz, who focuses on renewable energy projects, along with energy-related M&A and project financing. The practice further showcases the firm’s regulatory and environmental practice head, María Fernanda Brahm; director Cristián Carpentier, who assists with the financing of infrastructure and energy projects, particularly renewable and conventional power plants, as well as high-voltage transmission lines; and Santiago Portaluppi F, an expert in energy law disputes before the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels.

Full-service law firm Barros & Errázuriz has significant experience in energy-related matters, including electricity sector issues. The  13-strong team covers the negotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs), regulatory issues, energy M&A, joint ventures, and acquisition processes. The firm is also home to specialists in project financing and energy-related disputes. On the renewable energy side, the team advises domestic, regional and international market players, developers and financiers on hydroelectric, wind and solar energy projects, as well as transmission lines. In energy litigation, the group’s track record includes successful lawsuits over the interpretation and application of large PPAs. The department is led by José Tomás Errázuriz, who advises on major energy projects, as well as energy litigation (in addition to leading the firm’s dispute resolution offering). The team further showcases Fernando Garrido, who has extensive experience in natural resources and energy project development, energy M&A, project finance, litigation, and energy companies’ general corporate matters; and Cristóbal Pellegrini, who is ‘a practical lawyer who knows the electricity market in Chile in depth’. Pellegrini focuses predominantly on energy project developments, PPAs, project finance, M&A transactions (including due diligence), corporate law, and litigation. Associates Catalina Vergara and Raimundo Ruiz are also experienced in energy projects.

Full-service market stalwart Carey has extensive experience in energy projects and related infrastructure works. The 15-strong practice group is routinely involved in major energy, gas and oil projects, in relation to coal, natural gas, hydroelectric power and liquified natural gas. It also advises developers and financial institutions on solar, wind, geothermal, and floating storage and regasification projects. Acting throughout projects’ lifecycles, the team’s coverage encompasses regulatory issues, project development and financing, M&A, joint ventures, and energy supply and infrastructure usage agreements. With ‘a lot of knowledge in this area’, the group further assists with public and private bidding processes, in relation to electricity, oil and gas projects, as well the construction of electricity transmission lines. Among the firm’s several experienced practitioners, Juan Francisco Mackenna focuses on energy regulatory matters and a range of energy projects; José Miguel Bustamante's broad practice includes contracts for electricity, liquid fuels, natural gas, transmission systems and gas transportation; and José Tomás Hurley has ‘a lot of energy sector knowledge’. In the firm’s senior associate pool, Pablo Morales' energy projects expertise covers energy supply, transmission issues, transportation, contracts, regulation, and tenders. Former senior associate Carmenmaría Poblete departed the firm in December 2023 for an in-house role.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos's energy, environment and regulatory law practice has a notable track record in negotiating power purchase agreements. The nine-strong team is also increasingly mandated to advise on the development of non-conventional renewable energy projects, particularly in relation to wind and solar, as well as green hydrogen production. The practice is led by Gonzalo Jiménez, whose practice covers energy, environmental and regulatory matters; Sergio Díez is an adviser on greenfield wind farm projects; and Martín Astorga assists with the environmental side to energy projects. Senior associate Verónica Cuadra is an expert in electricity regulations and public law.

Claro & Cia. houses ‘one of the best energy and natural resources teams in Chile’. Focused on energy, environmental law, renewables, energy transition, and mining, the full-service firm’s large project development practice handles long-term energy contract negotiations, backup agreements, power and gas plants, mining project finance and regulatory matters. The group’s expertise encompasses the development, construction, acquisition, sale and financing of energy and gas projects; and it is increasingly called on to advise on hydrogen mandates. On the renewable energy side, the department assists with hydro, wind, and solar projects. It additionally handles transmission lines, substations, gas plants and liquefied gas terminals. The practice is led by energy law specialist Rodrigo Ochagavía, whose track record includes structuring off-take agreements, energy-related financings and decarbonisation processes. The team further showcases José Luis Ambrosy, a regular adviser on major brownfield and greenfield projects, renewable energy-related corporate matters and gas terminals; Ariel Mihovilovic who (with an ‘impeccable work ethic’) predominantly focuses on off-take agreements, greenfield development and financing, project refinancing, hydro power plants, and the acquisition and sale of renewable energy sector assets; cross-border corporate and project finance specialist Luisa Núñez; and José María Eyzaguirre F, an expert in M&A, business organisations, finance and corporate matters.

CMS Carey & Allende's full-service practice advises on energy projects at all stages, including both commencement and post-operation phases. The team’s expertise covers the structuring, development, acquisition, sale and financing of energy and infrastructure projects, as well as due diligence processes, special purpose vehicle incorporations, and the negotiation of credit agreements. The Santiago office also fields experts in power purchase and engineering, procurement and construction agreements, along with build-operate-transfer contracts. Jorge Allende Z advises on transmission line, power generation, and non-conventional renewable energy source projects. In a major development, former practice heads Luis Felipe Arze and Fernando De Cárcer, along with recently-raised partner Sebastián Barros Eyzaguirre, departed the firm in April 2024.

Cuatrecasas' ‘dynamic, competent and solid group’ covers energy-related transactions, project development and regulatory issues. The six-strong team is increasingly active in relation to power generation and transmission matters, as well as green hydrogen projects. The practice is led by Josefina Yávar, who specialises in energy projects, M&A and joint development agreements. The department further includes Sebastián Leyton, whose energy sector expertise includes project development-related contractual matters, acquisitions and international project financings. Additional support is provided by semi-senior associate Francisca Bannura (an August 2023 arrival from Morales & Besa), who advises project developers and financial institutions on project financing, M&A, environmental project assessments, and administrative and court claims.

Dentons‘ Santiago office has longstanding experience in advising energy companies on their everyday regulatory matters. The five-strong group additionally assists mining businesses with their compliance with energy regulations, as well as their relationships with energy companies. The practice is co-led by Enrique Benitez, who ‘stands out for his deep knowledge of new energies and hydroelectric plants’; and Pauline Chiffelle, who focuses on a range of energy matters, including electricity law regulation and litigation before Chile’s ordinary, arbitration and special courts (and the Electricity Experts Panel). Former partner Marisol Ceballos left the firm in December 2023.

Delivering ‘full-service quality with boutique availability and dedication to clients’, DLA Piper Chile‘s eight-strong practice has extensive experience in advising on electricity, oil and gas, renewables and hydrogen projects. Its expertise ranges from regulatory advice to leading energy project-related transactions and contractual matters. The team also assists with related mining and environmental law issues, as well as merger control and antitrust matters. The group is mandated by clients to advise at every stage of the development and construction of energy generation projects, including associated works such as transmission lines, substations and gas pipelines. It additionally assists with the resolution of conflicts regarding concessions. The local team is co-led by Felipe Bahamondez, who has extensive expertise in energy and natural resources project development; and Diego Peña, who is ‘a shining example of a new generation of partners for the 21st century’. Peña’s experience includes high-stakes energy projects involving natural gas, hydro, wind, biomass and solar energy plants in Chile, Perú, Uruguay, Nicaragua and Australia, as well as the financing and construction of power transmission facilities in Chile. Providing support, Roberta Andreani is a mid-level associate who is particularly focused on renewable energy projects and energy transition work.

Home to experts in both regulatory and transactional work, Garrigues Chile's 11-member energy team ‘leaves clients tremendously satisfied’. The multidisciplinary practice is consistently mandated to advise on the financing, development and regulatory aspects of major energy projects. Representative specialisms range from power purchase, fuel supply, engineering, and procurement and construction agreements, to transmission, operation and maintenance, and gas transportation and supply contracts. Department head Luis Felipe Merino specialises in energy sector contracts, corporate matters, M&A, and regulatory advice; Cristobal Fainé advises on both energy and corporate matters; and Rodrigo Fernández's track record includes renewable energy asset-related transactions. The practice further comprises of counsel Diego Perales, a former CNE (Chile’s National Energy Commission) legal head; next generation partner, Antonio Morales; and energy and public law-focused senior associate Carla Martini.

Grupo Evans' 24-strong energy and green hydrogen practice is regularly mandated to advise on large-scale power generation infrastructure projects, energy transmission lines, water desalination plants, aqueducts, and ports. It is also increasingly active in relation to new industries, such as hydrogen, green ammonia and green methanol plants. The group’s workload ranges from assisting with projects’ risk assessments, to the design, licensing, construction, and commissioning of projects. The team’s coverage also encompasses local community relations, negotiations with landowners, and environmental issues. It additionally acts in energy sector-related litigation and regulatory issues over tariffs. The ‘outstanding’ practice is co-led by energy and natural resources industry specialist, Eugenio Evans; José Miguel Hernández, an adviser on generation and transmission matters, as well as renewables, communities and indigenous law; and renewables expert Cristóbal Illanes, who advises on wind power, and solar developments, as well as hydro projects. Illanes also handles conventional power and utilities regulatory work, while experienced senior associate Gustavo Benítez routinely advises on energy-related infrastructure, land, energy, and construction issues. Boosting the group significantly, Rafael Fernández Mebus, who acts on the regulatory aspects of natural resources and energy matters, was promoted to partner in January 2024; while in April of the same year, regulatory specialist Carolina Seeger joined as associate director from the Chilean Ministry of Energy.

Guerrero Olivos ‘stands out for its extensive experience in natural resources and energy issues’. Acting for owners, developers, sector investors and renewable energy project operators (wind, solar, thermal power plants and LNG regasification terminals), the full-service practice comprises specialists in energy, electricity, environmental and water law. It also advises on energy-related corporate law and financing. Advising clients at both initial stages and fully operational phases, the 18-strong group assists with the development of energy generation, transmission and distribution projects; and it is notably experienced in the negotiation of power purchase agreements. It additionally assists with complex regulatory issues, such as energy and transmission planning, rulemaking processes, public bids, and disputes. In transactional work, the team routinely advises on the purchase and sale of energy assets. The practice is co-led by Clemente Pérez (‘very good legal knowledge of the energy sector’), who advises international clients on the acquisition of renewable energy projects and assets; Sebastián Abogabir, a regulatory specialist who assists energy companies with the development of energy projects; and Felipe Frühling (‘very attentive to clients’ needs’), who maintains a highly active solar and wind power practice. In the firm’s senior associate pool, Francisca Pellegrini advises energy developers on regulatory matters.

With ‘evident experience in international transactions’, HD Legal's energy team assists with a range of energy-related investments, project development, and the financing and acquisition of hydroelectric, wind and solar projects. It also advises on liquefied natural gas plants, along with transmission and distribution projects. Practice leader Gonzalo Delaveau is an energy, water and natural resources expert, while engineering and construction group head Juan Ignacio Peña is experienced in the development and implementation of generation and transmission projects. The team further includes director Mauricio Riesco, whose wide-ranging practice encompasses greenfield energy projects; and senior associate and corporate law practitioner Paulina Castro.

Larrain y Asociados Abogados has an enviable market reputation for its expertise in energy and natural resources-related industries, such as oil-and-gas, electricity, water and mining. The seven-strong team advises both large and small companies on energy matters, desalinisation projects, water conveyance, and the distribution of water and gas to residential customers. The firm’s energy practice also comprises specialists in gas supply, regasification services, gas concessions and liquefied natural gas contracts. The team additionally assists with energy and gas-related administrative matters and associated regulatory aspects; and it is frequently mandated for regulatory and contractual energy and gas supply litigation, particularly disputes before Chile’s Energy Panel of Experts, as well as before ordinary and arbitral courts. The group is co-led by Jorge Granic, a renowned expert in energy, natural resources, project development and infrastructure; and Cristóbal Morandé, who ‘stands out for his deep knowledge of electricity law’. The practice further showcases of counsel Ricardo Peña, an adviser on upstream issues, pipelines, power generation, and project financing; and Joaquín Larrain, who focuses on energy and gas sale purchase agreements, project development, and regulatory aspects. In the associate team, Javiera Méndez has ‘excellent... knowledge of regulatory matters’, while Francisco Cerda is experienced in energy projects and supply contracts.

Particularly active in cross-border transactions, Morales & Besa's five-member energy group has notable expertise in the regulatory side to the development and operation of energy projects, including the negotiation of power purchase agreements. The team also assists with project-related due diligence, while clients additionally benefit from the full-service practice’s leveraging of the firm’s banking, finance and M&A credentials. The department’s key figures are Juan Carlos Valdivieso, a former Primer Energía general counsel who ‘has exceptional knowledge of the Chilean electricity industry and market’; and projects and infrastructure practice leader Carlos Silva. Experienced associate Constanza Araya advises on energy sector-related regulatory and transactional matters.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría's nine-strong energy and natural resources practice routinely advises on electricity and oil-and-gas sector-related transactions. Examples include energy project-related M&A, project financing, off-take contracts, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. The full-service group also handles regulatory issues. Carlos Alberto Reyes's broad expertise encompasses permitting issues, community affairs, land lease agreements, easement rights and development services agreements; and Eduardo Escalona assists with tariff-related processes, PPA tenders, project development and litigation before the Panel of Electricity Experts. The associate department showcases principal Mario Fava, who focuses on construction and engineering aspects; and senior Antonia Jorquera, an adviser on energy sector regulatory matters.

Prieto Abogados's 25-strong energy and natural resources practice ‘stands out for its extensive knowledge of the energy industry’, with recent mandates including regulatory work, major energy M&A deals and energy sector projects. Examples include the acquisition of a large energy generation portfolio and the development of battery energy storage system projects. Acting for electricity generators, transmission companies, construction firms, and investment funds, the team’s experience also covers the sale of unconventional renewable energy projects’ plant portfolios, including the management of bidding processes. Among the team’s several key advisers, Juan Tagle's specialisms encompass the electricity generation, distribution and transmission markets, as well as natural gas transportation, joint ventures, and energy and natural resources project-related bidding processes; Fernando Bravo serves as the longstanding secretary to Engie Energía Chile’s board of directors; Nicolás Yuraszeck K is increasingly involved in the acquisition and development of electricity projects; and Agustín Martorell advises on energy and natural resources-related projects and regulatory issues. The department further includes counsel Andrea Von Chrismar, whose energy sector experience covers regulatory matters, competition law, tender processes and transactions. Notable growth includes the hire of practice director Romina Tobar from Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service in April 2023; and -following the departure of former counsel Federico Rodríguez- the promotion of energy M&A practitioner Andrés Laymuns to counsel in January 2024.

Delivering ‘excellent service that is timely and at a high level', Pruzzo Ruscica Brotfeld Abogados predominantly focuses on the electricity generation and transmission, mining, and construction and infrastructure project sectors, as well as ports, agribusiness and utilities. Specialised in project development work, the practice is particularly noted for environmental issues, water rights and energy. The team is led by longstanding energy sector expert Francisco Brotfeld, who advises on the transactional and regulatory side to electricity transmission matters; and associate Iván Díaz Molina, who’ stands out for his focus on clients’.

Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's ‘very prepared’ energy team handles matters ranging from risk analysis, corporate governance and asset acquisition-related due diligence, to M&As, strategic alliances and joint ventures. It also assists with assessing the environmental impact of projects, obtaining easements, permits and authorisations, project financing, and public and private bidding process. The group additionally represents clients in dispute resolution and administrative procedures. Energy and natural resources head Sergio Orrego is a ‘great negotiator’ and energy project development specialist, while Ignacio Urrutia is an energy and environmental law expert. In the firm’s associate ranks, Javiera Vicuña's practice covers energy, water, mining and corporate matters.