The firms are placed in alphabetical order. The research period is the year 2021. Since 24 February 2022 when the russian federation started its aggressive war against Ukraine, many law firms in Ukraine have announced their termination of representing russian clients. For ethical and moral reasons, as many people have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and found themselves in difficult life situations, we have taken the decision not to publish ranking tables this year. We genuinely believe that we should be united as never before, and hope that you support our decision.

AEQUO continuously proves its strength in energy dispute resolution, including highly important international and domestic cases. In addition to its traditional oil and gas clients following, the firm is instructed by electricity and power companies, companies involved in the extraction of mineral resources, and renewables operators. The firm is enlisted by strategic investors to structure their investments and formalize their arrangements with local partners, and handles subsequent regulatory, corporate and tax advice. To exemplify, the firm advised Mercuria Energy Trading, one of the world’s largest independent energy traders, in connection with its strategic investment in CWP Europe. In 2021 energy clients also instructed the big team for financing and restructuring work, and was addressed with representation in proceedings before the antitrust authorities. The firm continued to act as Ukrainian counsel for energy company Naftogaz and its subsidiaries in an international dispute administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague against Russia over breach of the Ukraine – Russia bilateral investment treaty. On the domestic litigation front, the team acted for the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine in a series of victories in a range of disputes over gas trading and price regulation; won for UMG Investments, a leader in the extraction of refractory clay in Ukraine, precedent-setting series of land expropriation cases. Ukrgasvydobuvannya, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, Kaolin Azov, Derzhvuhlepostach, Ukrenergomontazh, and Ionity ride high in the firm’s client portfolio. The cross-practice energy team has five partners on board. Denis Lysenko is noted for his deep involvement in energy disputes over the last few years. International arbitration partner Pavlo Byelousov has a strict focus on representing high-calibre oil and gas companies. Newly-promoted partner Olena Pertsova took on the lead role in a series of commercial and regulatory disputes. Anna Babych handles corporate and M&A queries for sectoral clients, while Mariya Nizhnik acts for competition matters.[1]

Domestic energy law boutique Altelaw has a focus on supporting renewable energy projects. The firm renders a turn-key offering, encompassing construction and development, support of commissioning and acquisitions. In 2021, the firm supported Greek company Sunel as a general contractor in the construction of a 148 MW solar power plant in Mykolaiv Region; assists the transition of a town in Vinnytsya Region to energy produced from renewable sources. Olga Savchenko, managing partner, is the main contact.

ANTIKA Law Firm is primarily known for supporting companies working in the field of natural resources and subsoil use, seeking structuring of their exploration activity in Ukraine. In addition, over the last couple of years the firm has raised its profile in handling investment in energy-saving projects in Ukraine, and sector related litigation. Energy efficiency and energy saving projects are guided by Alexander Tretiakov. Senior partner Dr. Oleksiy Kot is the key name for natural resources, oil and gas clients, and is also noted for being sought for his expertise in arbitration cases.

Ukrainian heavyweight Asters leverages broad experience in the energy sector, which has a presence in the exploration and development of hydrocarbons, electricity, energy trading and transmission, renewables. The team is preferred by international and domestic energy majors to handle investment and sophisticated contract structures, and is also noted for its experience in PSA implementation, environmental protection issues, government relations and lobbying capacities. The team has notable regulatory and transactional strength, handling the full-scope of work in the renewable sector, involving construction, land, environmental, infrastructure and operational issues, as well as M&A and tax. In 2021 the team advised Arawak Energy Ukraine B.V., a member of Vitol group of companies, in the sale of a 50% stake in Geo-Alliance Oil-Gas Public Limited. With the strong banking and finance bench of practitioners on board, Asters regularly acts on financing transactions and complex debt restructuring. For example, the firm acted as a Ukrainian law counsel to an ad hoc group of lenders on the successful restructuring of a USD 2.066 billion debt owed by DTEK; advised EBRD and IFC on their loans to JSC Concern Galnaftogaz. Disclosable clients include Modus Energy/GreenGenius, Naftogaz Group, Ukraine Power Resources, VR Capital Group. Yaroslav Petrov guides the team on significant mandates in the areas of renewables and electricity. Anzhelika Livitska was noted for her exceptionally active role across projects, acclaimed for industrial construction, land and environmental law expertise. Promoted to counsel, Marta Halabala is noticeable in energy projects. Armen Khachaturyan is known for his work for oil and gas clients, and is noted for being in front of legislative improvements. Another dedicated partner, Tamara Lukanina, commands expertise in the regulation of oil and gas, PSA and pipeline transportation. 

AVELLUM brings together strong transactional and regulatory experience spreading its presence in renewable and conventional power industry, oil and gas, mining, and metals sectors. Being primarily known for its extensive experience in capital markets and finance, this past year the firm acted as the Ukrainian legal counsel to National Power Company Ukrenergo on its USD 825 million Eurobond issue, which is the first Green and Sustainability-linked instrument from a Ukrainian issuer; advised DTEK Group on energy and regulatory matters in connection with debt restructuring under two inter-conditional English schemes of arrangement. The firm is actively preferred to handle deals in the renewable sector. In particular, it advised one of the sellers on energy matters related to the sale of a stake in renewable energy projects to Elementum Energy; advised global renewable energy company on the contemplated acquisition of a Ukrainian solar power plant. EBRD, as a key investor in Ukrainian renewable energy, enlisted the firm to advise on financing the development, construction and operation of various renewable energy projects, as well as advise on energy matters, including on the additional agreement to a power purchase agreement circulated by State Company Guaranteed Buyer to producers from renewable energy sources in January 2021. Another key highlight is supporting a client on participation in the tender and signing of a production sharing agreement in Ukraine. The three-partner multidiscipline team is guided by Glib Bondar, who is in charge of energy financing projects. Yuriy Nechayev leads the majority of corporate and M&A deals in renewables. Maksym Maksymenko splits his time between the real estate practice and advising on development and construction of energy projects. Anna Mykhalova acts as a key associate of the practice. 

The energy, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure practice group of Baker McKenzie has a recognized strength in multijurisdictional energy matters, and is sought after by prominent international and domestic market players, state authorities, international banking institutions. The Kyiv office acted on the biggest projects in the oil and gas upstream market in Ukraine in 2021, having represented EP Ukraine, a Dutch subsidiary of Czech Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH) and Slovak NAFTA a.s., in connection with the structuring, negotiating and conclusion of production sharing agreements with the Ukrainian government in relation to the Hrunivska and Okhtyrska blocks. The team has a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects, involving construction, project finance, M&A. The State Property Fund of Ukraine is advised in the course of large-scale privatizations in the energy sector – Centrenergo, one of the largest Ukrainian power-generation companies, and Electrotyazhmash, one of the largest turbine producers in Ukraine. In addition, the firm advises on storage and trading matters, and has unique experience in nuclear power projects. Counsel Andrii Moskalyk is one of the most recognized professionals in PSA and PPP. Managing partner Serhiy Piontkovsky plays the anchor role in client relationships and is the first point of choice for privatization. Victoria Ischenko was highly active in cross-border lending and project finance in the renewable sector. Counsel Hanna Shtepa is another key practitioner.

СMS is represented through two offices in Ukraine.

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang signifies its long-standing leading position as an all-around energy practice in Ukraine, enjoys a global prominence in the energy sector and following by high-caliber international names. Over the decade the firm has become a point of choice for regulatory advice and structuring oil and gas projects, energy trading, energy infrastructure, renewable sector development. The office demonstrated pre-eminence for key energy transactions in Ukraine, most recently advising Air Products on the establishment of a joint venture with ArcelorMittal for the construction of a new modern air separation unit at the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steel plant; advised NAFTA International B.V., a Slovak oil and gas exploration, production and gas storage company, on the buyout of its joint venture partner, Cub Energy Inc., to become the 100% owner of the Ukrainian company, which has a license for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons near Uzhhorod. The firm is referred to as a driving force in the renewable sector. Among public highlights is recent advice to CWP Europe on the acquisition of 73 MW wind project in development. Another notable finance deal in the sector is obtaining a loan from Bank of China for financing 85% of EPC Contract directed at reconstruction of the Ukrainian Power Units of Donbasenergo with a total capacity of 660 MW. The team also possesses expertise in commercial and regulatory disputes. Selected clients include Scatec Solar ASA, Acciona Energia, Vermilion Energy, EBRD, Donbassenergo PJSC, Expert Petroleum. Recently-appointed Kyiv managing partner Vitaliy Radchenko is a standout practitioner with a permanent presence in the sector, broad practice and rainmaking role. Counsel Maryna Ilchuk is highly regarded for her experience in renewables and electricity regulation. Backed by his expertise in oil and gas, Volodymyr Kolvakh was highly focused on trading contracts work. Corporate and M&A partner Tetyana Dovgan was instructed on the majority of high-end energy deals in 2021.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz is known for advising projects aimed at implementing reforms in the energy sector, and utilizes multidiscipline expertise. The office is a trusted advisor for complex corporate governance issues and European energy laws, regulatory matters and compliance, corporate structuring. Office managing partner Maria Orlyk is a co-head of energy and climate change group encompassing a total of 11 CMS offices, and notably enjoys a  reputation as a strong corporate lawyer.

Dentons brings strong international and domestic expertise that spans the entire energy industry value chain, being active in upstream oil and gas, renewables, mining, energy infrastructure, trade, energy matters in transport and municipal infrastructure. 2021 was rich for unique projects. For example, the office advised Dionis Biogas Energy LLC on the implementation of the first biomethane project in Ukraine, located in Zhytomyr Region; advised DNV GL Energy Advisory GmbH on the development of a battery energy storage facility in Ukraine. The firm is historically among leaders in renewable energy work, most recently advised Eksim Yatirim Holding A.S. on energy matters related to the acquisition of a wind project in Ukraine; advises Power China New Energy Power Co., Ltd. regarding contractual structuring, entering into EPC, security and other related contracts for construction of solar projects with total capacity over 150 MW. Another ongoing highlight is providing comprehensive advice to Sigra Group on the legal structuring of the Green Investment Fund in Ukraine. The global firm has a strong following among international banks and financial institutions. The cross-border team advised Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG (OeEB) on financing the construction of the Hlyniany solar PV project near Lviv. The two-partner practice is highly reputable in the energy sector and endorsed by dedicated peers. Renowned for his long-standing sector engagement Maksym Sysoiev is seen in regulatory work; Adam Mycyk spent a busy year handling M&A work with particular focus on renewables.

Eterna Law assists energy companies with structuring their investments in Ukraine, and was also recently observed in contractual disputes and arbitration. The firm maintains strong following among international sound names, in particular, advises Hyundai Research Institute and Yooshin Engineering Corporation Clients on 2 MW floating solar project in the south of Ukraine. The firm also represented Alcodis S.A. in the ICC arbitration against Ukrainian-based trader arising out of the shipment of bioethanol. The firm advised KT Corporation in relation to an advanced metering system for electricity meters project and its implementation in Ukraine. Oleh Malskyy is lead partner.

Throughout the last couple of years EVERLEGAL has expanded its confident position in renewable sector, being a point of choice for international and local energy industry players. For example, the team assists China Electric Power Equipment and Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, on tapping the Ukrainian market and in relation to contemplated construction and further development of a wind park, valued at approximately EUR 1 billion of anticipated investments. The team’s long-standing client UDP Renewables was advised on its divestment of 75% in a portfolio of six solar power assets with a total capacity of 99.5 MW in Ukraine to Nebras Power, a global power development and investment company, and supported the development and construction of 113 MW wind project in Volyn Region. In addition, the firm supports a Hungarian energy company called Triosan on implementing the historic first pilot geothermal energy project in Ukraine, requiring major legislation shaping efforts. The firm further extends its scope to regulatory matters in electrical grid connection. Another notable project was aimed at improving the electric car infrastructure and entailed advising Go To-U Network, the first digital experience platform for e-mobility on installation of chargers for electric cars, on Ukrainian roads to create a nationwide network of e-chargers. The firm also represented its clients in contractual disputes and arbitrations. The client roster includes, among other names, Main Group Europe, Hero Future Energies, Delfast, global power development and investment companies, as well as players developing and commissioning renewable energy projects in Ukraine. Both dedicated partners are clearly present on the market. Andriy Olenyuk is one of the most referred Ukrainian lawyers in the renewable area, and had a busy year in solar projects and significant transactions in the sector. Yevheniy Deyneko focused on wind energy projects and geothermal energy. Arbitration partner Vsevolod Volkov advises on subsequent matters in the sector. Senior associate Yuliia Kylchynska takes in corporate work.

Long-standing energy market player EY is a consistent counsel for both foreign and Ukrainian extraction companies seeking legal and tax structuring support in the oil and gas industry. The team’s work, inter alia, stands out for its legacy in handling production sharing agreement (PSA) projects in Ukraine, unbundling, structuring of upstream cross-border projects, reorganization matters. For example, the team handled legal support in the preparation of PSAs for Aspect Energy, US major energy company, and for DTEK Oil & Gas. Significant recent workflow of the practice was dedicated to cooperation with various international financial organizations and development agencies to implement projects related to enhancing the Ukrainian energy market infrastructure and the overall improvement of the legal framework governing energy sector, specifically in terms of extraction and transmission industries and trade in energy products. In a recent highlight, EY was entrusted by the World Bank Group project on advisory services on the assurance of financial sustainability of newly-established as a result of unbundling the Gas TSO of Ukraine, and support for the modernization of the Gas Transmission System. Iryna Kalyta, associate partner, is noted for her long-lasting experience of advising oil and gas clients. Iryna Kovalenko was endorsed by peers as a standout senior practitioner. Renowned for his commitment to oil and gas projects, partner Albert Sych left for Redcliffe Partners at the very beginning of 2022. Borys Lobovyk took over the role of lead partner.

The multi-faceted renewable energy practice of GOLAW, which has exceptional expertise in biomass, has a well-established market niche. The firm is instructed by investors, developers, green energy producers and EPC contractors, extending its offering to regulatory, construction and development, land use, M&A. In addition, this past year the firm expanded its presence in the area of exploration and mining, oil and gas, and high-profile electricity disputes. In a recent highlight the firm advised KBPP Management and a group of Irish investors regarding preparation and execution of the tender for the new EPC contractor for development of large-scale biomass power plant in Khmelnytsky Region, and also acted for its Ukrainian subsidiary, Khmelnytsky biofuel power plant, on challenging the refusal of State Architectural Inspection to issue a construction permit for development of a large-scale biomass power plant. The energy team provided assistance to Indian Solar development on a biomass power plant project; advised TIU Canada on the legality of shutting down the Nikopol solar power plant by the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant. The practice lead partner is Max Lebedev, and is supported by Oleksandr Melnyk. The firm’s senior partner, Sergiy Oberkovych, is involved in client development work.

The diverse experience of Gramatskiy & Partners spans subsoil use and obtaining regulatory permits, investment structuring, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. On the transactional front, the firm advised VPG Agro Plus LLC on sale of a biogas station in Kyiv Region, acquisition of corporate rights in Kossack Solar LLC, as well as introduction of a scheme for processing natural gas and methane as a customer-supplied raw material for carbamide production at the Odesa Port Plant (through an operator from Oman). The team advised Eurotransgaz Corporation Kft, a Hungarian oil and gas exploration, production and gas storage company, in connection with the establishment of a joint venture with Eurogazinvest LLC, to pursue a gas exploration project in Western Ukraine. The firm has strong expertise in real estate, and its long-standing client City Capital Group mandated it to advise in the project Implementation Unit Support for Energy Efficiency improvements in public buildings in Kyiv. Founder Ernest Gramatskiy guides the firm’s practice.

Hillmont Partners keeps a busy workflow of energy mandates, predominantly in the area of mining and oil and gas exploration. The team, as led by co-managing partner James Hart, continued advising Black Iron Inc., the largest Canadian investor in the Ukrainian mining sector, on implementation of its USD 1.2 billion iron ore mining project, involving multiple rounds of strategy development and negotiations with state and local authorities, major contracts and sectoral regulatory frameworks. In particular, the firm’s lawyers and GR specialists worked on investment nanny and emerald network laws, revising qualification criteria for significant investors, handling private-public partnership. The firm remained traditionally active in dispute settlement for energy clients led by co-managing partner Andrii Nyzhnyi and counsel Igor Pugaiko. The team brought victory to NEC Ukrenergo in a complex USD 10 million dispute with the National Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission. The team also secured a win for a national oil and gas exploration company and investor in new exploration sites, in a dispute with the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine regarding the issuing of a special permit for oil and gas production. During the last 12 months the firm’s lawyers provided support to a major national investor in the sector of rare minerals and metals exploration on investing in new sites and expanding its activities in Ukraine and beyond. Counsel Tetiana Mylenka is a practice leader.

Ilyashev & Partners fields a portfolio of significant multi-stage energy disputes, including sensitive litigation against decisions of state authorities, contractual disputes, loan recovery, tax litigation, enforcement of international arbitration awards. The firm represents Ferrexpo Belanovo Mining (Bilanivsky Mining and Processing Plant) in appealing in court decisions of the State Tax Service on the revocation of the license for the right to wholesale fuel and license for the right to store fuel; acts for Spetsmekhservice LLC in a dispute with Ukrgasvydobuvannya JSC, arising from an agreement on the performance of work on drilling a group of wells. In terms of expanding the practice scope, the firm advised a leading independent Norwegian investment bank on the financing of Norwegian energy company NBT AS for the implementation of projects in Ukraine for the construction of the largest wind farms (Syvash in Kherson Region and Zophia in Zaporizhzhia Region). Energy clients include the Ukrainian Association for Renewable Energy, Ukrinterenergo State Enterprise, Ukrgaz Concern, BNK-Ukraine, JKX Oil & Gas, JV Poltava Petroleum Company, Karpatygaz, Kryvyi Rih Cement, Elme Messer Gaas AS, and other names. The practice team is led by the firm’s counsel Andrey Bychkov and Oleh Trokhymchuk. Mikhail Ilyashev is lead partner.

INTEGRITES is constantly preferred by international renewable energy players to support their wind and solar power projects in Ukraine, and also raised its presence in corporate, commercial and competition matters relating to natural resources and the oil and gas sectors. Given the firm’s commitment to renewables, the team continued to advise Emergy AS (former NBT AS) on all aspects of financing for three stages of the 792.5 MW Zophia wind farm in southern Ukraine; supports EuroCape/LongWing, GE Capital, VLC Renewables on construction of 402 MW and 98 MW wind farms in Zaporizhzhia Region; supported Scatec’s largest solar power plant – 148 MW Progressovka project. The firm advised the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine on the independent power project framework, including project financing, and Ukrenergo on developing tender documentation for the new generating capacity. In addition to its growing GR capacities and policy projects, the firm established a climate change task force. Energy contractual disputes and investment arbitration contain another profound feature of the firm. By way of example, the role of Ukrainian counsel for State Enterprise NPC Ukrenergo in investment arbitration against Russia regarding the expropriation of the power grid, related infrastructure and other property by the Russian authorities following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Among other clients are Wärtsilä, AKW Ukrainian Kaolin, Scatec, Ümitli, Epiroc Ukraine. The multidisciplinary practice has three partners on board. Igor Krasovskiy leads finance work and is noted for his exceptional project finance experience. Dr. Oleh Zahnitko sharpened his focus in legislation drafting in terms of policy reform work. Often referred as a strong rainmaker in renewables, practice head Dr. Oleksiy Feliv is among the core figures in the renewable energy projects undertaken by international developers in Ukraine.

The French law firm Jeantet maintains a following among foreign investors and contractors, being instructed for handling regulatory, contractual and transactional service in Ukraine. The firm renders legal assistance to Solstice Renewables in contractual, corporate and tax structuring of PV plant projects in Ukraine; advising Enserv, a multidiscipline company from Thailand, on the potential acquisition of several PV projects in different locations in Ukraine with overall planned capacity of 200 MW. In addition, the firm advised Green Powered Technology, an engineering consulting firm that specializes in energy and the environment, in connection with the launch of its technical support project in Ukraine funded by USAID. Other areas of recent interest included public utilities, oil and gas, power. The practice is headed by partner Bertrand Barrier and co-headed by senior lawyer Olexiy Soloviov. The focus of Igor Martsyn is on dispute work.

In June 2021, Kinstellar merged with DLA Piper Ukraine, providing an enhanced offering in the energy sector, spanning regulatory, transactional work, supporting legislative initiatives. The firm is a legal counsel to Tetra Tech ES on its ongoing projects in Ukraine, inter alia, support for improving framework on heat supply planning: practice and recommendations for embedding heat supply schemes into urban planning documentation; development of high-level hydrogen strategy for Ukraine. The firm continued advising the supervisory boards of Naftogaz of Ukraine and National Power Company Ukrenergo on complex energy and electricity market regulations. The amalgamated team provides advisory in renewable energy, being of late particularly busy with corporate and M&A, as well as project finance assignments. The firm most recently secured an inflow of continuous instructions from international financial institutions: advising DFC, an agency of the United States of America, on more than USD 500 million financing of a four-phase, 500 MW Zaporizhzhia wind farm; the EBRD on a EUR 10 million revolving credit facility for ERU Trading LLC, a leading privately-owned gas trader in Ukraine. Oleksandr Kurdydyk became a co-head of the firm-wide energy and natural resources practice. Olena Kuchynska, a co-managing partner, historically focused on advising clients on M&A/corporate law matters, and regulatory matters focusing on energy, natural resources and infrastructure clients. The big team has two counsel on board. Dmytro Pshenychniuk acts on debt transactions and sustainable financing; Illya Muchnyk is involved in structuring complex cross-border M&A transactions and debt/equity financings. Olexander Martinenko, partner, firm-wide disputes head, is an  extremely respected market figure, noted for his strategic high-level view of representation.

KPMG Law provides for a multidisciplinary offering across regulatory, tax and corporate advice. The office is a point of choice for international development agency projects, being in the mainstream of regulatory initiatives in the mining and petroleum industries, environmental issues, institutional aspects and harmonization with the acquis. The practice team was enlisted by international oil and gas companies and electricity market players seeking market entry and investment legal structuring advice. Most recently the firm handled tax and financial due diligence of a state-owned company which consist of two plants and offices located in different regions in Ukraine as part of large-scale privatization; acted for CWP Europe and performed tax due diligence of two Ukrainian enterprises, Prydniprovski Lany and Ventum Energy Ukraine, that were involved in the construction of wind plants with a capacity of 73 MW. Clients include E-Group, IP Innovative, OMV Petrom. Head of legal Yuriy Katser was quite noticeable in the sector this past year.

Over this past year LCF Law Group rapidly developed its energy practice, with particular focus on renewable energy and landmark regulatory mandates. The firm was regularly hired to render comprehensive support with the construction and operation of power plants, most recently involving solar energy projects. In particular, the team advised Scatec Solar on the construction and operation of its solar power plants in Ukraine as well as on related taxation issues; GREENTECO SES LLC on the construction of a 54 MW solar power plant; assists the Progresivka solar project with overall installed capacity of 147 MW. The resonant representation was acting for the Ukrainian Association of Renewable Energy (UARE) in mediation with the Ukrainian Government related to the proposed changes of renewable energy support schemes, including the restructuring of feed-in tariffs, legal solutions and strategy for challenging the regulatory resolutions of the NEURC, energy market regulator; advising UARE and Ukrainian Wind Energy Associations in communication with the Antimonopoly Committee in the procedure regarding compatibility of Ukrainian renewable energy support mechanism with the EU and local state aid rules. In addition, the practice scope was expanded by supporting the financing of energy projects. For example, it advised Real Finance on EUR 15 million financing agreements with regard to the company’s acquisition of shares in two renewable energy projects. Ivan Bondarchuk had a busy year and gained professional appraisal from market forces.

Lexwell & Partners maintained long-standing relationships with mining corporations, delivering legal support in their mining and extraction operations, licensing and permissions, regulatory control. The firm advised Podilsky Cement (CRH Group) on its strategic project – extending the license surface of a special permit for subsoil use and obtaining environmental assessment documentation. One more competence includes assistance with geological and environmental inspections, as well as regulatory aspects of sectoral M&A. The key individuals are Andriy Kolupaev and Zhanna Goriacha.

The team members of Redcliffe Partners command long-term commitment to supporting landmark hydrocarbons exploration projects in Ukraine, coupled with transactional strength and an extensive portfolio of renewable energy workflow. Renowned for its PSA experience, the firm advised Ukrainian Energy, LLC (jointly led by Aspect Energy and SigmaBleyzer) on the successful signing of a 50-year PSA with the State of Ukraine, followed by the establishment of a partnership with respect to the Varvynska PSA project, and representation in a dispute against Ukrgasvydobuvannya regarding challenging the results of the Varvynska PSA tender. Among the recent M&A highlights in the renewable sector was the firm’s role as English and Ukrainian law counsel to Nebras Power on its acquisition of a stake in several solar projects operating under the feed-in tariff from UDP Renewables. Energy project financing and arbitration disputes are another notable facet of the team’s expertise. The three-partner team includes Dmytro Fedoruk, who leads the firm’s energy and mining practice group; Svitlana Teush heads power generation. In late 2021 renowned for his PSA work Albert Sych joined as a partner from EY Ukraine. Vlad Zakon is a rising associate focused on advising oil and gas and mining clients.

Sayenko Kharenko, one of the largest Ukrainian firms, enjoys a solid market reputation and maintains strong profile for significant energy deals, international finance, energy efficiency and regulatory matters, as well as energy dispute resolution. The firm regularly acts on cross-border deals and provided legal support for Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo S.A. during its acquisition of a controlling stake in Karpatgazvydobuvannya LLC, a Ukrainian project company holding a special permit for exploration and extraction of natural gas in the Byblivska area in Lviv Region. This past year the firm advised managers of the debut USD 825 million ESG Bond issue by Ukrenergo. Full-circle legal support of renewable energy projects is another vivid strength of the energy team, which is enlisted to advise high-calibre investors. The firm recently acted as a legal adviser to DTEK Renewables on concluding a contract with Danish company Vestas, the world’s leader in wind turbines production, providing for joint implementation of the first phase of DTEK’s Tiligulska wind power project with a capacity of 126 MW in Mykolaiv Region. Among notable transactional highlights is advising Elementum Energy on acquisition of a stake in the Lymanska WPP project near Odesa exceeding 100 MW. NEFCO is a long-standing client supported in the course of financing energy-efficiency projects in Mykolaiv and Kremenchuk. The practice head Maryna Hritsyshyna, counsel, is well-known for her multi-faceted experience in renewables and especially noted for strong performance in energy associations throughout 2021. Firm’s partners Igor Lozenko and Nazar Chernyavsky guided the firm’s work in financial deals; Oleksandr Nikolaichyk acted as a lead partner for M&A and joint venture inquiries. Nataliia Hutarevych was vividly seen across practice work.

Shkrebets & Partners, a Kharkiv-based law firm, maintains a broad portfolio of representations on behalf of power generating and distribution companies in north-eastern Ukraine. The team acted on litigation matters, inter alia, represents Kharkiv Combined Heat and Power Plant No. 5 in a dozen proceedings regarding debt collection under a natural gas delivery agreement, continued working on a precedent-setting case recognizing Naftogaz of Ukraine as a supplier of last resort, and also works on debt restructuring cases. In a recent highlight the firm took part in contractual disputes, enforcement of power supply agreements, penalties recovery. Kharkiv Heating Network, a monopolist for the supply of heat energy in Kharkiv, was represented across litigation. Andriy Syvak is lead partner. 

Sokolovskyi & Partners affirmed its established position in power practice, being especially known for handling solar plant projects, electricity networks regulations and connection, EPC contracts. The major highlight of 2021 was support for one of the contractors, NSI Bud, in the course of construction of 590 MW DTEK’s Tiligulska wind power plant, spanning construction, contractual matters, employment, tax and regulatory matters. Furthermore, the firm rendered comprehensive legal support to Dobrobut Energy and Solar K LLC on the commercial operation of solar power plants, and continued advising the Association of the Solar Energy of Ukraine. The firm advised Exim Prylad LLC in supply, installation and commissioning of energy equipment for the Dniester Hydro Power Plant, the largest hydro power plant in Europe. Energy companies enroll the firm to support their contractual and tax issues, and representation within debt recovery proceedings. Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, managing partner, exceled his presence in the sector, being also enlisted as an expert in terms of an investment arbitration dispute.

The Kyiv office of Wolf Theiss catches up the firm’s CEE originated energy clients assisting with a wide range of regulatory, corporate and contractual issues. The team continued advising Optimum Solar Kft., a leading Hungarian solar power equipment producer and developer of solar power projects, on its entry into the Ukrainian energy market, including acquisition and construction of the PV and combined PV and gas turbine projects. One more example of recent work was advising EP Commodities, one of the largest energy companies in Czech Republic, regarding its entry in the Ukrainian energy market, including on the issues of establishment of its Ukrainian subsidiary, receipt of necessary licenses, launching its trade in natural gas. The firm advised Ternopil Quarry, involved in lime mining and manufacturing of products, with respect to the development of corporate governance aimed at the growth and institutionalization of the enterprise and its relationships with investors. Managing partner Taras Dumych has a long-term commitment to the sector, and was additionally seen in corporate governance work. The renewable energy work is guided by Sergii Zheka, senior associate. 

The energy practice of Arzinger was referred as an active team focused on renewables. Team head Iaroslav Cheker is a recognized name in the market for representing renewable energy producers[2].

Founded in 2020 by Maksym Uslystyi, ex-partner at Eterna Law, and Mykhailo Lytvyn, Acquis Law Firm, is a new domestic boutique with a distinctive focus on the renewables sector.

Market participants also noted Imepower, an energy focused company, and INPRAXI Law, as noticeable players throughout 2021. Svitlana Golikova, energy policy and regulatory expert in USAID Energy Security Project, is a highly-respected expert in electricity market regulations, and was singled out by market insiders. Dr. Irina Paliashvili, founding partner of RULG – Ukrainian Legal Group, received plaudits from peers for her deep knowledge of the oil and gas sector.

 

 

[1] Renowned for involvement in energy arbitration cases, the firm’s counsel Myroslava Savchuk, left to become the head of legal at DTEK Renewables.

[2] The firm has not submitted information for the current research.