Energy: Electricity: Norway

Thommessen remains a leader in the field and is experienced in regulatory as well as transactional and contentious work. Gunnar Martinsen is described as a leading practitioner in the electricity sector and has wide expertise in regulatory matters. He has recently advised a number of companies on proposed regulations, along with Jens Naas-Bibow. Naas-Bibow has impressed sources by being a great strategist within the sector. In terms of litigation, recent cases have included assisting Elkem with challenging the Norwegian provisional statute regarding ownership of waterfalls. The “outstanding” Erik Samuelsen “really knows the game well,” and has a wealth of experience in electricity disputes. Transactional highlights include acting for Boliden on negotiating a swap of contracts and shares in the hydropower company Tyssefaldene into two long-term power contracts with Statkraft. The team’s impressive client roster also includes the Norwegian Electricity Industry Association, Hafslund Nett, Fortum, Lyse Elnett and NorGer. Sources remark on the potential shown by Bendik Christoffersen, who joins the rankings this year.

Sources describe Haavind as “one of Norway’s leading law firms in water resources and electricity law.” The range of knowledge within the team enables the lawyers to advise clients on all aspects of the production, transport and trade of electric power. The team recently represented Salten Kraftsamband on the sale of a power distribution company and acquisition of a hydroelectric power production company in a swap deal with Bodø Energi. As well as advising on transactions, the group is particularly well regarded by peers for its expertise in regulatory work. Johan Fredrik Remmen is recognised for his “solid experience” in litigation within the electricity field and has impressed clients with his responsiveness. He recently advised Statnet on the establishment of a new power grid. Håkon Bleken is noted for his knowledge of concession conditions within the energy sector, but also handles intellectual property cases. Other clients within the team’s portfolio include Sunnfjord Energi, Otra Kraft and Store Norske Spitsbergen Grubekompani.

“The lawyers at BA-HR live up to their reputation – they really understand the law and the industry,” sources comment. The team wins high praise from both clients and peers for its transactional work and has also developed considerable regulatory expertise. Specialist energy tax and finance advice are further strengths, particularly in the growing area of energy trading and energy derivatives. Recent highlight mandates include acting for Energiselskapet Buskerud on its acquisition of E-CO Energi’s shareholding in EB Kraftproduksjon, valued at NOK1.6 billion. The team advises a wide range of domestic and international players, including Troms Kraft, Bodø Energi and Rainpower. “Creative and business-minded,” Rune Svoren regularly advises Statkraft and Oslo kommune, and is highly regarded for his transactional work. “An extremely experienced electricity litigator,” Helge Olav Bugge is also known for his expertise in related tax questions and electricity production.

A relatively new player in the electricity field, this niche outfit specialises in matters related to hydropower and advises a wide range of clients in the public and private sectors. Described as “a force to be reckoned with” in terms of their knowledge of the area, the lawyers are well known for their lobbying work on behalf of clients. Their most significant client is LVK, the Norwegian association of municipalities. Sources admire the team's unique angle in the field. Stein Erik Stinessen is widely applauded for his vast experience in electricity, and is “very strategic, clever and proficient.” Caroline Lund is described as “outstanding” by commentators.

Clients are impressed with this team's industry knowledge. The group is well known for its transactional work and provides strategic and financial advice to clients in the electricity sector. It advised SFE Produksjon, Tafjord Kraftproduksjon and Sognekraft through the holding company Svelgen Kraft Holding on the purchase of shares of Elkem Energi Bremanger, following new power plant ownership rules. Sverre Tysland worked on this deal, and wins praise from both clients and peers. Roy Slettvold advises a range of domestic and international energy companies, including organisations dealing with renewable energy and clean technology. He assisted Sjøfossen Energi with negotiations with Statskog regarding development of a new power plant. A new addition to the rankings, Petter Ringnes has impressed many clients. “He showed commitment and a high technical ability during negotiations.”

The team at Wiersholm continues to impress sources within the industry and is particularly respected for transactional work. Recent highlights include assisting Nord-Trøndelag Elektrisitetsverk with the reorganisation of the company, at a transaction value of NOK10 billion. Leading this matter was Inge Ekker Bartnes, who is admired for his responsiveness and wide expertise in energy matters. The group has also assisted with various issues related to the electricity business of both Statnett and StatoilHydro, including wind power projects for the latter. Furthermore, the group acts for a number of international clients, and represented French company Eramet in the acquisition of shares in Norwegian power company Tinfos. Helge Svarva is well regarded for his extensive experience in the energy field. Knut Bergo adds further strength to the team with his work in energy derivatives.

This group advises on a wide range of international electricity matters including transactions, disputes, financing and project developments. It is singled out by sources for providing “very good value for money.” Highlight instructions include being engaged by a consortium of Norwegian electricity producers bidding for parts of Orkla’s hydropower production portfolio. Other clients include SN Power, TenneT, Eidsiva Vannkraft and Opplandskraft. Jarle Erik Sandvik's clients include Swedish power producer Vattenfall. He also advises companies within the energy sector on corporate governance and compliance issues. Jon Rabben acts for producers of hydroelectric power and businesses engaged in new renewable energy sources. He is praised for his action in court: “He is very confident and prepared, and always has a plan.”