Energy

Praised for its ‘absolute knowledge of the sector and its players’, Araoz & Rueda has particular expertise in the promotion, construction, financing, start-up and operation of renewable energy projects, mainly photovoltaic plants. The team is co-headed by the ‘outstanding’ Laura Vintanel, and Francisco Solchaga, who according to a client ‘is a perfect expert in the energy regulatory framework’ and experienced in the development of renewable energy projects. Testimonials ‘Extensive knowledge of local legislation and great experience in the operations that we currently carry out in Spain. This facilitates transactions by knowing what the market standard is and the best way to proceed in practice.’ ‘I’d highlight its extensive experience and knowledge of renewable operations.’ ‘Experience in the sector. Its flexibility in dealing with the client is also a strong point. Special mention to Francisco Solchaga.’ ‘The Araoz & Rueda team is united, with a high degree of understanding and, as a strong point, the absolute knowledge of the sector and its players.’ ‘Laura Vintanel, outstanding for knowledge of the energy sector, involvement, service and knowledge of competition lawyers. Francisco Solchaga, outstanding for knowledge, service and experience with competition lawyers.’ ‘Francisco Solchaga is a perfect expert in the energy regulatory framework and has extensive experience in dealing with all issues related to the development of renewable energy projects.’ ‘Lots of experience in the sector combined with an exceptional personal treatment.’ ‘Alejandro Araoz, Francisco Solchaga and Laura Vintanel are the people with whom we have dealt the most. Each has proven to be a 10 in their area and together they are the best team I have ever met.’

Noted by sources for being "very hard-working and committed to clients," Francisco Solchaga of Araoz & Rueda is instructed by investment funds, renewable energy providers and multinational oil and gas companies to advise on domestic and international transactions. Interviewees say that "he has an unsurpassed resolution capacity and strategic approach."

Araoz & Rueda is highlighted for its 'great agility and availability, as well as market knowledge and abil-ity to manage agreements'. The experienced team is led by Francisco Solchaga and acts for promoters, contractors, banks, buyers and sellers, and has recently worked with a range of new and longstanding clients on project acquisitions and financing. Laura Vintanel was promoted to partner in 2020 and is a key member of the team. Testimonials: “Their knowledge of the client’s needs and their predisposition in the search for adapted solutions” “Paco Solchaga’s versatility makes him stand out from the rest of his competitors” “I appreciate their great availability and commitment” “Araoz & Rueda has a magnificent team that, compared to other firms with which I have worked, has great agility and availability, as well as market knowledge and the ability to manage agreements” “Francisco Solchaga is a reference in the market, and a professional of recognized prestige among Spanish companies that are in the energy sector. We all highlight their knowledge of the market, accessibility and availability, and ability to negotiate and manage agreements” “They need to know very well the steps to take in everything that surrounds renewable infrastructures, especially wind and solar. To be able to advise a client in this area, it is necessary to have a very specialized knowledge since there are many factors that come into play, from the development phase, construction and operation of the facilities” “The plus they have is that they are very involved in the energy sector and more specifically in renewable energies. They have highly specialized professionals with extensive experience in the sector, especially Francisco Solchaga”

Francisco Solchaga López de Silanes breaks into the rankings due to his activity on transactional mandates for international investment funds and domestic promoters. Clients are quick to highlight Solchaga's "commercial approach, balancing the legal defence of the project with the efficient closure of the operation."

The ‘very commercial’ Araoz & Rueda is ‘highly skilled in energy projects' and ‘able to grasp the important aspects of the deal’. The firm has particular expertise in the promotion, construction, financing, start-up and operation of renewable energy projects, especially photovoltaic plants. The ‘exceptional’ Francisco Solchaga leads the practice and has a ‘good commercial understanding of the business that allows him to provide good legal technical solutions’. Testimonials: “Francisco Solchaga is very approachable. He has a deep understanding of the latest developments in the sector as he works with the main players” “They work very closely with the client and ensure a good understanding of the legal questions” “A&R manages to keep an excellent relationship with other counterparties involved in the transaction” “An in-depth knowledge of the legal questions and able to bring about innovative solutions adapted to the needs of the company” “They are able to suggest several solutions and alternatives in a very short period of time, adapting the legal advice to the rhythm of the client company” “Deep knowledge of energy law in Spain, especially in relation to renewable energy” “Reputed law firm well known by all key players in the sector, such as developers, utilities, banks and so on” “As this law firm’s strengths I would highlight their global, 360-degree understanding of the matters assigned to them, and their commercial approach to the negotiations, going beyond the pure legal and technical aspects of the discussion” “Francisco Solchaga is on top of all the aspects of the transaction. He is very good at channeling and coordinating the different parts of the law firm working on a specific matter”

Araoz & Rueda has ‘a strong global understanding’ combined with ‘a commercial approach to negotiations, going beyond the purely legal technical aspects’. The team has particular expertise in all aspects related to starting-up and operating renewable energy projects. ‘Exceptional’ practice head Francisco Solchaga is ‘good at channelling and coordinating the different areas of the law firm’, as well as ‘providing technical solutions, sensible and in line with business practices and the needs of the client’. The department is assisting Alten and Ortiz with the sale of six photovoltaic projects in Spain to Vela-Sonnedix, as well as advising African Renewable on its agreement with Solarig, for the development of a photovoltaic plant project in Cadiz.

Araoz & Rueda has been highly active assisting clients with regulatory matters, refinancing and energy-related litigation. The practice assisted Renovis with the acquisition of two rooftop photovoltaic projects located in Badajoz. Francisco Solchaga is the key contact.

Araoz & Rueda has particular expertise advising on the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors and has been active on privatisation and deregulation processes. Among other matters the team assisted Perwin with the € 15m acquisition of the Solluz photovoltaic project.

At Araoz & Rueda Francisco Solchaga has extensive experience acting for clients in the hydrocarbons, electricity and gas industries. Recent highlights include assisting Grupo T-Solar on the acquisition of a stake in a photovoltaic project from minority shareholders.

Araoz & Rueda advises sponsors on the development and financing of renewable energy projects and recently assisted China-based Huadian Fuxin Energy with the acquisition of a 40MW wind farm in Cuenca. Francisco Solchaga heads the team.

‘‘Versatility’ and ‘dedication’ are the hallmarks of Araoz & Rueda’s practice, which has transactional and financing expertise. Francisco Solchaga ‘personally handles his clients’ matters’ and has ‘excellent knowledge of the energy sector’.

‘Excellent in every way’, Araoz & Rueda is ‘always extremely quick to react’ and is ‘fully devoted to the client and the deals’. Francisco Solchaga is ‘remarkably business-oriented’, and has ‘deep knowledge and common sense’.

Francisco Solchaga specialises in energy transactions, with clients including energy group OPDE.

Francisco Solchaga has expertise in hydrocarbons, gas and electricity, and is highly recommended in renewable energy projects.

Araoz & Rueda has niche expertise in renewable energy, particularly solar plants. Clients praise the team´s "response, support and commitment". The team is led by "outstanding partner" Francisco Solchaga.

This compact Madrid-based firm has a small but steady flow of project finance work. The practice focuses on the financing of solar power farms in Spain. Sources speak highly of practice head Francisco Solchaga, who, having focused on renewable energy deals for several years, has acquired excellent legal and technical knowledge of the sector.

Despacho recomendado en el área de energías renovables. Francisco Solchaga es el socio que lidera la práctica.

Peers identify this firm as an active player in the projects market, concentrating predominantly on the energy industry and working on photovoltaic projects on the side of the sponsors. Partner Francisco Solchaga leads the practice.