Renewable Energy & Fuels
While conventional energy sources will continue to be a large part of Canada’s energy mix, the share of clean, renewable energy is growing quickly and will certainly continue to aggressively grow.
Participants in Canada’s burgeoning renewable power and renewable fuels industry benefit from our timely and expert advice on a wide range of issues important to this sector. We have acted for clients in a variety of renewable power sectors, including, among others, hydro, wind, solar, biogas, biomass, biowaste, biofuels, and geothermal.
Navigating the corporate/commercial, regulatory and taxation landscape can be a daunting task for Canadian renewable power developers. Our lawyers have been key advisors at every step of the way, specifically retained with respect to acquiring project finance, accessing government incentives/programs, clearing regulatory hurdles, acquiring permits, completing environmental assessments, zoning real estate, acquiring and leasing real property, stewarding tax-efficient structures (including renewable power incentives like flow-through financing structures), developing private/public partnerships, drafting and reviewing commercial agreements (including power purchase and turbine supply agreements), and assisting with all aspects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
Our team has designed the program rules and program contracts for a series of Ontario Power Authority conservation and demand management programs. Our lawyers have also acted for and have strong connections to a number of large energy buyers, including having a comprehensive knowledge of provincial power authorities’ renewable power procurement processes.
We conduct due diligence and provide opinions on the development and operation of wind, solar and geothermal projects for government departments, private companies, and public companies.
Bennett Jones lawyers are active in fund formation work in this industry and have acted in the formation of renewable energy investment funds, both domestically and internationally.