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Sophie Linnell

She/herSenior Associate

Emailsophie.linnell@dlapiper.com

Call+44 113 369 2096

Leeds

About

Sophie Linnell advises clients on national and international projects in the transport, infrastructure and energy sectors and has gained experience of advising both public and private sector clients.

In particular, Sophie advises on grid connections on the transmission network, distribution network and microgrid schemes across transport, infrastructure (electric vehicle) and energy matters. Sophie is currently on a part-time, virtual secondment with NGET.

Sophie has extensive experience advising purchasers, sellers and lenders on the development, sale and acquisition of...

Areas of FocusEnergy and Natural Resources Infrastructure Construction and Transport Projects and Project Finance

Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

EXPERIENCE

Advising Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. on a grid sharing matter which involves setting up a new GridCo for the novation of the existing grid connection and the entry into a tripartite grid sharing agreement to allow two neighbouring solar farms to use the grid connection to import and export electricity. The use of a GridCo, transferring the grid connection and related infrastructure has required complex and technical consideration of the existing construction and operation documents, whilst reviewing and considering the new tripartite arrangements.

Advising Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. on a grid sharing matter which involves setting up a new GridCo for the novation of the existing grid connection and the entry into a tripartite grid sharing agreement to allow two neighbouring solar farms to use the grid connection to import and export electricity. The use of a GridCo, transferring the grid connection and related infrastructure has required complex and technical consideration of the existing construction and operation documents, whilst reviewing and considering the new tripartite arrangements.
Advising a NextGen infrastructure company on drafting and negotiating bespoke grid connection terms and adoption agreements for the build and operation of their smarter grid and MicroGrid connections.
Supported the team acting for electric vehicle charging network Be.EV as Octopus Energy Generation invested into Be.EV, Sophie led on the due diligence exercise required in respect of the grid connections for the various Be.EV charging sites, reviewing and reporting on connection documents with independent distribution network operators and distribution network operators.
Advised Greencoat UK on the acquisition of various onshore wind farm projects and solar projects. Sophie advised on the acquisition of the 42 MW Dalquhandy Wind Farm from BayWa r.e. and the 80.5MW South Meath Solar Farm, Co. Meath, Ireland, from leading renewable energy developer Statkraft Greencoat Renewables, advising on the drafting negotiation of the EPC and O&M.
Advising a number of passenger transport authorities in respect of delivery of bus services, including advising in respect of the development of voluntary partnership schemes, enhanced partnerships, bus emergency funding schemes and other regulated transport schemes and tendering of non-commercial bus services.
Advised BASF on the acquisition of 49.5% percent of Vattenfall’s offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Zuid in The Netherlands. Once fully operational, the wind farm will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world with 140 wind turbines and a total installed capacity of 1.5 gigawatts. The Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm will also be the first fully merchant offshore wind farm in the world which does not receive any price subsidies for the power produced. Reviewed and completed red flag due diligence on the TSA, WTG Service Contract and the Interface Agreement.
Part of the team which advised Prime Capital AG and Enlight Renewable Energy on their co-investment in the ready-to-build Björnberget wind park project in central Sweden. This is Prime Capital’s first investment from its newly launched Prime Green Energy Infrastructure Fund. Assisted in negotiating the TSA with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for the new SG 5.8-170, which has the largest rotor in the onshore market, as well as the long term service and availability agreement.
Advised Ignitis Group on its acquisition of a minority stake in the Moray West offshore wind farm development project on the east coast of Great Britain. The acquisition represents a strategic partnership between Ocean Winds and Ignitis Group for the development of offshore wind farm projects. Assisted with the red flag due diligence for the acquisition.