Luke is a dedicated Projects and Infrastructure lawyer, known for his in-depth expertise and active participation within the energy sector, offering valuable insights to sponsors, lenders, contractors, and government agencies.
In addition to his expertise in drafting and negotiating EPC agreements, power purchase agreements, connection agreements and O&M agreements, he has extensively advised on non-recourse or limited recourse project finance documentation. He contributes to the development of a range of energy transition projects, from wind farms, solar projects, pumped hydro and energy storage, not only in Australia, but globally.
Having previously held the role of General Counsel at a leading Australian renewable energy developer, he truly understands and appreciates the pressure points and risk that in-house teams experience and has been involved in numerous landmark renewable energy deals. He works hard on and maintains his integrity in every project he undertakes.
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, 2003
Education
Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne, 2002
Bachelor of Economics (Finance), La Trobe University, 1998
EXPERIENCE
OX2 on the acquisition of ESCO Pacific (one of the largest solar developers in Australia) including preparing detailed Due Diligence on 12 projects and advising on the sale and purchase agreement.*
Elecnor on the numerous projects including:
the development of the 25MW Barcaldine solar project in Queensland including advising of the EPC and O&M agreements, the ARENA Funding Agreement and Project Financing with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (this was the largest solar project in Australia).*
on the subsequent sale of the Barcaldine project and the sale of the Barcaldine II solar project*;
as EPC Contractor on the 275MW Bungala One and Bungala Two Solar Projects including advising on the EPC and O&M agreements*;
as EPC Contractor on the 700MW New England solar farm including advising on the EPC and O&M agreements*;
as EPC Contractor on the Baroota Pumped Hydro Project including advising on the EPC and O&M agreements*;
Canadian Solar on the development and successful financial close of the jointly financed 146MW Gunnedah Solar Farm and 189 MW Suntop Solar Farm including advising on the EPC and O&M contracts, due diligence, Interface Agreements and Project Finance contracts.* (2020) These have been nominated as finalists in the category of Infrastructure and Projects Deal of the Year by Australasian Law Awards.
Squadron Energy on the acquisition of the Clarke Creek Renewable Energy Hub from Goldwind including advising on the Turbine Supply and Installation Agreement, the Operations and Maintenance Agreement, the Sale and Purchase Agreement and preparation of a detailed Due Diligence report.*
Windlab in relation to:
the Connection Agreement for the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm;
the Kiata wind farm including advising on the EPC and O&M agreements, the Power Purchase Agreement, preparing a Due Diligence Report and the Project Financing;
the successful financial close of the Coonooer Bridge wind farm including advising on the EPC and O&M agreements, the Power Purchase Agreement, preparing a Due Diligence Report and the Project Financing; and
its bid to develop the Msenge Emoyeni wind farm in South Africa including advising the EPC and O&M agreements.
RATCH in relation to:
the 180MW Mt Emerald wind farm project including advising on the EPC and O&M agreements, preparing a Due Diligence Report and the Project Financing; *
the 227MW Collector wind farm project in New South Wales* (which received the Property Infrastructure and Projects Deal of the Year, 2020 Excellence Award by Australasian Lawyer).
