Practice

Energy and Natural Resources

With the energy transition, climate challenges, environmental protection, security of supply and decarbonisation, the energy and natural resources sector is facing unprecedented developments at national, European, and international levels.

From a legal perspective, numerous areas of law are involved, including public law, environmental law, regulation, competition law, taxation, real estate law, corporate law, business law, and labor law.

We have been providing our clients with top-tier legal expertise in energy and natural resources for many years.

We have developed a comprehensive expertise in the sector and are involved in nuclear and thermal energy projects, as well as renewable energy projects (hydropower, solar, onshore and offshore wind, waste-to-energy, hydrogen, biomass, biogas), whether connected to the grid or not. We also provide support for the development of some of the world’s largest extractive projects (mining, oil, gas), particularly in Africa, as well as projects focused on nature-based decarbonisation solutions aimed at commercialising carbon credits.

We advise all industry stakeholders at every stage of the value chain, including investors, producers, governments, suppliers, transporters, distributors, large consumers, and traders.

Our team closely monitors all developments related to the energy transition and regulatory obligations concerning decarbonisation, providing high-level service to clients across the world.

Areas of intervention

  • We assist our clients in the development, financing, construction, operation, and divestment of energy and infrastructure projects, as well as projects in the natural resources sector, both in France and internationally. This includes the development of independent power production (IPP) projects, including private initiatives (corporate PPAs), and integrated mining projects, particularly in Africa.

  • We support our clients in their external growth, divestment, or restructuring operations in the energy and natural resources sector, both in France and internationally. We have recognised expertise in due diligence, contract negotiation and drafting, tax structuring, and legal transaction security.

  • We assist our clients in their dealings with national and European regulatory authorities in the energy and natural resources sector, including the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), the Higher Energy Council (CSE), and the National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (ANDRA). We also advise our clients on regulatory aspects related to the energy transition, climate change, supply security, competition, data protection, and social and environmental responsibility.

  • We have a team specialised in public law and environmental law, advising our clients in the energy sector on legal aspects related to urban planning, land use, public property, administrative authorisations, public contracts, state aid, environmental standards, impact studies, environmental audits, administrative litigation, and public consultation procedures.

  • We represent our clients in national and international disputes and arbitrations, particularly in Africa, related to the energy, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors, whether in contractual, regulatory, fiscal, environmental, social, or criminal matters. We have recognised experience in handling complex and strategic litigation, involving significant financial, technical, or political stakes.

Awards

  • Chambers Global/Europe - France 2024

    Projects & Energy: International

    Band 2

    Gide's well regarded department has strong global activity, with a particular presence in Africa. The team represents states, corporates and lenders. The lawyers are regularly appointed on projects in a variety of sectors including natural resources, transport infrastructure and renewable energy.

  • Chambers Europe - France 2024

    Projects & Energy: Domestic

    Band 2

    Gide's well-regarded department has strong domestic activity. The team's expertise includes PPPs and project financing, with additional experience in contractual and M&A matters representing states, corporates and lenders." “Gide has been very proficient in handling complex energy-related files.”

  • Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024

    Industry Focus: Energy

    Tier 1

    Gide provides advisory and contentious assistance to secondary sector clients and investors across the energy sector. Public administrative law is a key strength for the team, while energy and environment matters and sustainable development are further focuses of attention.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2024

    Projects & Energy

    Band 2

    Enviable presence in francophone Africa." "Sought after for its representation of international financial institutions (IFIs), private sponsors and developers in energy projects and infrastructure developments concerning ports and municipal services.

  • Chambers Global - Africa-Wide 2024

    Projects & Energy: Power

    Band 2

    Gide is regularly instructed on high-profile renewable energy projects, including wind and hydroelectric power matters. The Paris-based team is equally highly adept in oil and gas projects and transactions, and demonstrates notable ability in advising Asian clients on Africa-bound investments.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - Algeria 2024

    Energy

    Tier 1

    Gide is highly sought after in a diverse range of energy and natural resources sub-sectors in Algeria, with a particular emphasis on oil and gas, in which the firm has become a trusted advisor to major companies, sponsors, buyers, sellers and lenders on complex transactions.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - Poland 2024

    Energy & Natural Resources

    Tier 2

    Gide is a key point of contact for private investors, state-owned companies, international corporations, and other entities in the energy, oil and gas, nuclear, mining, and chemistry sectors. The team excels in advising on all stages of complicated projects.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - England 2024

    Projects, Energy & Natural Resources: Power

    Tier 4

    The team at Gide LLP has expertise in corporate, commercial and M&A work in power. An example of the cohort’s abilities in alternative energy.

  • Legal 500 Asia Pacific - China 2025

    Projects & Energy: Foreign Firms

    Tier 4

    With deep experience handling matters related to natural resources projects, Gide is a top choice for contractors, sponsors, lenders, governments seeking assistance with major infrastructure and energy projects.

  • Legal 500 Asia Pacific - China 2024

    Projects & Energy: Foreign Firms

    Tier 4

    Gide's projects and energy experience extend across a wide variety of sectors, from infrastructure including motorways and public transportation to power sources such as hydroelectricity and coal.

  • Legal 500 EMEA - England 2024

    Projects, Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

    Tier 5

    Gide LLP is well known for its Africa-based transactional work in the oil & gas space, receiving praise for its bench of ‘sophisticated and industry-experienced professionals.

  • Legal 500 United Kingdom - London 2025

    Projects, Energy & Natural Resources: Renewables

    Tier 5

    They have a diverse team of energy expats that has been a delight to work with.

  • Legal 500 United Kingdom - London 2025

    Projects, Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas

    Tier 5

    Very focused team. They are responsive and well-versed in the issues." "The very strong international upstream legal expertise and ability to deliver within very demanding timeframes is what makes this team exceptional.

  • Legal 500 United Kingdom - London 2025

    Projects, Energy & Natural Resources: Power (including electricity & nuclear)

    Tier 5

    Gide LLP advises across energy, infrastructure, and natural resources, with expertise in nuclear power projects and conventional power sale and supply agreements.