One of the firms advised on the acquisition of a 40% stake in the $511m project
Global law firms have confirmed their role in the $511m East Rockingham Resource Recovery Facility.
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) advised the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Masdar (Masdar), as subsidiary of Mubadala, the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi, on its acquisition of a 40% stake in the project.
Meanwhile, K&L Gates has confirmed that it advised Acciona, which has been appointed, along with Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), as lead contractor for engineering, procurement, and construction project. Acciona has an equity stake in the project, along with HZI and John Laing.
The East Rockingham Resource Recovery Facility, on which construction will start this month, is expected to process 300,000 tonnes of municipal and industrial waste each year to generate about 29MW of power. The project is supported by bank debt and funding from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
HSF fielded a cross-border team to advise on the acquisition. A Melbourne-based team advised Masdar on its investment. The team was led by energy, infrastructure and resources executive counsel Neena Aynsley and corporate partner Nick Baker. They were supported by solicitor Madeleine Miller.
Partner Elizabeth Charlesworth provided project financing advice. Partner Daniel Zador and solicitor Sam Edwards handled projects-related matters.
The firm said that UK and Abu Dhabi General Market advice was provided by corporate partners Gavin Williams and Haitham Hawashin, who are based in London and Dubai, respectively.
K&L Gates said that it advised Acciona on all aspects of its participation in the project. That includes the construction contract and other project documents, such as documentation for electricity interconnection and waste supply. The firm also advised on all other matters required to reach financial close. The facility is just the second of its kind to reach financial close in Australia.
K&L Gates' team was led by infrastructure partner Zac Kerr. He was supported by senior associates Jordan Lyon and Tahnee Upton, and lawyer Lauren Wrafter.
Other firms have earlier confirmed their roles on the project. Pinsent Masons advised HZI on the project. Allen & Overy advised John Laing, which made a $51.5m investment in the project. DLA Piper advised SUEZ Recycling and Recovery, which was awarded a 20-year-minimum contract as waste management partner of the facility.
