Herbert Smith Freehills has advised a joint venture of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor A/S (BWSC) on the acquisition and development of a biomass-fired combined heat and power plant project in Kent. The total investment in the Kent project will amount to approximately GBP 160m.

CIP is a Danish fund management company focusing on energy related infrastructure assets with particular experience of regulated infrastructure and renewable energy projects. BWSC is a global turnkey developer, contractor and operator of tailored medium to large-scale power plants. It will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the Kent plant under a long term O&M contract.

The Kent biomass power plant is expected to be commissioned during summer 2018 and will have a capacity of 27.8 MW, corresponding to the power consumption of 50,000 households. Heat and some of the power will be delivered to Discovery Park, one of the UK’s leading science parks, located in Sandwich, Kent.

Biomass for the plant will be sourced under a long-term contract with Euroforest, one of the largest virgin wood suppliers in the UK. The plant will deliver CO2 savings of approximately 100,000 tonnes every year.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by London global energy partner Sarah Pollock and construction partner Tim Healey with associates David Stinson, Hannah Roscoe, Laura Hulett and Samantha Scott supporting.

Sarah commented:

"We were delighted to advise CIP and BWSC on their third turnkey biomass project joint venture. Following the success of the Brigg and Snetterton projects, and the 100% CIP owned Templeborough biomass project, this reinforces the strength of our offering in the renewables sector and shows off our enviable platform, bringing together colleagues from across the firm to provide seamless support to our client."

With leading renewable energy practices both in the UK and internationally, Herbert Smith Freehills offers a range of legal and strategic services to clients in the sector, including identifying and managing the legal and commercial issues associated with renewable energy projects and advising on the operation and future of the green energy market.