DWF Italy has advised GILDEMEISTER energy solutions GmbH, a manufacturer of machine tools and provider of integrated technology and automation solutions, in building the world's first utility scale solar project on a 330ha area in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia.

The project, which will be connected to the Mongolian power grid, boasts a performance of 30 MW and will produce 57,000 MWh a year. This will provide 27000 homes in the neighbouring city, Sainshand, with renewable energy and reduce CO² emissions compared to the homes being powered by conventional energy methods.

The pioneering project has been enabled by Desert Solar Power which is part of United Green, a strategic investment group. It has also been financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the Dutch Bank for Development.

Managing Partner of DWF Italy Michele Cicchetti, counsel Guglielmo Fabbricatore and associate Artemis Tiamkaris led the international team on the legal aspects of the project alongside Head of International Corporate Development Jay Birch, partner Lawrence Applegate and solicitor Hugo Rutherford in London. The team worked in conjunction with Mongolian firm Novus Law Group.