Allen & Overy LLP announced today that it has advised the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, on the commercial agreements related to the development, construction and operation of Mexico’s largest solar power project to date.

Located in the State of Baja California Sur, the Aura Solar I photovoltaic power project has a capacity of 30MW, and is both the first large-scale private solar power project in Mexico and the largest solar power project in the country to date.

Developed by Mexican power developer Gauss Energia, the project marks a new beginning for Mexico’s renewable energy industry as the first project to be developed and project-financed under the Mexican “small producer” (pequeno productor) regulatory model.

Paris-based Partner Shaun Beaton, who led the Allen & Overy team, said “we are pleased to have supported IFC in this landmark operation that will significantly contribute to develop Mexico’s solar potential, which it is estimated could reach 2,000MW by 2020”.

Shaun was assisted by Paris-based projects associate Robert Bodnar. Both Shaun and Robert are also professional engineers, and worked extensively in energy sector construction prior to qualifying as attorneys.