Fergus is head of our Energy Group where he advises local and international energy and commodities companies on major projects, transactions and regulatory matters. He is one of Ireland's leading renewable energy experts and is consistently ranked as one of Ireland's leading gas and energy specialists. He has particular expertise in advising new market participants, and those considering opportunities, in the energy sector in Ireland, including in relation to the on-shore and offshore renewable generation. Fergus also advises procuring authorities, developers, data centres, financiers, contractors and operators in relation to large energy projects. Prior to joining William Fry, Fergus spent four years working as a projects and transactional lawyer in California, where notably he advised on wind and geothermal power generation.
Recent significant work includes advising EirGrid, CIP, RWE, DIF, Brookfield, Flogas, Digital Realty Trust, IBM. Notably, Fergus has recently advised:
- EirGrid plc, the Irish state-owned electricity transmission operator, on the procurement of circa 450 MW of temporary emergency generation.
- Copenhagen Infrastructure Fund (CIP) on the acquisition by its fund, Copenhagen Infrastructure IV k/S of 50% of Statkraft A/S' offshore wind portfolio in Ireland.
- Digital Realty Trust (DRT), the world's largest Data Centre provider on a number of electricity market contracts (including a complex corporate PPA)
- Aughinish Alumina in relation to the gas, HFO and bauxite supply arrangements for its 160MW CHP plant and alumina refinery and related financial and physical sales contracts
- RWE in its participation in the Irish energy market.
- On the structuring and funding of the €1.6b Celtic Interconnector, a 700MW HVDC submarine power cable linking Ireland and France.
- DIF Capital Partners on its fund's acquisition of a 51% stake in ib vogt GmbH,one of the world’s leading developers in utility-scale PV solar.
- Brookfield Renewables on its development and financing of the Slieve Callan wind farm project in South West Ireland (which included a 25km 110KV contestable grid connection).
- A number of large solar developers in relation to the RESS scheme.
Fergus is lauded by an interviewee for his "deep knowledge of the energy sector and underlying commercial nous." Chambers Europe 2021
"Fergus Devine is a fantastic energy lawyer, very technically astute and has a deep industry understanding and awareness. He’s also very easy to work with on a project, and is able to quickly hone in on any key commercial negotiating points without getting bogged down in detail." Legal 500 EMEA 2021
One client said Fergus has "a particularly in-depth level of knowledge on the workings of the transmission and distribution network and the complex regulatory framework that comprises that SEM in Ireland. We found his advice to be timely, pragmatic and commercial." Another client added that they work with Fergus on a daily basis: "He is our go-to lawyer for all our important transactions and projects. We leverage his extensive legal knowledge of the energy and natural resources market to drive real value for our business. He continues to provide the best legal advice when we need it and is not afraid to give a view. He has a real affinity for this sector." Legal 500 EMEA 2020
In IFLR1000 2020 one client said “Fergus knows everything about energy contracts/regulations in Ireland...Fergus can speak the language of an energy trader and this is very useful when it comes to the detailed contract negotiations and drafting.”
One source admires Fergus's "ability to make very complex regulations and legislation simple. He is very knowledgeable and commercially aware, whilst also ensuring that everyone involved is fully conversant with the issues at hand." Chambers Europe 2020
According to Legal 500 2020 Fergus was "available round the clock during the transaction" and "excellent at minimising the stress that accompanies a large scale PPP transaction working to a tight timeline."
Fergus Devine has two decades of experience, advising clients on a wide range of energy projects. "I have great respect for Devine," remarks one admiring market source, adding that "he's a brilliant energy lawyer." Chambers Europe 2019
"Strengths are numerous but outstanding leadership from Fergus Devine stands out the most." IFLR 1000 2019
Department head Fergus Devine is "very responsive, exceptionally pleasant and has a broad and in-depth knowledge of the energy sector," according to interviewees. Chambers Europe 2018
The "business-focused" Fergus Devine is highly active in the energy sector and is a "clear communicator". Legal 500 EMEA 2018
In Chambers Europe 2017, Fergus is praised for his "huge depth of knowledge and dynamism." According to Legal 500 EMEA 2017, ‘does not shirk the difficult messages’.