The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) project is part of SSE's initiative to support the UK's renewable energy and climate change targets. This project aims to deliver onshore electricity transmission infrastructure as part of the Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme. The ASTI project involves significant reinforcements to the onshore electricity transmission network, including the construction and upgrade of overhead lines and substations. These efforts are crucial for facilitating the connection of up to 50GW of offshore generation to the electricity network by 2030, as set out in the British Energy Security Strategy.
Legal Services Provided
Our legal team is providing comprehensive advice on the acquisition of land and rights in land through compulsory purchase and necessary wayleaves under the Electricity Act 1989 ("the 1989 Act"). Our expertise extends to the underlying justification for the acquisition of such land and rights in land pursuant to these powers, which are essential for the 400kV onshore reinforcements between Beauly, Loch Buidhe, and Spittal, as well as other critical areas.
In addition, our team is involved with navigating complex third-party land rights issues that could obstruct the ASTI project including providing strategic advice on the enforceability of burdens.
Pathway to 2030 Programme
We acted for SSE in relation to major elements of their Pathway to 2030 programme. This programme of works was critical for meeting UK and Scottish Government climate change and energy security targets. We advised SSE on the contract documentation for the procurement of Converters and Cable for the Arnish to Beauly HVDC Link and the Spittal to Peterhead HVDC Link. We also advised SSE on the contracts for the HVDC cable for the Shetland 2 project. These projects involved the installation of around 1,700 km of cable, both onshore and subsea, plus the construction of major Converter stations. We advised SSE throughout the procurement, including the preparation of bespoke Framework Agreements and NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contracts.
Innovative Solutions
The worldwide pressure to achieve Net Zero meant that the market demand for HVDC Converters and HVDC Cable was exceptionally high. It was necessary to secure manufacturing capacity in the suppliers’ factories, many months in advance of the design and construction of the projects themselves. We assisted SSE by preparing Capacity Reservation Agreements to achieve this aim. The Capacity Reservation Agreements were genuinely novel and required fresh thinking, rather than following established patterns of contracting.
Acquisition of Aegeletes III Holdco Limited: SSE Energy Supply Limited (SSE) acquired the entire issued share capital of Aegeletes III Holdco Limited from a Canadian infrastructure fund managed by Fiera (a global mid-market infrastructure investment fund). As part of the deal, SSE acquired a 13MW portfolio of operating commercial rooftop solar and an exclusive option with Ortus Energy to finance a 130MW pipeline, which was strategically important for SSE.
Legal Expertise
MFMac were the sole external legal advisers to SSE. The advice was led by the corporate team as MFMac advised on the full transaction from the competitive auction process stage through to completion of the transaction. The corporate team led the legal due diligence aspects of the transaction with comprehensive support from MFMac teams in energy contracts, commercial contacts, corporate tax, and construction. The corporate team also led negotiations of all deal documentation, including the share purchase agreement.
Client Impact
Our legal expertise in the energy and renewables sector ensured that our clients received top-tier advice and support throughout the entire project lifecycle. We were committed to delivering solutions that facilitated the successful implementation of critical infrastructure projects, thereby contributing to the advancement of the UK's renewable energy goals.
