Global law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie has advised Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners II, a Foresight managed fund, on its strategic investment in Earba Limited, a 1.8 GW / 40 GWh long-duration Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) project in the Scottish Highlands and one of the largest PSH projects currently under development in the UK. Earba is the largest pumped storage project in Ofgem’s minded-to decision under the first application window of the long-duration electricity storage cap and floor scheme, measured by both installed capacity and stored energy.
This investment will provide capital and long-term support to advance the next phase of the project as it progresses towards construction and delivery, supporting detailed engineering, procurement, site investigations and preparations for construction. Moreover, it strengthens Earba’s position as one of the UK’s leading long-duration electricity storage projects as well as supporting the delivery of critical energy infrastructure in Scotland.
The Ashurst Perkins Coie team advising was led by partner Gaby Jones, supported by associate Layla Kimmie. Partner Nicholas Hilder, and associates Lucinda Merrett, Charlotte Goosey and Jonny Logan provided projects support.
The wider team included counsel Andrew Briggs, senior associates Jade Stuart, Timothée Gras and Sarah Ryan and associate Michael Choi. Competition law advice was provided by partner Neil Cuninghame, supported by senior associate Emile Abdul-Wahab. Tax advice was led by partners Tim Gummer and Mark Spinney, with support from senior associates Hannah Martin and Shayaan Zaraq Bari, and associates Natalie Gunner and Hugh Riisfeldt.
Senior counsel Tom Cummins led the disputes advice, while investment funds support was provided by counsel Marc Hirtz, alongside senior associate Timothée Gras and associate Stella Rante.
