Top 10 Powerhouse Energy Lawyers Shaping Belgium’s 2023 Renewable Sector

The energy industry is diverse and complex, making it essential for businesses to have expert legal support. In Belgium, there are several exceptional lawyers who specialise in the energy industry. They offer invaluable insights regarding disputes, commercial contracts, construction projects, regulatory matters, renewable energy developments, and more. Here’s a closer look at some of the top energy lawyers in Belgium, all of whom are consistently lauded for their expertise and superior client service.

One cannot miss mentioning the energy lawyers from the renowned legal organizations Allen & Overy LLP, Fieldfisher (Belgium), Clifford Chance LLP, Osborne Clarke, and others. Their dedicated and solid approach to serving the energy industry in Belgium has been tremendously appreciated by their clients and peers. Their deep understanding of the sector and their thorough knowledge of energy laws make them an asset to the Belgian energy industry.

Each of these lawyers brings unique and highly valuable expertise to the table, advising various business sectors, including tourism, insurance, pharmaceuticals, construction, private equity, logistics, and more. Let’s get to know them a bit more.

Tom Schoors

Tom Schoors is part of the reputed law firm Allen & Overy LLP. He is well known for advising a wide range of clients on disputes in the tourism, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, his expertise extends to construction disputes. Unfortunately, the firm does not have a website.

Wouter Vandorpe

Wouter Vandorpe represents clients in the energy sector with excellence. He assists with negotiation of commercial contracts and construction projects and advises on energy sector regulations and subsidies issues. He is an important part of Fieldfisher (Belgium).

Patrice Viaene

Patrice Viaene, part of Clifford Chance LLP, carries substantial experience in advising clients from the construction, private equity, and logistics sectors on cross-border transactions, joint venture agreements, and funding rounds.

Cedric Degreef

Cedric Degreef of Osborne Clarke, whose website can be found here, is recognized for advising financial institutions, utilities companies, and system operators on domestic and cross-border mandates. He is also knowledgeable in renewable energy developments, green certificates, state aid and energy performance contracts.

Alec Van Vaerenbergh

Part of DLA Piper UK LLP, Alec Van Vaerenbergh provides a wide range of regulatory and transactional advice to clients in the energy sector. He demonstrates notable expertise in both EU and international energy law, with particular experience in infrastructure projects.

Christine Delagaye

Christine Delagaye, who is a part of Loyens & Loeff, frequently assists clients with the development and financing of energy sector projects, particularly in developing new renewable energy power plants.

Thomas Chellingsworth

Also part of Loyens & Loeff, Thomas Chellingsworth is a leading energy specialist who often represents clients in contentious matters such as disputes over smart meters, energy tariffs and energy pricing, as well as appeals against the regulator’s decisions. He also assists with energy development projects, particularly those concerning wind farms, power purchase agreements, and renewable energy subsidies.

Damien Verhoeven

Damien Verhoeven is a leading figure in the energy sector, having taken an active role in Belgium’s transition from fossil fuels and nuclear energy to renewable power sources. He is part of Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick.

Dominique Vanherck

Dominique Vanherck of Deloitte Legal – Lawyers advises clients on regulatory matters, particularly those involving renewable energy and electricity. You can visit their website here.

David Haverbeke

David Haverbeke, part of Fieldfisher (Belgium), showcases an outstanding breadth of expertise in the energy sector. He advises clients on domestic and EU regulatory matters, energy storage development projects and emissions trading matters, as well as representing them in market investigations.