The energy industry is undergoing rapid innovation, transforming at a pace never before seen. Federal, provincial and municipal governments are developing policies that more assertively push for lower carbon intensive futures, consumers are commanding a larger say in where their energy is sourced, and ESG continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping corporate strategy and development. Whether it is hydrogen fuel technology, energy storage and batteries, renewable natural gas, advanced geothermal systems or solar power, energy diversification is on the rise. Environmental, political and regulatory pressures are compelling energy producers and other industry players to consider new technologies and innovate existing practices. New technologies, especially those in the energy sector, face unique challenges at all levels of implementation. Dentons is assisting its clients in meeting the challenges of this ever-evolving energy landscape head-on.

To meaningfully reduce GHG emissions, the new horizons in energy production, distribution, storage and consumption require careful planning and execution to navigate the myriad of legal, regulatory and commercial issues that the energy industry and its stakeholders will face. With deep experience advising energy producers, policymakers, investor groups, storage providers, consumers and other stakeholders across the energy value chain, Dentons’ lawyers stand at the forefront of providing leading-edge advice and practical, client-focused solutions. Our significant cross-practice expertise enables us to support clients in all areas of project development and implementation. Our global-reach and cross-practice depth helps clients actualize new opportunities whatever – and wherever – they may be.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen, as an emerging energy source, is essential to enable economies and companies to meet net emission targets over the coming decades. The Canadian government has made the growth of hydrogen energy a priority, however as a vector of energy it is still in its infancy.

To convert hydrogen into a low emission energy source, the energy sector has developed two processes for hydrogen production: blue hydrogen (produced from natural gas where the CO2 byproduct is captured); and green hydrogen (produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity).

Canada has an abundance of natural gas resources and, as a result of its geography, climate, industrial base and large demand for energy, it represents a promising market for both blue and green hydrogen production – which has a myriad of applications as an energy source. In addition to its uses as a fuel cell in commercial, transportation, and residential applications, new technologies enable hydrogen to be blended with other fuels for lower carbon emissions. This makes hydrogen an attractive energy source for heating as well as industry applications such as steelmaking and petroleum refinement, however the cost of achieving scale and the conversion of infrastructure to support hydrogen initiatives remains a challenge.

Dentons has the business and industry knowledge to help you identify and develop projects, develop strategic industry partnerships, negotiate with governmental and regulatory bodies, and protect against risk through its dispute resolution expertise, in this emerging energy sector.

Key Contacts

• Hazel Saffery - Partner, Calgary

Battery and energy storage

Canada is emerging as a leader in the global battery and EV supply chain. Dentons, as Canada’s Global Law Firm, is uniquely positioned with local and global authorities across the entire battery and EV supply chain. Dentons has the expertise to assist various stakeholders in this supply chain with all of their legal and strategic advisor needs. These stakeholders operate in the following fields:

• Battery critical mineral mining and mineral processing
• Cathode and anode active materials manufacturing
• Cell & battery pack manufacturing (including factory projects) and related technology companies
• Electric vehicle manufacturing and parts supply (including road vehicles, EVTOL and recreational vehicles) 
• Battery materials recycling
• Development of related services and infrastructure, such as charging stations
• Battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The Dentons Battery & Energy Storage Group is supported locally and globally by Dentons experts across our many practical fields of EV expertise.

Key Contacts

• Ali Amadee - Partner, Montréal

Geo-thermal

Geo-thermal power unlocks natural energy sources contained within the earth. This technology – which captures energy from underground sources and converts it to steam – is a clean, reliable, and local source of renewable energy that is a bulwark against weather changes. The recent development of enhanced geothermal and advanced geothermal systems could finally unlock the energy potential of geothermal by making it scalable to a larger consumer base.

Like many new ventures, it requires significant capital investment in the exploration stages. Legislation and the regulatory schemes required to attract investment in Canada have not kept pace with development – government approval processes, royalty arrangements, and resource ownership issues are common points of concern. Our deep experience in resource exploration and development, coupled with our regulatory and investment structuring expertise, provides clients with sound advice on project financing, power agreements (supply, connection, and transmission), and global development opportunities.

Key Contacts

• George Antonopoulos - Partner, Calgary
• Byron Reynolds - Senior Associate, Calgary

Wind and solar energy

Wind and solar energy projects continue to provide opportunities for project developers and energy consumers. Falling capital costs, new technologies, and project incentives are just a few of the factors contributing to wind and solar projects becoming key pillars in the transition to a low carbon economy. We advise utility companies, independent power producers, equipment manufacturers, and investors on the fast-moving issues that impact solar and wind energy projects, and have a deep understanding of the role these forms of power production will play as part of existing grids.

Our lawyers offer a full-scale perspective on the issues associated with renewable energy in Canada, and our team is notably experienced with respect to offshore wind projects, having advised on a number of European offshore wind projects. We provide strategic counsel for clients at all stages of project development, including project financing (consortium structuring, M&A, financing); regulations, permits and environmental assessments; stakeholder negotiations; land leases; power purchase and off-take arrangements; and cross-border regulatory and tax issues.

Key Contacts

• Vivek Bakshi - Partner, Calgary/Toronto
• Hazel Saffery - Partner, Calgary

Renewable natural gas

Renewable natural gas is an emerging power source that converts decomposing biomass into a clean energy source. Renewable natural gas can be produced from landfill sites, agricultural waste, and organic waste from commercial and residential sources. With numerous provinces and municipalities seeing the environmental and financial benefit of incorporating renewable sources into their energy portfolios, clients in the biomass-to-power sector require sound legal advice in order to capitalize on growing interest in renewable natural gas and “closed-loop” technologies.

At Dentons, we advise lenders, investors, and energy-producers on energy incentive programs, public-private partnerships, and other issues particular to renewable natural gas production. Our expertise in government relations and regulatory compliance helps clients identify new pathways for commercial opportunities and helps clients maximize their partnerships with the public sector.

Key Contacts

• Robin Longe - Partner, Calgary

Biofuels

Biofuels, including ethanol, biodiesel and solid biofuels derived from the forestry sector, are an important source of renewable energy with a range of commercial and consumer applications.

At Dentons, we have helped start-ups and established players meet the growing demand for biofuels by arranging project financing, drafting and negotiating feedstock supply agreements, obtaining permits, and successfully navigating government bureaucracy. Our lawyers are skilled in managing the complexities of emerging technologies and have a nuanced understanding of the energy marketplace and regulatory compliance. In addition, our strong experience in project financing, M&A, and venture capital provide a solid foundation for clients seeking new opportunities for commercialization and growth in the supply and utilization of biofuels.

Key Contacts

• Robin Longe - Partner, Calgary

Carbon Pricing

There are a number of Provincially-specific carbon pricing systems, as well as the Federal backstop enacted by the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.   While there are different objectives for these systems and means of compliance, carbon pricing may be one of the key strategies available to governments and regulators to drive innovation in low carbon technology and to a low carbon economy -- therefore it is here to stay.
 
Navigating compliance with the various Canadian carbon pricing regimes may be challenging, given their differences. However there is also opportunity, and the Dentons Energy Innovation and Transition team across Canada are uniquely positioned to advise on both compliance with these regimes and projects and initiatives that make the most of opportunities presented. Our internationally reach also means that we are able to advise on carbon pricing regimes around the world, including the EU Emissions Trading System.

Key Contacts

• Vivek Bakshi - Partner, Calgary/Toronto
• Dan Collins - Partner, Calgary

Dentons’ Energy team has the skill and expertise to advise your company on all facets of the energy marketplace. Let us help you successfully navigate the challenges – and opportunities – of energy innovation.

Insights

Government of Canada announces intention to introduce mandatory climate disclosures for federal corporations and plans to create Made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines

October 11, 2024

This announcement builds on previous commitments made by the federal government in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement and Budget 2024, where it committed to developing a sustainable finance taxonomy to promote credible climate investment.

Canada launches consultation to implement possible roadblocks on Chinese EV imports

July 16, 2024

On July 2, 2024, Canada launched a consultation regarding potential measures that may be taken in response to Chinese imports of electric vehicles (EVs) and certain EV parts. Subject to the consultation, Canada may ultimately align itself with the United States and the European Union, which have each taken measures directed against the importation of Chinese EVs and EV parts.

The Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program

April 23, 2024

Canada: The Government of Alberta has taken another step towards a sustainable future with the introduction of the Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP). Through this program, Alberta seeks to demonstrate its commitment to reducing emissions by supporting and accelerating the development of new carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) infrastructure for at least the next decade.

View all insights for Energy Innovation and Transition

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons advises Enbridge on increasing offshore wind footprint in Germany

November 28, 2023

On November 2, 2023, North American energy infrastructure company Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge), through its wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Canada Pension Plan Investment Board’s (CPP Investments) 24.45% share in the German offshore wind farms Hohe See and Albatros, for a total consideration of €625 million, comprised of €267 million in cash and €358 million in assumed debt.

Dentons Canada boosts mining and energy offering with addition of new high-profile Corporate M&A partner Greg McNab

December 19, 2022

Dentons announces the addition of Greg McNab as a partner in the Firm’s Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions groups. Greg has an impressive track record of advising domestic and global clients in the mining and energy sectors on financings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, continuous disclosure and stock exchange matters.