Matthijs van Leeuwen

Specialising in EU and Dutch energy regulation, I advise both national and international clients in navigating the energy transition and decarbonisation requirements.

Having been active in the energy sector since 2005, my broad experience provides a thorough understanding of technical, operational and commercial aspects of complex projects. I advise clients on (international) M&A transactions, energy project development as well as energy commercial contracting. I have broad experience in multiple national and international energy related projects, ranging from off- and onshore renewable energy projects to the first Dutch LNG terminal and the merchant interconnector linking the Dutch and UK high voltage grids. I regularly advise on 'first of its kind' projects, ranging from green hydrogen to floating wind, pan-European rollout of EV-charging infrastructure and carbon capture and storage. I have also been involved in advising transmission system operators on regulatory issues regarding energy storage technologies and the development of offshore energy infrastructure necessary to meet the 2050 renewable energy ambitions, including electricity- and hydrogen interconnectors.

I further advise on grid connection issues, (virtual) power purchase agreements and battery optimisation agreements and have been involved in various biomass and biofuel projects, both in transactions as well as project financing, acting either for the project developer or financiers. My in-depth knowledge of the EU regulatory framework enables me to advise non-EU market parties on opportunities and requirements for exporting green hydrogen, biomethane and green ammonia to the EU.

Throughout my career I have been advising various start-ups, scale-ups and industry groups in the energy sector on corporate issues, securing financing and providing input on draft legislation necessary for enabling the energy transition.

• Energy Infrastructure Plan North See 2050 - acted as work-stream lead in advising the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs on the market organization and the legal framework for proposed new infrastructure, including for offshore hydrogen projects, in the North Sea. This advice provided to the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs is part of a wider ranging report created for the Energy Infrastructure Plan North Sea 2050 (EIPN). The EIPN sets the parameters for the development of infrastructure for offshore wind in the period of 2030 - 2050. In consultation with TenneT, Gasunie, EBN, RVO and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the team worked in collaboration with Deloitte, Common Futures and Mott MacDonald on various strategic, technical, financial and legal matters on which the EIPN shall be based.
• • 100 MW Hybrid Project – acted for Shell New Energies on the acquisition of a 100 MW combined wind- and solar project. This involved both due diligence and the drafting and negotiation of the SPA.
• • Onshore and near-shore wind projects (700+ MW) – acting as lender's and sponsor's counsel in respect of project documents (PPAs, EPCs, O&M and grid connection agreements).
• • Offshore infrastructure – advised the joint venture between UK National Grid and TenneT on the development of the first UK/Dutch merchant interconnector BritNed, as well as various other parties looking to develop offshore infrastructure which includes offshore storage and energy islands.
• • Offshore Wind – currently advising the developers of various offshore (floating) wind (pilot) projects.
• • Solar PV (ground mounted) – advising a developer on the acquisition, structuring, development and financing of a 400+ MWp portfolio of solar projects in the Netherlands.
• • Renewable investments – acting for a large Dutch insurance company on the acquisition of various solar- and wind projects, resulting in a renewable power portfolio of 150+ MW. This involved both due diligence and the negotiation and drafting of the SPA.
• • Green Hydrogen – advising a European utitlity in the development of a 50 MW electrolyser project for the production of green hydrogen by utilising renewable electricity from nearby wind farm.
• • 49% JV stake – advised a large international JV on the acquisition of a 49% stake in the largest Dutch offshore wind farm currently under construction (1.5 GW). This involved both due diligence and the review and mark-up of various project documents.