Olivier Fazio

I'm a Counsel in the Energy group based in Paris, where I work on complex public and environmental issues related to the energy sector.

As a lawyer with experience in public law, especially in authorisation, environmental, urban-planning and energy regulation, I advise developers, investors and financial institutions within the framework of the development of renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, biogas and biomass.

My expertise covers all stages of renewable energy projects, from the design of such projects (to ensure that the project design complies with the regulatory framework) to their dismantling or repowering.

I assist my clients in the preparation of permit applications, in urban planning, drafting of environmental studies and during the whole administrative procedure (e.g. public inquiries, public debate) to ensure that the authorisations are properly secured.

I am highly skilled in litigation proceedings with respect to renewable energy projects before the French administrative courts.

My experience includes due diligence and risk studies related to authorisations, grid connections, and support mechanisms to check compliance with environmental and energy regulations for the purposes of project funding, change of control and acquisition.

Whether it is day-to-day advice on the development of a project or a larger operation, I am able to offer my clients solutions adapted to each of the situations they face. This means working closely with our clients to ensure that we are able to respond appropriately to their needs.

In addition, working within multidisciplinary teams has allowed me to integrate the issues of the different stages of a project (development, financing, construction and operation) in order to integrate future constraints at the time of development and structuring choices that are made in order to ensure the success of the project.

Combining complementary practices is essential to provide you with the necessary range of skills and experience, including for complex projects requiring cross-functional expertise. At Bird & Bird, I can work with my colleagues to draw on the varied expertise of our entire international network.