Nuclear

A&O Shearman’s specialist nuclear energy team has been central to many of the biggest projects, deals, and disputes in the expanding nuclear sector.

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We are one of only a handful of firms that can lay claim to a credible track record in nuclear new-build developments.

Our lawyers work with utilities, developers, investors, lenders, contractors, suppliers, operators, and regulators globally, delivering top-tier advice across the asset lifecycle, from project development and government interaction, consenting and planning, through to financing, construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, and waste management.  

Our transactional expertise is complemented by our exceptional energy disputes lawyers, who have acted on several of the largest disputes in the nuclear sector.

Leading government advisor

We have a track record of success advising national governments on the development of their nuclear power programs, including the adoption of international treaties and conventions, the creation of new nuclear laws, and market engagement with the private sector in order to convert nuclear policy into successful projects.  

Our experience in energy projects is important to our clients, but our in-depth understanding of the differences inherent in nuclear power is critical. Our dedicated team understands the market and the unique challenges encountered in developing, building, and financing nuclear power projects, including longer lead times for development and construction, complex export and import requirements for nuclear fuel and dual-use items, and nuclear licensing.

Representative matters

  • Sizewell C LImited, as project company, on the development of the Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in the U.K. 
  • U.K. Treasury on the Hinkley Point C new-build nuclear power project in the U.K. 
  • A European consortium, as claimant, in an ICC arbitration relating to a multi-billion euro dispute from the construction of a nuclear power plant in Finland. 
  • Fennovoima Oy on the Hanhikivi 1 new-build nuclear power project in Finland.
  • Hitachi on the Visaginas new-build nuclear power project in Lithuania. 
  • The Egyptian Government on the USD25 billion development of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant which has a total capacity of 4,800 MW.
  • The shortlisted French consortium on the Barakah nuclear power plant project in the United Arab Emirates.
  • A nuclear reactor vendor on the U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee application to assist with the financing of a proposed new nuclear power plant under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
  • A U.S. nuclear utility on the acquisition of a majority/whole ownership interest in two nuclear power plants, negotiating the purchase and sale agreement and all documentation necessary for the acquisition of the ownership interest.
  • Governments, owners/developers, investors, technology vendors, equipment suppliers, and lenders on various aspects of nuclear liability in the U.S., Japan, Russia, Turkey, U.K., United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, South Africa, India, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, China, Bulgaria, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, France, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Canada, Taiwan, and the Republic of Korea and in relation to the application of the Vienna Convention, Paris Convention, Joint Protocol, and the Convention on Supplementary Compensation.

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