Hogan Lovells deals recognised at the IJGlobal Europe Awards 2025

Financing Deal of the Year, Europe – CEE Group European Renewable Energy Portfolio

Hogan Lovells advised on the landmark refinancing and repowering of CEE Group’s extensive European renewable energy portfolio.

Led by Dr. Carla Luh, Partner and Head of the German Finance practice, and Dr. Alexander Wandt, Counsel, the Hogan Lovells team advised CEE Group on the refinancing of existing loans and the financing of the repowering of 29 solar and onshore wind sites in Germany and France. The transaction involves a financing package of up to €1.6 billion, provided by a consortium of international banks for CEE RF9, Germany’s largest repowering fund.

Marking an industry-first, the investment fund financing is consolidated at portfolio level without requiring additional equity from investors. The project will replace outdated wind turbines and PV modules with highly efficient next‑generation systems, extending operational lifetimes by at least 20 years and increasing capacity from 457 MWp to up to 1.1 GWp almost tripling electricity production.

The transaction underscores Hogan Lovells’ position as a leading advisor in large-scale renewables financing in Europe, reflecting its strong market expertise and ongoing commitment to supporting the energy transition.

Dr. Carla Luh, partner, commented: “With this exemplary project, we are setting a clear milestone for the next generation of renewable energy assets. The refinancing and repowering demonstrate how financial innovation and climate action can go hand in hand.”

Dr. Alexander Wandt, counsel, added: “We are pleased to have supported the CEE Group in sustainably modernizing its infrastructure and strengthening the long-term performance of its assets.”

Hydrogen Deal of the Year, Europe – Power4Steel, advising Stahl Holding Saar

Hogan Lovells has advised Stahl‑Holding‑Saar (SHS) on the financing of its flagship decarbonisation project Power4Steel. Led by Dr. Carla Luh, the firm advised SHS Group and its subsidiaries Saarstahl and Dillinger on a highly complex financing backed by significant federal and state funding as part of the €2.6 billion Saarland steel industry initiative.

The financing package comprises export credit facilities covered by Österreichische Kontrollbank OeKB and SACE S.p.A. (SACE), alongside commercial facilities from a consortium of leading banks. Power4Steel enables the acquisition, installation and construction of a direct reduction plant and two electric arc furnaces, replacing traditional blast furnace technology and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions across the Völklingen and Dillingen sites in Saarland, Germany. With these measures, SHS Group is setting a benchmark for the transformation of the steel industry and the Group’s transformation towards climate-neutral steel production. 

Carla Luh, partner, commented: “This transformational project sets a benchmark for the decarbonisation of the European steel sector. We are proud to support SHS Group on a financing that accelerates its pathway toward climate‑neutral steel production.”

The recognition highlights Hogan Lovells’ market‑leading expertise in complex financings and energy transition projects across Europe.

Carbon Transport Deal of the Year, Europe - HyNet North West CCS, advising The Crown Estate

Hogan Lovells advised The Crown Estate on one of Europe’s most significant carbon transport and storage infrastructure projects, supporting the development of large‑scale carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) networks across the region. The firm advised on a landmark transaction that will play a central role in enabling industrial decarbonisation and accelerating Europe’s transition to a low‑carbon economy.

The Hogan Lovells team was led by partners Scott Tindall and Nick Roberts, with support from counsel Mark Nash and senior associate Sanjay Davé.

CO2 will be captured at large industrial emitting sites in the North West of England and North Wales. It will then be transported for safe and permanent storage in Eni’s depleted natural gas reservoirs under the seabed of the Irish Sea, preventing emissions from entering the atmosphere.

Once operational, the project is expected to remove up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 per year after 2030, equivalent to the annual emissions of around two million UK households.

Scott Tindall, partner at Hogan Lovells, commented: “This award reflects the strength and breadth of our practice and the great work we are doing to help drive the energy transition. I’m delighted that our team’s efforts have been recognised and we remain committed to supporting clients as they embrace the future of energy and work to deliver infrastructure that will underpin a lower-carbon energy system.”

Nicholas Roberts, partner added “We are honoured to receive this award. Delivering carbon transport infrastructure at this scale is vital to unlocking CCUS deployment across Europe, and this project represents a major step forward for industrial decarbonisation. It has been a privilege to support our clients on a transaction of such strategic importance.”

This recognition comes after the transaction was also recognised at the IJGlobal ESG Awards for Carbon Capture Storage Deal of the Year. Together, these accolades highlight the transformative impact of this landmark transaction.

Dr. Tobias Faber, Partner, Global Head of Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects: "Receiving these awards is an exceptional honour for our team and a powerful reflection of the scale and significance of the projects our clients entrust us with. Advising on landmark transactions from repowering Europe’s renewable energy infrastructure, to enabling climate‑neutral steel production, to delivering first‑of‑its‑kind carbon transport and storage networks, demonstrates the critical role innovative financing and trusted legal guidance play in the energy transition. Each of these deals represents a major step forward in decarbonising Europe’s industrial base, and we are immensely proud to support our clients as they deliver the transformative infrastructure that will shape the future of energy."