Green energy and clean-tech

Our lawyers have unique experience and expertise in relation to a wide scope of environmental-friendly technologies. In particular, we have extensive experience advising clients in relation to projects in renewable energy (photo-voltaic, thermo-solar, wind, water and geothermic), waste management and water management.

As a result of our in-depth understanding of Israeli and international aspects of M&A, finance, projects, regulation and environmental law, we are able to advise leading Israeli and international private and public companies, venture capital and private equity funds, start-up companies and state institutions in relation to the investment in, development and protection of such technologies, as well as in relation to the regulatory aspect of deploying and using such technologies.

Environmental impact

In recent years awareness to the environmental impact of business activity has moved to the forefront, and at the same time alternative energy and environmental-friendly technologies have become one of the major growth engines of Israeli and global economy. These phenomena are expected to increase in coming years. 

Today, companies from all sectors and of all sizes require legal advisors with technical expertise, commercial knowledge and local-Israeli as well as international experience to manage their environmental risks. Our extensive international and local-Israeli experience makes us one of a select few Israeli firms with that ability. 

We advise leading Israeli and international clients on the most complex challenges they face in light of the growing international recognition that action, including legal and regulatory, should be taken to combat the adverse environmental risks the world is facing.  

Businesses are required more than ever to be aware of, and plan their operations taking into consideration the ongoing developments in relation to issues such as climate change, carbon emission reduction obligations, the increasing application of the Equator Principles to lender’s liability, ethical investment, corporate governance, product liability, regulation affecting the trade in various chemical substances, and more. Our cutting-edge expertise in relation to these issues help ensure our clients continued success.

Trading in global emissions

Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM) has specific expertise in relation to the evolving international carbon and voluntary carbon markets for trading in greenhouse gas emissions. Our lawyers have gained invaluable experience in relation to:

- the establishment and financing of carbon emission-reduction projects (using advanced structured finance and project finance techniques);

- the registration of such projects with the UN and the procurement of the required authorisations in accordance with the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol; and

- the subsequent commercialisation of CERs (Certified Emissions Reduction units) and VERs (Verified Emission Reduction units) under ERPAs and VERPAs, acting on both the sell-side and the buy-side (investment banks, hedge funds, brokers and industrial companies).  

We act for leading public companies, investors, brokers and state institutions on various carbon trading projects at all stages.

Advising governments and local authorities

Our lawyers have wide experience from Israel and abroad advising governments, local authorities and local government organisations with respect to the environmental regulation and projects, including in the area of climate change, air and water quality, desalination, sanitation and waste management.  

Among others, our lawyers have worked with ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) and have advised local municipalities in Israel regarding various environmental issues. A joint tender committee of the "Forum of the 15" (Israel's 15 largest municipalities) and the Company for Local Government Economic Services of the Local Authority Ltd has chosen Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM) to sit on its panel of advisers in respect climate protection and the convention on the reduction of air pollution.

Clients and recent assignments

Among our clients are Ormat, Israel Chemical (ICL Group), Ecotraders, Électricité de France (EDF), NovaArena, SunIsrael and others.  Please see our news section for details of some of the recent tractions we have worked on.  

For further information about our green energy, clean-tech and environment and clean-tech practice please contact Amnon Epstein or Nimrod Rosenblum.