The energy industry is changing rapidly with significant advancements in the areas of decarbonisation, digitalisation, renewable energies, sustainable energy and energy efficiency. Staying ahead of legal developments as they happen can pose as a major challenge for companies within the industry. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we utilise our knowledge of the energy industry to provide focused legal solutions.
As a full-service law firm, we advise clients worldwide in matters of German law. Our aim is to provide all legal services under one roof, and therefore advise in matters of energy regulations, employment law, IP law, real estate and construction, contractual disputes, litigation and other dispute resolution mechanisms, corporate law and antitrust issues. If you require professional legal advice from our team, please do not hesitate to contact our lawyers directly.
Changes and Developments in Energy Matters in Germany
The subject of energy is gathering importance at an accelerating pace. Since the phasing out of nuclear energy, the aim has been to move to sustainable energy, and governments have introduced numerous new regulations and projects to promote this change. Such changes impact consumers, state institutions and private companies involved in the energy industry. Alongside national laws, there has also been an increasing influence on an EU-level regarding energy law.
The changeover to renewable energy is not always straightforward, and there are no shortage in conflicts involved with trying to achieve Germany’s aims. It is not unusual for conflicts to develop regarding land usage, and matters relating to health consequences for residents in cases involving major construction work, especially those involving power lines and wind turbines. Without including the residents property within the planning process and discussion, companies leave themselves open to appeals and lengthy legal cases.
Our energy lawyers are ready to advise companies regarding preparing for such cases.
Competition Law
Antitrust and competition law have been a legal concern for those in the energy industry for many decades. In such cases, there are significant risks in the form of fines, damages and reputational damage. Should a company discover a potential threat in the area of competition law, it should not hesitate to consult with external counsel from an early stage.
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our lawyers have the required legal expertise in German and European competition law and an in-depth understanding of the energy industry. Our lawyers are available to counsel on compliance, we provide thorough due diligence services in merger and acquisition proceedings, and we maintain ahead of legal developments to ensure that our clients receive maximum support.
If your company is facing aggressive and potentially anti-competitive methods by your competitors, our lawyers will inform you regarding remedies under German and European law. Our team advises on abuses of dominance, cartel law, state aid and horizontal and vertical agreements.
Contract Law Services
With the constant developments in the energy sector, drafting, negotiating and adjusting contracts are of the utmost importance. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our lawyers design tailored contracts for the energy industry involving energy supply, grid connections and use, delivery of heat, gas and electricity, and framework agreements with energy suppliers. Our team designs contracts suitable for the following areas:
- Contracts relating to renewable energy, such as biomethane, biofuel, biogas and green electricity,
- Concession contracts,
- Cross-border trading of international energies,
- Joint purchasing and distribution arrangements,
- Contract for all regulatory aspects of the energy industry.
As well as that, our team advises on all matters of employment contracts, IP contracts, corporate agreements – including in M&As – and more. If you require our legal assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our lawyers directly.
Employment Law Concerns
At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, our employment law specialists advise energy employers in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship in the energy industry. By utilising our certified experts, your company can control your labor costs, implement best-practice procedures to counteract bullying and harassment, avoid workplace disputes, and receive excellent defence services in litigation matters.
Our lawyers understand the specific legal issues that are essential for those in the energy industry. For example, we provide comprehensive assistance in matters of employment in offshore activity. Our team advises on collective bargaining, workplace safety, working-time for employees involved in offshore activities and matters involving healthcare and insurances.
Our goal is to manage the risks that can impact your business. We regularly provide practical training for managers on German employment law matters. Furthermore, our lawyers can ensure that your company is fully aware of the risks involved with employment termination, severance payments and unfair dismissal.