Hydroelectric power

The use of water for the generation of electricity in Canada can trace its roots back to the late 1800s. The lifespan of a hydroelectric facility tends to outlast its amortization period, making investment in such projects attractive. Nevertheless, their development is not without its challenges. Fasken Martineau's energy group has significant experience assisting clients with hydroelectric project development and all aspects of the related environmental assessment, certification and licensing. In addition, we complement our project and regulatory expertise by drawing on our firm's project finance and litigation capabilities. Fasken Martineau has developed a reputation for our breadth of knowledge and market-shaping advice such that we now represent all types of hydroelectricity generators, transmission providers and purchasers.

Recent experience includes the following:

• Represented the owner and project developer in relation to project and environmental approvals for the Waneta Dam upgrade project.
• Represented the project developer in relation to construction of the Keenleyside Dam upgrade project.
• Represented project developers in the permitting, financing, development and construction of small-scale, run-of-river hydroelectric projects.

Selected Experience

• Advising on the construction documentation for the refurbishment of a power plant on Ascension Island
• Representing a private equity investor on numerous bids and investments in the European renewables sector, including project development of projects acquired at an early stage

Publications

• Government Introduces Amendments to the Utilities Commission Act By: Matthew Ghikas, Energy, Environmental, Climate Change & Regulatory Bulletin, April 10, 2008.