Grupo Cobra Secures Landmark Renewable Energy Transmission Project in Australia
Deal News | Apr 11, 2025 | Iberian Lawyer
DLA Piper has successfully advised Grupo Cobra on the completion of a landmark renewable energy transmission project in central New South Wales, Australia. This project, situated in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, marks an innovative step for renewable energy infrastructure in Australia by being the first major project of its kind delivered via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Grupo Cobra, in collaboration with partners ACCIONA and Endeavour Energy, was chosen to manage this project, which includes designing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining 330kV and 500kV transmission lines as well as associated systems. These developments aim to bolster the region's renewable energy framework by facilitating connections for solar, wind, and energy storage systems. The project is slated for a 35-year concession, post which it will revert to EnergyCo. Led by partner Jos de Ponte, the DLA Piper advisory team played a key role in this achievement, with significant involvement from their finance, corporate, and tax experts.
Sectors
- Renewable Energy
- Legal Advisory
- Infrastructure
Geography
- Australia – The project is located in central New South Wales, Australia.
- Spain – Grupo Cobra, the company completing the project, is based in Spain.
Industry
- Renewable Energy – The article focuses on the development of renewable energy infrastructure, specifically a major clean energy transmission project.
- Legal Advisory – Involves legal advisory services provided by DLA Piper for the transaction and project completion.
- Infrastructure – The project involves the construction and operation of significant transmission infrastructure.
Financials
- 35 years – Concession period for the project, after which ownership will revert to EnergyCo.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grupo Cobra | Target company | Company | A Spanish-based company specializing in water, gas, electricity, and communications distribution, and leading in renewable energies. |
| DLA Piper | Legal advisor | Company | A global law firm providing legal advisory services for the project. |
| ACCIONA | Partner company | Company | Collaborating with Grupo Cobra on the project. |
| Endeavour Energy | Partner company | Company | Another collaborator with Grupo Cobra on the project. |
| EnergyCo | Receiving entity | Company | The entity to which the project asset will be handed back after the concession period. |
| NSW Government | Vendor/Contract issuer | Government | Issued the contract awarding Grupo Cobra as the preferred network operator. |
| Jos de Ponte | Lead advisor | Person | Partner in Finance at DLA Piper leading the advisory team. |