Qualifications
BA, LLB, University of Auckland
Admitted
2009, New Zealand
Lauren is an energy sector specialist, advising across major projects, commercial contracts, M&A and regulatory matters.
She has a passion for renewable energy, and has experience working on projects for all four renewable fuels – wind, solar, hydro and geothermal.
Her experience includes conventional electricity, renewable electricity, oil and gas (upstream and downstream), mergers and acquisitions of energy companies, joint ventures, energy storage, hydrogen and new fuels, and negotiation of power purchase agreements, grid connection agreements and O&M agreements.
Lauren previously worked for UK magic circle law firm Allen & Overy, in their Abu Dhabi projects team. While there, she advised on the development of independent power and water projects and large scale gas transactions.
She was recognised as the Energy, Natural Resources & Mining Lawyer of the Year at the 2023 APAC Women in Business Law Awards and as a next generation lawyer by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023.
Recent highlights
Has advised:
- Mercury on its acquisition of the New Zealand wind farm assets of Tilt Renewables Limited for almost $800m, as part of a consortium scheme of arrangement.
- Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) on its joint venture arrangements with Genesis Energy to develop 500MW of solar projects in New Zealand.
- Mercury on its power purchase agreement with Solar Bay and ‘sleeving’ of that electricity purchase for Ryman Healthcare.
- Vector on the sale of its Kapuni gas treatment plant to Todd Energy and its associated entry into long-term gas and LPG supply arrangements from Kapuni field.
- Eastland Generation on its purchase of the TOPP1 geothermal power plant, its development of a further 50MW geothermal power plant at Kawerau, and its development in joint venture of the Te Ahi o Maui 24MW geothermal power plant.
- Mercury on construction and long-term maintenance of a new 119MW windfarm at Turitea near Palmerston North.
- First Gas on its Ahuroa Gas storage facility acquired from Contact Energy.
- First Gas on its $260m acquisition of the Rockgas LPG business from Contact Energy.
- Vector on its sale of subsidiary Vector Gas, owner of gas transmission pipelines and gas distribution networks outside of Auckland, to two infrastructure funds managed by First State Funds for $952.5m.
