Baker McKenzie advises Northland Power Inc. on its joint venture with Shizen Energy for offshore wind project development in Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Baker & McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise) has advised Northland Power Inc. (“Northland”) on its joint venture with Shizen Energy Inc. (“Shizen”) for the development of offshore wind projects in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The projects have a combined capacity of approximately 600 MW.

Under the joint venture, Northland and Shizen have jointly established Chiba Offshore Wind Inc., a 50:50 joint venture company that will develop early stage offshore wind projects in Chiba Prefecture. The joint venture will combine the strengths of Northland’s significant global offshore wind development experience, with Shizen’s strong track record of renewable energy development in Japan, to contribute to the growth of the Japanese offshore wind sector.

The Firm’s team was led by Ean MacPherson, co-head of the Tokyo office’s Renewable and Clean Energy Group, and counsel Masahiro Tanabe, with the support of team members Niraj Visani, Stephen McCann, Lisa Nagao, Shin Maruyama and Risako Hijikata.

Mr. Mac Pherson had the following comments on the transaction. “We feel privileged to have assisted Northland on these projects, and its entry into the Japanese market. With offshore wind power expected to play a key role in Japan’s future energy mix, the participation of global offshore developers such as Northland will help contribute to the growth of this leading form of renewable energy in Japan.”