Energy Transition Investment Conference 2025

In May 2023 Tim completed an assignment as the UK's first Offshore Wind Champion with the publication of his report containing detailed recommendations for Government, Industry and other stakeholders. 

Tim remains an advocate for positive change in the sector, and is Chair of the UK’s Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and a Commissioner on the UK's Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission.

Tim was awarded an MBE in the 2024 King’s New Year Honours for services to offshore wind energy.

In the charity space, Tim is a Vice President, Council member and Fellow of the Energy Institute.

Tim is a seasoned energy projects professional with more than 25 years experience of advising on the development and financing of some of the largest and most complex projects in the UK, Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, East Africa and beyond, including in the oil and gas, LNG, pipeline, refining, power, water and wastewater industries.

Tim also acts as an Angel investor with interests in Energy Transition, Healthcare, E-commerce, Tech and Social Mobility.

Tim previously spent 10 years living and working in Abu Dhabi.

Thierry Lauriol is Chairman and Founder of the Energy Law Group (ELG).

He is a recognised specialist in the fields of mining, energy and natural resources law, and in international, commercial and investment arbitration, and OHADA law.

A partner in Jeantet and manager of the Energy, Mining and Infrastructure Department, he has almost 30 years’ experience in France, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Thierry, who has a Doctorate in Law, teaches at Paris II – Panthéon-Assas University, where he co-leads a university diploma dedicated to economic international law in Africa.

Mike is Co-head of the firm’s Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources group, where he leads on complex commercial matters across the energy sector. His practice spans a broad range of corporate and corporate finance work, including public and private M&A transactions, joint ventures, equity offerings, business transformation projects, and strategic governance and advisory matters.

Mike provides strategic counsel on high-value, multifaceted transactions, involving multiple stakeholders and jurisdictions, and he delivers commercially-focused legal solutions tailored to the needs of clients.  His experience spans a wide array of energy technologies, with particular expertise in the civil nuclear and offshore wind sectors, advising the government, developers and investors on complex projects.

Mike offers insights into the legal and commercial challenges shaping the energy and infrastructure industry, and his practical understanding of how legal strategy can drive innovation and investment in the energy transition, alongside his experience in managing risk and unlocking value in large-scale projects, makes him a trusted advisor in this rapidly evolving sector.

Oly is a partner in the firm’s Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources group, and has extensive experience advising clients on complex, high-value transactions and projects in the energy sector, both in the UK and internationally. His practice spans M&A, large-scale project development, and a wide range of corporate and commercial matters. Oly has played a leading role in advising on some of the firm’s most significant energy transition mandates involving technologies such as offshore wind, nuclear, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen, leveraging his deep experience in the conventional power and oil & gas sectors.

Oly is actively involved in shaping the firm’s strategic direction in the energy and infrastructure space. He is a member of Slaughter and May's global steering committees for energy and infrastructure and for commercial contracts, helping to guide the firm’s approach to evolving market trends and regulatory developments.

Oly is a regular contributor to industry forums and policy discussions. He is actively engaged with several leading organisations in the energy transition space, including Hydrogen UK, and the Westminster Energy Forum. He also co-chairs the Regulatory and Policy Working Group of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, where he contributes to industry-wide dialogue on the legal and policy frameworks needed to support the deployment of CCS.

Hannes leads J.P. Morgan's Energy Investment Banking team across the EMEA region as part of J.P. Morgan's Global Natural Resources team. He joined J.P. Morgan in 2009 working across the firm’s London and New York offices. Hannes advises clean-tech, renewable energy and traditional energy clients focusing on M&A and capital raisings. He holds a Masters Degree in International Management from Vienna University of Economics and Bocconi University.

Epitacio Miranda is a Principal, Energy Infrastructure at Actis, focused on Central and Eastern Europe.

He combines 12 years of experience in energy and infrastructure investing and has helped drive Actis’ entry into the Central and Eastern European market. He has worked on several transactions in the power distribution, generation, telecom tower and energy transition spaces across Europe, Middle East and Africa, covering mainly renewables, utilities and long-term contract infra deals. He is currently a board member at Energy of Cameroon S.A. and board observer at Uludag Energy and Connectis Tower. Prior to Actis, he dedicated to Brazilian investments at Angra Partners, covering mainly power distribution, renewables and port logistics.

Epitacio holds a BSc in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of Sao Paulo and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Thomas Luypaert, Principal, is a member of GIP's Mid-Market Infrastructure team in London focused on the energy sector across EMEA.

He previously worked at Goldman Sachs and First Reserve.

Thomas is a graduate from MIT and Ecole Centrale Paris.

Catarina Brito Ferreira joined the firm in 2003 and became a partner in 2017. She is a member of the corporate and M&A and capital markets practice area, distinguished by her work in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

In the area of corporate and commercial law, she has acted as legal advisor in several mergers, acquisitions and disposals of companies, including among others, the acquisition and disposal of companies with head offices in Portugal and outside Portugal, on behalf of domestic and foreign clients in various sectors, with particular emphasis on energy and infrastructures.

Most of her work has in fact been developed in the energy law area, having provided legal advice not only in the context of M&A transactions, but also in public tender bids and specializing in energy law regulation.

Catarina Brito Ferreira also provides general legal advice to numerous companies (national and foreign) in the areas of commercial and corporate law.

Winner of the Iberian Lawyer “40 under Forty Awards” (Energy) and of the IFLR “Europe Rising Stars Awards” (Energy and Natural Resources), both in 2019.

In 2022, she was also distinguished, by the Iberian Lawyer Energy Awards, as Lawyer of the Year in the Infrastructure practice area.

In 2025, Catarina Brito Ferreira has been recognized as a Green Ambassador 2025 by Legal 500 (Legal Business). This distinction highlights professionals whose leadership and legal work have contributed to decarbonization and the green transition, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability across multiple areas of practice. The recognition as a Green Ambassador also reflects her contribution to the development of specialized legal knowledge in the field, her influence within the industry, and her involvement in internal initiatives that promote a more sustainable legal practice.

Sebastian Schneider advises on M&A transactions and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Sebastian's practice is focused on the infrastructure sector, including energy, telecommunication / digitalisation, traffic and logistics as well as natural resources. He has profound experience in complex transaction processes and joint venture constellations in Germany and internationally and has advised on landmark energy and telecommunications projects.

Sebastian's clients include strategic investors and industrial businesses as well as private equity investors and other financial sponsors, for whom he often acts in auction processes.

Petar is a Partner at Karanovic & Partners, heading the regional Energy and Natural Resources Industry Group. With over 15 years of experience, he advises clients in high-profile matters related to the development, operation, acquisition and financing of new energy projects, with a particular focus on renewables. He also handles capacity-building matters that aim to improve the regulatory and institutional frameworks in the WB6.

Petar is recognised as a leading energy, natural resources and projects lawyer among peers, colleagues, and clients. He is ranked as top tier in all relevant legal directories and he is an active member of some of the key professional associations in Serbia and internationally, such as the International Bar Association (IBA), AmCham Serbia Energy Committee (as a Vice Chairman), Serbian Energy Law Association, and Energy Law Group (ELG). Considered as a thought leader in the market, he has served as a member of the Working Group of the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy for implementation of the first Serbian Renewables Law and regularly takes speaking roles at the most reputable energy conferences in the region.

George Gkiaouris is EBRD’s Regional Head of Energy, responsible for managing EBRD’s energy investments and policy initiatives for Southeast Europe.

George has more than 26 years banking experience, managing energy investments in emerging markets and transition economies. Since joining EBRD in 2001, George has supervised numerous energy transactions in Central and Southeastern Europe, involving project financings, bonds, syndicated debt and equity. In addition, George works extensively with Governments on designing energy sector policy reforms (e.g. developing regulatory frameworks, renewable auctions, privatizations, etc.) to help countries transition to a low carbon economy.

Prior to working at the EBRD, George worked for Barclays Capital and for the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), focusing in power sector financings in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Latin America.

George was born in Kozani (Greece) and holds a Masters in Finance from Manchester University and a degree in Economics from Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki.

Fathima Hussain is Managing Director and Head of the Africa Project Finance team based in London and has over 27 years banking experience in the project & structured finance arena covering Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America. During her career, Fathima has structured and led the execution of a number of award-winning debt arranging and advisory mandates in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.

Fathima joined SCB in October 2005 and in her current role as Head of the Africa Project Finance team, she is responsible for leading a project finance business spanning energy, natural resources and infrastructure.

Fathima was previously with ANZ Investment Bank in London working on project advisory mandates, limited recourse finance and loan syndications in the Oil & Gas sector including reserves-based lending, LNG, Petrochemical and Fertiliser projects with a specific focus on the Middle East & South Asia. In 2002, Fathima relocated to Singapore where she worked with the Leasing & Structured Asset Finance team primarily focusing on offshore transportation and FPSO projects across Asia.

Fathima holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Cambridge University and a BSc (Hons) Degree in Financial Services and is a qualified Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Tim Sheahan is a Senior Director at Alcazar Energy, a leading independent renewable energy developer in emerging markets. With over 15 years of experience in project finance, asset management, and corporate governance, Tim has been instrumental in developing and managing utility-scale wind and solar projects across multiple geographies.

At Alcazar Energy, Tim oversees project finance, PPA procurement, investment strategy and portfolio performance. Prior to joining Alcazar Energy, Tim worked in the renewable sector as Asset Management Head of Finance at Element Power. A qualified accountant and fellow of the ACCA, Tim holds a B.Sc. in Finance and Accounting from the Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland.

Rasmus has extensive international and Nordic experience from leading large and complex financings. His work reaches across a broad spectrum of finance ‑ with a particular focus on Debt Capital Markets, Direct & Bank Lending and Restructuring. Rasmus represents lenders, borrowers, agents, trustees and other participants in the debt market.

Rasmus is a specially invited lecturer on Asset Finance, Acquisition Finance, Corporate Bonds and Securitisation at the Stockholm University law school.

Rasmus is ranked as a Rising Star Partner by IFLR1000, Up & Coming by Chambers Global and Chambers Europe as well as a Next Generation Partner by Legal500.

Niamh advises a broad range of clients across the energy and infrastructure sectors and leads the firm’s Energy and Renewables Sector Group. She brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure delivery, with particular expertise in the energy sector.

In the energy sector, Niamh acts for corporates, developers, sponsors, lenders and new market entrants across the full spectrum of energy technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery energy storage, energy-from-waste, and conventional generation (including CCGT and OCGT projects). Her work spans the entire project lifecycle, advising on project development, M&A and joint ventures, project finance, regulatory matters, and a wide range of commercial contracts (including power purchase agreements, supply and offtake arrangements, and construction and O&M contracts).

Beyond energy, Niamh has extensive experience advising on major infrastructure transactions, including public-private partnerships and complex development projects across sectors such as education, transport, pharmaceuticals, residential, leisure, and telecoms.

The breadth of Niamh’s experience across energy and infrastructure means that she is uniquely well placed to advise on major projects to ensure successful delivery and bankability.

Christine is an expert in public law and regulatory work. She is ranked first in Scotland – and a starred individual – by Chambers UK in the field of Administrative and Public Law (and is also ranked in Parliamentary and Public Affairs). She was appointed Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel) in 2020 and she appears regularly in the Court of Session in judicial reviews, statutory appeals and commercial disputes. She has also appeared on several occasions in the UK Supreme Court. She has advised a range of oil and gas clients on regulatory issues including the powers and duties of the North Sea Transition Authority and in November 2024 she represented Shell in a four day hearing in the Court of Session in the judicial review of consents for the Jackdaw Project in the North Sea that arose out of the Supreme Court's decision in Finch.

Laura Irving is Chief Counsel, Business Operations at Harbour Energy, a global oil and gas company. She leads the legal teams supporting Harbour’s worldwide operations, including its carbon capture and storage projects, having previously served as Legal Manager for its UK operations. Before moving in-house to Harbour seven years ago, she practised in the oil and gas team at international law firm CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang. Laura has over 15 years’ legal experience, with a focus on supporting energy sector projects in both private practice and in-house roles.

Euan became Chief Executive Officer of BlueNord in 2022, having joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in 2019. He has a background of providing strategic advice to a wide range of oil and gas companies on acquisition, divestment and merger activity as well as raising debt and equity capital. Prior to joining BlueNord, Euan was a senior member of the oil & gas advisory team at BMO Capital Markets having also focused on the Energy space while working with Credit Suisse, RBC Capital Markets and Rothschild in London. He has a MSc in Business and Accountancy from the University of Edinburgh.

Yaroslav is a Partner at Asters, where he co-chairs Energy and Natural Resources team and heading London office. Since 2022 he is on a part-time secondment to Brodies. He has over 15 years’ experience and is a highly regarded lawyer in Energy and Infrastructure. Yaroslav focuses on energy law projects (oil & gas, electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency) as well as international arbitration, in particular energy disputes. His reputation in the market includes being, ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Energy in Legal 500, EMEA, 2025; a recognised lawyer for Oil & Gas, Power, Electricity and Renewables in Lexology Index: Energy 2024; a recognised expert for Arbitration, Lexology Index: Arbitration 2024, listed among the leading lawyers for Energy and Natural Resources, Ukrainian Law Firms 2024: A Handbook for Foreign Clients; and a highly regarded lawyer for Energy, Oil & Gas, Mining, IFLR1000 2024.

Nikola Minchev is a member of the European Parliament and Vice Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection.

He has a Master's degree in law from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"

He was previously a lawyer at Djingov, Guginski, Kyuchukov and Velichkov.

Nikola previously served as a speaker of the 47th National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, and was Deputy Speaker of the 48th National Assembly and the 49th National Assembly.

Driving transformation of the global energy mix. MSc in Economics and Marketing and has worked more than 25 years in the fields of Technology and Innovation driving commercial development and driving the vision on technology transformation. Works with companies, academia and governments to advance adoption of the thorium molten salt reactor and related technologies. Serving on advisory boards and as a mentor at Copenhagen Business School.

Christoffer Fode is partner in our Energy & Infrastructure group, and he has for more than 20 years worked with companies in the energy sector and therefore has an outstanding experience in relation to transactions and development project in the energy and utilities sector, particularly in respect of renewable energy projects.

In recent years, Christoffer has assisted Danish and international clients in respect of offshore tenders, acquisition and development of wind, solar projects and biogas projects, including representing some of the most prominent companies in the Danish solar PV industry, in connection with its development of based solar PV parks, including negotiation of off-take agreement.

In addition to his experience in the field of renewable energy, Christoffer is a corporate law expert and has assisted numerous Danish clients on corporate law matters as well as M&A transactions.

Edda Björk Ragnarsdóttir is Corporate Counsel at Carbfix, the Icelandic climate tech company that developed the world’s first technology to turn CO₂ into stone underground for permanent storage. She leads the company’s legal affairs, overseeing regulatory frameworks, international agreements, and policy engagement that enable the scaling of carbon storage solutions.

Edda is a lawyer with a strong background in international and environmental law. Before joining Carbfix, she served as a diplomat at Iceland’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, focusing on global policy and international trade negoatiations. She holds master’s degrees in law from the University of Iceland and Lund University, and has extensive experience in complex cross border negotiations and ESG governance.

Catherine has 14 years’ experience in the energy industry across subsurface, technology and environmental disciplines. With a background in geology, she transitioned to the energy technology sector in 2020. As Technology Manager at the Net Zero Technology Centre, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to work with industry, government and academia to drive technology innovation to accelerate the energy transition to net zero, Catherine is responsible for industrial decarbonisation and emissions reduction projects. She recently co-authored the CCS Wells Technology Roadmap and conducted technology profiling on alternative power solutions.

Her areas of expertise include technology research, management, governance, and strategy, with significant involvement in identifying, trialling, and deploying technologies both onshore and offshore UK. Catherine is also a long-standing, active member of the Accelerate Deployment workgroup under the Technology Leadership Board. This is one of the seven industry taskforces reporting to the North Sea Transition Forum focussed on advancing technology in the offshore energy sector particularly in the context of the energy transition and achieving net zero goals.