The San Francisco Bay Area is a nursery for emerging technology, supporting virtually every industry; the alternative and renewable energy markets are no exception. Farella is well-positioned to guide these companies in their development, protect their assets when conflict arises, and support their project development programs. Our deep knowledge of the solar, wind and renewable energy industry is the foundation for helping emerging energy companies establish corporate governance structures, finance operations and projects, protect patents and trademarks, build employee management systems, obtain permits and entitlements, and navigate disputes.

Energy Storage Systems

Energy storage is one of the most exciting sectors in energy today, with many new technologies being developed and tested. From batteries to pumped hydroelectric systems, the goal is to convert energy forms that are difficult to store into economically viable and  efficient power on demand. Our clients require expertise beyond our traditional renewable energy team, and include lawyers in our intellectual property and internet-of-things practices as well as experts in environmental, land use, real estate and litigation. Many storage projects have typical project development needs, but also require licensing and co-development relationships among the projects owners. As the need for energy increases, meeting peak demands will require the increased use of storage technologies and we are proud of our clients’ successes in this area.

Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy Facilities

A large portion of the world’s energy is currently being produced by nuclear reactors, but many of the reactors are more than 15 years old. With governments across the globe debating carbon emissions from fossil fuel sources, nuclear energy is projected to rise. And the nuclear industry has made significant advancements in both  reactors and the technologies that drive them. The promise of nuclear energy as a clean power source continues to drive investment, design and debate. Although the advancements are new, Farella is no stranger to nuclear technology. We have assisted EPC contractors, owners, operators, public utilities, national laboratories and state regulatory commissions with design, engineering and operations contracts, construction defect and delayed completion litigation, cost overruns and closure processes.

Geothermal Energy Production

California is home to some of the largest geothermal electrical operations in the world. A naturally occurring renewable energy source, Farella’s team has represented Calpine Corporation at their facility at the Geysers Geothermal Resource Area (GGRA) in Lake and Sonoma Counties, California for decades. With the help of government assisted research, the cost to generate geothermal energy has decreased substantially since the mid-80s, and we are proud of our efforts to ensure this green energy source continues well into the future. We have assisted geothermal energy producers with land use, environmental, real estate, financing, litigation and development projects.

Biomass and Waste-to-Energy Facilities

Biomass may be one of the oldest forms of energy generation, because it is simply the burning of living or once living organisms to produce energy. The resurgence in biomass energy stems from a desire to leverage various waste types as fuel sources, making it renewable and waste reducing. Many scientific processes are required to merge to create a biomass reactor, which then generates energy through steam driven turbines and generators. This energy source has significant air, water and waste water issues, as well as by-products that can be turned into commercially viable fertilizers, chemicals and biofuels. Many industries that produce a significant amount of waste  (e.g., plant trimmings from the wine industry)  regularly look to biomass as a viable energy source. Our team of environmental, construction, real estate and litigation attorneys have developed the expertise to assist biomass companies through all stages of development, sale, operations and facility closures.

Firm Highlights

Publication

Wind Energy Project Approvals and Tax Credits Look To Outpace Macroeconomic and Supply Chain Headwinds in 2024

A snapshot of the renewable wind industry on October 31, 2023, captures many of the current challenges and opportunities for the industry and regulatory agencies heading into 2024.  That day, the world’s largest offshore...

Read More
Publication

An Introduction to DAFs and Overview of the Newly Proposed DAF Regulations

Welcome to EO Radio Show - Your Nonprofit Legal Resource. I’m Cynthia Rowland, and episode 62 describes new proposed regulations important to the administration of donor advised funds. The Internal Revenue Service and the...

Read More
Publication

It Wasn’t Me, It Was the AI: Intellectual Property and Data Privacy Concerns With Nonprofits’ Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines and being discussed constantly. To be sure, AI provides a powerful tool to nonprofits in creating content and exploiting for countless cost-effective...

Read More
Event

In-House Counsel Conference 2024

Sushila Chanana is speaking on artificial intelligence law at the Bar Association of San Francisco's In-House Counsel Conference 2024. To register for the event, please click  here .

Read More
News

Farella Braun + Martel Earns 2024 Best Law Firms® Rankings

Read More
News

Proposal for Bar Exam Alternative Goes to California Supreme Court

Sarah Good, a member of the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, was quoted in The Recorder article, "Proposal for Bar Exam Alternative Goes to California Supreme Court." Read the article here (subscription...

Read More
Publication

BIPA Liability: Existing CGL Coverage May Provide a Lifeline for Policyholders

Developments in the law have increased the potential liability that companies could face under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), but fortunately for policyholders, Illinois case law has also solidified coverage for BIPA...

Read More
Event

2024 Environmental & Energy, Mass Torts, and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint Regional CLE Program

Sarah Bell will moderate the panel "PFAS: Everything Everywhere All at Once"  at the American Bar Association's 2024 Environmental & Energy, Mass Torts, and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint Regional CLE Program. Session Overview: PFAS...

Read More
Event

19th Annual Renewable Energy Law Institute

Dirk Mueller is speaking at the University of Texas School of Law 19 th Annual Renewable Energy Law Institute on "Mineral Issues Impact on Real Estate Documents, Siting and Planning: Texas vs. California." Session Overview :   Understanding...

Read More
News

State Bar of California Board of Trustees Approves Plan to Pilot Portfolio Bar Exam

Sarah Good, a member of the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, spoke to KQED Newscast about the Board of Trustees's proposal to pilot a Portfolio Bar Exam.

Read More