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

Event

19th Annual Renewable Energy Law Conference

Dirk Mueller is speaking at the 19 th Annual Renewable Energy Law Conference on "Mineral Issues’ Impact on Real Estate Documents, Siting and Planning: Texas vs. California."

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Event

All the Legalese: What You Need to Know About the New Pay Transparency Law and Other Legal Updates

Holly Sutton is a Winejobs.com 2023 HR Summit speaker for the session "All the Legalese: What You Need to Know About the New Pay Transparency Law and Other Legal Updates." Session Overview: It can be...

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Publication

Real Estate Leasing Tips for Nonprofits

Welcome to  EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . I'm Cynthia Rowland, and today, we are lucky to have Farella real estate partner Quinn Arntsen with us to talk about leasing issues for...

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News

Chris Locke Recognized for Jack London State Historic Park Pro Bono Work

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Event

CalCPA Wine Industry Conference 2023

Holly Sutton and Rebecca Stephens are speakers at the CalCPA Wine Industry Conference 2023 for the session "Labor Law Update." Session Overview: Explore the critical distinctions between employees and contractors, delve into wage and hour regulations, gain...

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News

Farella Braun + Martel Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2023

Farella Braun + Martel is pleased to announce that our Private Client Industry Group and Family Wealth Partner Mark Weaver were recognized in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2023 in the Private Wealth...

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Publication

IRS Moves to Target Wealthy Taxpayers in Historic Compliance Drive

This month, the IRS announced that it is using the long-term funding approved by Congress through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to shift its attention to wealthy taxpayers in an effort to “identify sophisticated...

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News

Who’s Who Legal 2023 Recognizes Farella Lawyers

Six Farella Braun + Martel lawyers have been recommended by Who’s Who Legal 2023 as leading practitioners in their fields. Who’s Who Legal – Environment 2023 James Colopy Robert Hines David Lazerwitz Chris Locke...

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Publication

Quick Tip: State Filings in Massachusetts and Connecticut

Welcome to  EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource.  I'm Cynthia Rowland, and episode 55 is the sixth in a series of Quick Tip episodes focusing on the details of state registration of...

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Publication

Nonprofit Tenants and Lease Agreements: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid

Welcome to  EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . I'm Cynthia Rowland, and today, we are again lucky to have Farella real estate partner Quinn Arntsen with us to talk about leasing...

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