As with geothermal projects, our engagements with developers and owners of wind farms spans more than 15 years. Reed Smith's Energy/Project Finance Group serves clients throughout the United States that are involved in wind-powered electric generating projects. We have developed a reputation for quickly closing big deals, effectively navigating the shifting regulatory climate, and creatively solving disputes. Our combined, vast experience involves more than a decade of representation of private and utility-owned entities in the financing and development of wind power production and transmission facilities.
Specifically, our attorneys are highly skilled in the representation of project development companies in critical areas relating to construction and financing, including but not limited to:
- Preparation and documentation of all types of senior and subordinated credit documents
- Negotiation and preparation of collateral documents pertaining to construction and permanent credit facilities for wind farms
- Planning for and implementing all available state and local incentives
- Documentation and coordination of a host of project-specific items required under wind power construction credit facilities
- Substantial knowledge regarding the proper planning for, and documentation required to confirm, each installed turbine's qualification for Production Tax Credits under Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code
- Coordination with project company treasury and tax officers to plan and document structured transactions to mitigate sales tax burdens pertaining to equipment procurement and installation
- Advice regarding matters arising under PTC expiration deadlines
- Documentation of every type of construction access and lay-down agreements, easements; rights of way, and wind power leases
- Documentation and review of all aspects of transmission and interconnection