People
Peter is a Partner in our Energy and Natural Resources practice, advising on Irish and European law and regulation applicable to Irish energy projects.
He advises project sponsors, lenders, utilities and regulatory authorities in relation to all aspects of the Irish electricity, natural gas and petroleum sectors, as well as related areas of law such as environmental permitting and energy efficiency obligations. Peter also advises large energy consumers on efficient and diverse procurement strategies.
Peter has advised in relation to major Irish thermal and renewable, onshore and offshore, electricity generation projects, as well as the development of an Irish LNG gasification terminal.
Specialties
- Energy and natural resources
- Projects and infrastructure
- Regulated industries
Representative Matters
- Advising generators, utilities and lenders (in respect of connected wind farms having aggregate installed capacity of c.850MW) in connection with the go-live of the new I-SEM electricity trading arrangements in the Single Electricity Market in late September 2018, and the new commercial arrangements required as a consequence.
- Assisting a number of electricity trading houses with the preparation of template contracts to facilitate their provision of electricity trading and balancing services to Irish participants in the Single Electricity Market following I-SEM go-live.
- Acted for Element Power in the sale of its Irish and UK onshore wind development operations, including approximately 1,550MW of projects, to Norwegian state-owned utility Statkraft AS.
Recommendations
Legal 500, 2021
Peter is a ‘Recommended Lawyer’
Chambers & Partners, 2021
'Band 3 Lawyer', Peter McLay ‘is a recognised figure in the market, with notable experience in regulatory matters’.
Speaking Engagements & Teaching
Presenting “Ireland – energy update 2015” at European Energy Day, Hamburg, November 2015
“Clean Energy Package: an Electricity Market Redesign” – presentation for Energy Law Ireland, Dublin, June 2017
Areas of Expertise
Energy, Utilities & Projects Renewable Energy Conventional Energy Infrastructure and Project Finance Data CentresProfessional Memberships
Law Society of Ireland
Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA)
Education
University of Canterbury (Christchurch, New Zealand), LLB / BA (Economics)
University College Dublin, MA (Economics)