As global momentum drives the shift toward sustainable energy and infrastructure, the Perth office of global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright leads the charge, helping clients navigate current challenges and uncertainties. With a strong international presence and deep expertise in the evolving energy sector, the firm is pivotal in guiding Australian clients through this transformative period.
With more than 3,000 lawyers across over 50 locations worldwide, Norton Rose Fulbright boasts one of the largest and most prolific global teams specialising in energy, infrastructure and natural resources. The firm’s comprehensive involvement in all legal aspects of sustainable infrastructure projects— through the lifecycle of a project, M&A transactions, financing and disputes— has helped it to support a growing list of domestic and international clients. The firm stands out for its ability to adapt to an environment marked by challenges and opportunities in traditional and emerging sectors.
Perth-based banking and finance partner Alen Pazin, one of Australia’s leading mining and infrastructure finance lawyers, has been instrumental in this effort. Recognised for his expertise by the Australian Financial Review’s Best Lawyers list, Pazin has led numerous high-profile projects, including the financing of the Minas de Aguas Tenidas (MATSA) copper project in Spain, owned by Sandfire Resources, which won European Mining Deal of the Year.
Pazin points out that despite the global push toward renewable energy, there remains a "balance of work" between traditional and renewable energy. “The global energy crisis has led to a resurgence in investments in traditional energy sectors like gas and coal,” Pazin noted. “These sectors are central to current energy requirements, with much more investment than we saw even two years ago. However, this doesn’t negate the importance of renewables or battery minerals, where we continue to work on projects, albeit with significant challenges in securing funding.”
Pazin’s insights reflect the broader reality that while the momentum toward sustainability is strong, the shift is complex and multifaceted.
“We’ve had to pivot our focus quite a bit over the last year or two,” Pazin said. “It’s a case of going ‘Back to the Future’. In Perth, we’ve traditionally done hard rock mining financing, and now, gold projects are again the easiest to get financed. This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in our practice, ensuring that we remain aligned with market realities while continuing to support long-term sustainability goals.”
Norton Rose Fulbright’s global reach is a key advantage in delivering innovative legal solutions that reflect both international trends and local market nuances.
Banking partner Nick Sinclair, who spent six years of his career working in Singapore, brings extensive experience in project finance and energy, having worked on numerous project financings in the renewables and oil and gas sector across the Asia Pacific region. His background highlights the firm’s ability to leverage global insights for the benefit of local clients. “Energy security—ensuring a stable and reliable supply—is the main priority for many,” he noted. “Gas remains critical to energy security, as well as broader investment mandates in the energy sector, offering both reliability and the potential for higher returns. Our view is that gas will continue to be a key pillar of energy security and Australian projects will continue to attract significant investment.”
While renewable energy is growing, Sinclair observed that there remain numerous hurdles and obstacles before a steady flow of greenfield renewables projects hit the Western Australian market. The sector faces some headwinds, including slow development approvals, grid constraints and, in the case of certain projects, the prospects of mining projects, having regard to commodity cycles. Despite these hurdles, Sinclair remains optimistic. “The demand for sustainable energy will continue to grow, and we expect government support will play a crucial role in accelerating the development of renewables projects.”
In Western Australia, where resources and energy are vital to the economy, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Perth office is well-positioned to support clients in navigating the complex energy landscape. Leveraging their global network and extensive local knowledge, they are leading the way in sustainability and energy transition legal services, ensuring clients are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
