Kirsti Massie
Partner
Kirsti Massie has expertise in energy projects, specialising in power generation, renewables, nuclear and cutting-edge energy transition technologies.
Partner
Kirsti Massie has expertise in energy projects, specialising in power generation, renewables, nuclear and cutting-edge energy transition technologies.
Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Kirsti Massie is a London-based Partner with deep expertise in energy projects, specialising in power generation, renewables, nuclear and cutting-edge energy transition technologies. She is highly regarded for her comprehensive knowledge of energy regulation and her ability to navigate complex legal and commercial challenges across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Kirsti advises a diverse range of clients - including project developers, utilities, investors, and government entities - on all aspects of energy project development and financing. Her experience spans the full project lifecycle, from initial structuring and regulatory compliance to construction, operation, and ongoing asset management and optimisation. She is particularly noted for her work in the renewables space, as well as her insight into the evolving landscape of energy transition.
Kirsti’s cross-border expertise and commercial acumen make her a trusted advisor for clients seeking to deliver innovative energy solutions in established and emerging markets worldwide.
Sponsors, developers, and financial institutions rely on Kirsti’s decades of experience - both in private practice and in-house - across the full spectrum of energy projects. Her expertise spans traditional thermal generation (including gas, coal, and nuclear) as well as a wide range of renewable technologies such as onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal. Kirsti is also highly experienced in emerging areas including green ammonia and hydrogen and other innovative energy transition technologies.
Kirsti advises clients at every stage of project development as well as asset optimisation, from initial planning and regulatory strategy to execution and ongoing operations. She is particularly recognised for her in-depth knowledge of energy regulation and her ability to help clients navigate complex legal and commercial frameworks, ensuring successful delivery and long-term value from their energy investments.
Project finance
Advised lenders on the £192 million refinancing of the Saltend, Indian Queens, and Deeside power plants, owned by Triton Power Limited. The Saltend facility is a key component of the Zero Carbon Humber Industrial Cluster, which is focused on delivering low-carbon hydrogen production and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) capabilities.
Project finance
Advised commercial lenders and export credit agencies (ECAs) on the development and financing of a new-build nuclear power plant in Finland. This included guidance on international nuclear treaties, EU regulations, nuclear fuel supply agreements, power offtake agreements, shareholder arrangements, sponsor support, grid connection, and other key commercial agreements.
Regulation
Advised a regulator on vires issues, funding and charging arrangements and potential structures to accommodate future developments in the nuclear sector.
Advised a major Middle Eastern oil and gas company on regulatory issues applicable to potential expansion into downstream gas markets in the UK and Europe.
Counseled Green Network Energy Limited on the revocation of its electricity supply licence and the Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process, including electricity supply arrangements, engagement with Ofgem, electricity trading, and renewable obligation compliance. This was the largest SoLR process Ofgem had undertaken in the UK at the time.
Supported the Eleclink project company on the 1,000 MW DC power interconnector between the UK and France, advising on EU energy regulatory issues, third-party access, tariff regulation, licensing and consent requirements, EPC arrangements, and capacity auction and sale processes.
Advised the project company on Phases 1 and 2 of the €9 billion Nord Stream gas pipeline project, connecting Russian and European gas grids through the Baltic Sea. Provided guidance on the EU Third Energy Package, local regulatory, licensing and permitting issues, gas transportation arrangements, third-party access, and crossing agreements. This transaction was recognised as European Gas Deal of the Year by Project Finance Magazine.
Corporate
Advised a Japanese client on the acquisition of a minority shareholding in a Scottish offshore wind farm, including asset and offshore transmission due diligence, curtailment issues, and negotiation and drafting of share purchase and shareholder agreements.
Supported a major Japanese client with its investment in a floating offshore wind project in France, advising on joint venture and shareholder arrangements, constitutional documents, and French foreign investment law compliance and filing procedures.
Acted for Basalt infrastructure fund on its acquisition of one of the largest cogeneration power providers in France and which owned and operated 32 natural gas-fired generation facilities in France.
Energy and Natural Resources
Advised German electrolyser manufacturer and supplier on the supply of electrolysers for a green hydrogen project in Finland.
Advised a major US corporation on its global Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) strategy and Guarantee of Origin (GO) requirements, including negotiation and drafting of VPPAs and GO agreements in Sweden, Spain, India, and the US.
Supported a major Middle Eastern energy company in the development and implementation of a rooftop solar business in Qatar, including drafting a model form PPA.
Advised Karadeniz on the development and financing of an LNG-to-power project in South Africa, as part of the Emergency Power Procurement Program. This included advice on FSRU Charter, LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement, Terminal Use Agreement, Gas Supply Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement, and Implementation Agreement.
