The Bristol-based energy team at law firm Foot Anstey has been appointed as legal adviser to the firm behind a new green hydrogen ecosystem for the South West.
Cornwall-based construction firm Tower Group has been building the network by acquiring and operating its own renewable energy sites across the region and assembling a diverse group of users. 
Tower Group says the move will help decarbonise the South West and ultimately help it cut its reliance on fossil fuels.
It has now set up a new business, Tower Green Holdings, to boost its efforts and has taken on Foot Anstey as adviser along with national property agents Savills and South West accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark, which also has an office in Bristol.
The Foot Anstey team working with Tower Group includes partner Chris Pritchett, senior associate Aliki Zeri, associate Julie McGovern and solicitor Alice Foster.
It has been creating documentation and advising on a range of matters commercial energy matters, including grid connections, exclusivity and supply chain.
As the project advances, the Foot Anstey team will advise on setting up corporate structure and special purpose vehicles (SPVs), assisting with funding agreement reviews, land options and leases and green hydrogen off-taker arrangements.
Hydrogen for fuel can be produced by using electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If renewable power is used then it is described as ‘green’ hydrogen – a highly sustainable, low carbon fuel.
Tower Group director Alex King said: “We asked Foot Anstey to support us because of its track record in helping clients build highly successful green energy businesses and its ability to connect us with the right people and organisations.
“We look forward to working with the team to build Tower Group’s offering and further collaborate with innovative businesses in the South West.”
Foot Anstey partner Chris Pritchett added: “We’re delighted to start working with Tower Group on its efforts to bolster its green hydrogen supply offering in the South West.
“As a firm with locations and teams across the South West, it allows us to bolster the green economy and pay homage to our roots as well as advising on advanced energy matters for Tower Group which is at the heart of our specialism. I am looking forward to continuing our relationship with Tower Group and Alex.”
PKF Francis Clark corporate finance director Bob Meier described green hydrogen was an exciting emerging technology with the potential to provide businesses in energy-intensive sectors with their own reliable supply of clean energy, as well as making a significant contribution to the UK’s transition to net zero.
He said: “We’re delighted to be working with Tower Group and look forward to using our extensive experience in supporting renewable energy developers to help make its vision of green hydrogen energy plants across the South West become a reality.”
Energy & infrastructure is one of Foot Anstey’s six key sectors along Islamic finance, private equity, private wealth, retail & consumer.
Senior associate Aliki Zeri was recently highlighted as a ‘practitioner of the week’ by sector group Women in Green Hydrogen while earlier this year the firm held its first green hydrogen roundtable, with industry representatives speaking about their own Green Hydrogen Wishlist.
One of the UK’s fastest-growing law firms, Foot Anstey works with leading brands and individuals predominantly and employs more than 500 people across its offices in Bristol, Exeter, London, Plymouth, Taunton and Truro.
Pictured below, the Foot Anstey team working with Tower Group on its green hydrogen network, From left: Chris Pritchett, Aliki Zeri, Julie McGovern and Alice Foster
