“With this transaction, we were able to successfully support our client legally thanks to our extensive expertise and many years of experience in advising battery storage projects. The transaction highlights the strong interest in high-capacity energy storage in Germany,” comments Holger Engelkamp, lead partner at Baker McKenzie.
Claire Dietz-Polte, also lead partner, adds: “Our team has been advising investors and developers in the battery storage sector since 2020. The flexibility provided by storage is essential for the expansion of renewable energy in Germany. The scale of projects continues to grow – this transaction also includes large-scale batteries.”
“Battery storage at this scale is essential for Europe’s energy transition,” said Willem-Jan Schutte, CEO of Return. “With these strategically located sites, we are strengthening grid stability and accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels. We appreciate Baker McKenzie’s support in helping us move this transaction forward.”
Return is a leading independent European energy storage provider, with full ownership and control of advanced BESS systems that delivers intelligent renewable integration and strengthens the grid. The new sites are part of the company’s pan-European growth strategy. With an active development portfolio of over 8 gigawatts (GW) and plans to deliver around 5 GW of capacity by 2030, Return continues to strengthen grid stability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels across key European markets.
BESSMART Energies GmbH, based in Berlin, is an independent developer of battery storage systems with extensive experience in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.
Baker McKenzie’s Energy and Infrastructure practice regularly advises utilities, infrastructure funds, industrial companies, developers and banks on battery storage investments and project development. Baker McKenzie advices throughout the project life cycle, including land securing, planning and permitting, EPC,O&M and marketing agreements, as well as financing.
Legal adviser to Return:
Baker McKenzie
Lead:
Projects/Energy & Infrastructure: Dr. Claire Dietz-Polte (Partner, Berlin)
Corporate/Energy & Infrastructure: Holger Engelkamp (Partner, Berlin)
Team:
Projects/Energy & Infrastructure: Dr. Janet Butler (Counsel), Dr. Maximilian Voll (Counsel), Nico Ruepp (Associate, all Berlin)
Corporate/Energy & Infrastructure: Ben Boi Beetz (Senior Associate, Berlin)
