SIGNUM has substantial experience advising international and Kazakhstan energy companies, investors, financial institutions, developers and contractors on the development and operation of power and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.
We support clients throughout different stages of the project lifecycle – from investment structuring and acquisitions of energy assets to financing, design and construction, land rights and permitting, commissioning and ongoing operations. Our experience spans conventional and renewable generation, wind, solar and hydropower projects, Waste-to-Energy, gas turbine power plants, electricity and district heating assets, pipelines, roads and other infrastructure.
SIGNUM regularly acts as Kazakhstan law counsel to international investors, energy companies, banks and international law firms on major cross-border projects. Our team advises on M&A and project finance transactions, prepares and reviews EPC, O&M and other project agreements and supports clients on power sector regulation, tariffs, procurement, land, construction, environmental matters and engagement with government authorities.
A significant part of our work relates to the development of Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure and transition towards lower-carbon generation. SIGNUM is involved in major renewable energy projects and has contributed to the development of Kazakhstan’s renewable energy regulatory and auction framework.
Acting as Kazakhstan legal counsel to one of the largest Chinese state-owned power companies on the implementation of a 1 GW wind power project in Kazakhstan.
Advising a major international energy company on the implementation of a separate 1 GW wind power project in Kazakhstan.
Advised a global leader in metallurgy, EPC, electricity and gas trading on its operations in Kazakhstan, including the 100 MW M-KAT photovoltaic solar power plant.
Acting as Kazakhstan legal counsel to a major Chinese state-owned energy company on Kazakhstan’s first Waste-to-Energy project, valued at approximately USD 180 million, involving the development of a facility generating electricity from municipal solid waste.
Advised a US investment fund on an investment in the completion of a hydropower project in south-eastern Kazakhstan.
Advised an oil and gas company on a tender for the construction of a gas turbine power plant, including preparation and finalisation of contractual documentation.
Assisted with establishing a consortium between an Asian engineering company and a Kazakhstan construction company for participation in a tender for the design and construction of a gas turbine power plant.
Drafted a FIDIC-based turnkey contract for the design, supply of equipment and materials and construction of a pipeline for a major oil producer.
Advised a major uranium producer on the contractual obligations of a general contractor in connection with the construction of a processing facility and related infrastructure.
Advised international energy companies on the establishment, registration and restructuring of Kazakhstan legal entities and project companies for renewable energy projects.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of ten Kazakhstan renewable energy companies and project vehicles in connection with a corporate restructuring.
Conducted legal due diligence of a major Kazakhstan road construction company in connection with a contemplated joint venture with a European construction group.
Provided full legal support for the acquisition of a major electricity and district heating complex by the Almaty city authorities.
Provided full M&A support to a Chinese state-owned power company on the acquisition of six renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a company owning a 100 MW wind power plant in southern Kazakhstan.
Advised on the contemplated acquisition of a Kazakhstan company owning a 30 MW solar power plant in the Kyzylorda region, including legal due diligence, transaction documentation and negotiations.
Conducted legal due diligence of Kazakhstan companies owning solar power assets for Chinese investors considering acquisitions.
Conducted legal due diligence of a power generation company in East Kazakhstan in connection with proposed financing of the reconstruction of its facilities by a major European bank.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a company owning a hydropower plant in connection with contemplated co-financing by an international private fund.
Conducted tax due diligence of a thermal power plant in East Kazakhstan in connection with financing of its reconstruction by a major European bank.
Advised investment funds on electricity pricing and tariff regulation in Kazakhstan.
Represented a leading global supplier of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower plants in challenging tax assessments of approximately EUR 600,000.
Advised energy and infrastructure companies on tax implications relating to investments, financing, construction and operation of projects in Kazakhstan.
Represented a leading global supplier of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower plants in a tax dispute involving approximately EUR 600,000.
Advised on Kazakhstan law matters in international arbitration arising from an EPC contract based on FIDIC standards.
Represented a general contractor in litigation against a subcontractor concerning improper performance under a turnkey construction contract, with approximately USD 1.2 million in dispute.
Represented infrastructure businesses in tax and commercial disputes relating to construction and operation of projects.
Acted as the sole Kazakhstan legal counsel on the country’s first systemic renewable energy project aimed at developing the regulatory framework, improving the auction mechanism and creating conditions for competitively tendered renewable energy projects.
Acted as local legal counsel to EBRD on improvements to Kazakhstan legislation governing renewable energy auctions, including analysis of the existing regulatory framework and recommendations aimed at improving the auction mechanism.
Advised Chinese technology and energy companies on the regulatory framework applicable to renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan.
Advised a major uranium producer on changes to land category and designated use, reservation of land and registration of land rights for the construction of a solar power plant.
Assisted a major international contractor with obtaining permits required for construction of an artificial island and operational camp in the Caspian Sea.
Assisted with obtaining licences and other approvals required for construction of a pipeline from an oil and gas field to a processing facility and beyond.
Assisted a major construction company with obtaining approvals for project documentation and required technical programmes.
Acted as local counsel on the financing of two renewable energy facilities involving a Chinese investor and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.
Advised a US investment fund on the legal aspects of an investment in the completion of a Kazakhstan hydropower project.
Conducted comprehensive legal and tax due diligence of a power generation asset in East Kazakhstan in connection with proposed reconstruction financing by a major European bank.
Conducted legal due diligence of a company owning a hydropower plant in connection with contemplated co-financing by an international private fund.