The first of its kind agreement for an Irish law firm
New renewable energy contract will see electricity generated by ‘Tullyhaw Wind Farm’ supplied to Matheson by Flogas
Matheson LLP (“Matheson”) is delighted to announce it has signed a new renewable energy agreement that will see Flogas, a DCC company, supply the firm’s Irish offices with renewable electricity generated by Natural Forces’ Tullyhaw Wind Farm project, which will be located in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.
The first of its kind for an independent Irish law firm, this Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) will provide the firm with a long-term 15-year supply of renewable electricity, reducing its carbon footprint. It will also support the construction of the Tullyhaw Wind Farm, developed by Natural Forces, contributing to the further decarbonisation of Ireland’s electricity system.
Matheson’s CPPA with Flogas reflects the firm’s commitment to sustainability objectives, through the direct procurement of renewable energy, and the firm’s commitment to innovation (one of Matheson’s values), being the first CPPA entered into by an independent Irish law firm. Through reducing its carbon footprint, Matheson is committed to the protection of the environment and is determined to minimise any adverse impacts on the environment as a result of its business activities.
In 2021, Matheson established a dedicated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory group. This group, one of the first of its kind among Irish law firms, provides legal expertise to companies navigating the evolving ESG landscape. Matheson also has one of Ireland’s leading Energy, Natural Resources and Utilities Groups, and regularly advises international and domestic clients on renewable energy procurement programmes, including on CPPAs in Ireland with renewable energy developers.
Garret Farrelly, Chair of Matheson's ESG Advisory Group and Head of the Energy, Natural Resources and Utilities Group commented: “This is an exciting day for the firm and one that we are very proud of. We are delighted to partner with Flogas on this novel agreement to power our Irish operations with renewable energy from a new-build wind farm. Matheson has a long track record of advising clients on CPPAs, having advised on the vast majority of CPPAs entered into in the Irish market to date. This is the first time we have negotiated a CPPA for ourselves, and it was an experience that was both challenging and exciting.”
Micheal Jackson, Managing Partner, Matheson stated: “Matheson remains committed to environmental, social and governance standards. Our cross-firm Sustainability Committee, one of the pillars of our Impactful Business Programme, is tasked with implementing initiatives and setting targets to ensure that the firm meets its sustainability objectives and this landmark agreement is a step further on our sustainability and carbon reduction journey, whilst supporting Ireland’s renewable energy sector.”
Barry Murphy, Energy Services and Renewables Director of Flogas, stated: “Flogas is immensely proud to partner with Matheson on this landmark Corporate Power Purchase Agreement, a true first for the Irish legal services sector. This collaboration underscores how innovative CPPA structures can deliver tangible benefits – from significant carbon reduction to long-term energy price predictability. Matheson's commitment to sourcing renewable energy directly from Tullyhaw Wind Farm sets a powerful precedent, demonstrating how businesses can actively drive Ireland's decarbonisation efforts through power purchase agreements. This is more than just an energy contract; it's a shared vision for a sustainable future, and we are delighted to empower Matheson in its journey."
Jonathan Wagner Coffey, Director – Development Ireland, Natural Forces, added: "Tullyhaw Wind Farm marks Natural Forces’ first project in construction in Ireland. We are pleased to have worked with Matheson and Flogas to secure our first long term CPPA, as it marks a significant milestone in our growing pipeline and commitment to Ireland’s renewable future".
Pictured: L-R: Verona Mitchell (Head of Facilities, Matheson LLP); Jonathan Wagner Coffey (Director - Development Ireland, Natural Forces); Barra Scott (Project Developer, Natural Forces); Barry Murphy (Energy Services Director, Flogas); Garret Farrelly (Chair of ESG Advisory Group and Head of the Energy, Natural Resources and Utilities Group, Matheson LLP); John Brereton (Principal, Natural Forces); Owen Collins (Partner, Energy, Natural Resources and Utilities, Matheson LLP) and James Temple (Renewables Manager, Flogas).
