Virtual Seminar: Recent developments in gas and LNG infrastructure offerings

Energy security and diversity are a topic of daily discussion in our newspapers and public spaces.  Scarcely a day goes by without a major development in relation to the sources of the world’s energy or the effects of its development or consumption.  As recent events in relation to the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline project demonstrate, public opinion is sharply divided on where the energy we consume should come from and who should make the key decisions. Against this background, up to date information about the state of the energy infrastructure market is essential for anyone with an interest in this important sector of the economy.  This seminar addressed recent developments which are intended to increase flexibility and diversity in gas and LNG infrastructure across Europe.

 

The speakers for this seminar were:

Ms Sarah Cooper, Commercial Manager at Interconnector (UK) Ltd (IUK). In her role Ms Cooper has worked on the company’s commercial transition out of twenty year legacy contracts, the development of a new commercial operating model and now, the continued innovation of IUK’s services. Prior to this, Ms Cooper held roles in utility management and environmental regulation consultancy.

Ms Cooper addressed “Evolutions in IUK’s Commercial Offering”, with the presentation also including an overview of IUK’s role in the GB and continental markets and the regulatory environment under which the asset is operating.

 

Ms Danielle Stoves, Commercial and Regulatory Director at Hanseatic Energy Hub.  Ms Stoves is working closely with the market to develop Hanseatic Energy Hub’s LNG terminal project in Stade in the Hamburg metropolitan region of Germany.   Ms Stoves will address “Hanseatic Energy Hub’s LNG terminal: a future oriented project”.  Her presentation will comprise an introduction to the LNG terminal project in Stade, Germany.  This project combines location and concept to provide future-oriented energy solutions with a zero-emissions terminal whilst meeting all the latest LNG evolutions – regasification, bunkering and truckloading.

With over 20 years’ experience Ms Stoves provides consultancy leveraging her deep understanding and strong network in the gas industry across shippers, infrastructure operators and regulators. Recent clients include IFC (part of the World Bank Group), Fluxys, ConocoPhillips, Grain LNG and CREG. Ms Stoves was previously Commercial Manager at Interconnector (UK) Limited as well as a key contributor to the South Hook LNG project for 6 years through start-up and beyond. A fluent French speaker, Ms Stoves has also worked for Engie in Paris and has an MENG in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College, London and an MBA from Loughborough University.

 

The event was chaired by Mr Graham Coop, Partner at Volterra Fietta.  Mr Coop’s thirty-year legal career includes seven years as General Counsel to the Energy Charter Secretariat between 2004 and 2011, during which he led the development of the Model Agreements for Cross-Border Pipeline Projects, consultable at  https://www.energycharter.org/what-we-do/trade-and-transit/model-agreements/. Mr Coop has written and lectured extensively on the Energy Charter Treaty including its relevance to gas pipeline and LNG projects and infrastructure.  He has also advised on numerous pipeline and LNG projects in Europe and elsewhere during his career in private practice.

Mr Coop is qualified as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand and as a solicitor with higher rights of audience (Civil) in England and Wales. He advises and represents companies, governments and international organisations on international dispute resolution and public international law, with a particular focus on the energy, natural resources and infrastructure and banking sectors. He has appeared as counsel, advocate and expert before a wide range of international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice, ICSID, the PCA and the ICC. He is on the UK Attorney General’s list of public international law practitioners.

For any queries regarding the content of the seminar, please email graham.coop@volterrafietta.com.