Photo by Mattheu Henry

Schoenherr advised Enery on signing a multi-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Ursus Breweries, part of Asahi Europe & International, to provide green energy and guarantees of origin for the production at their brewing facilities in Romania.

Ursus Breweries will offtake power production from a new solar park to be built in Romania with a capacity of more than 50 MWp. The deal supports Asahi Europe & International in its sustainability ambition to become carbon neutral in all the European breweries by 2030.

Schoenherr advised Enery on the full range of energy legal matters in connection with the structuring, drafting, negotiating and signing of the VPPA. 

"Though made possible by the law several years ago, corporate power purchase agreements and especially virtual ones are only just picking up in Romania," said Schoenherr Romania senior attorney at law Vlad Cordea who, together with local partner Monica Cojocaru, coordinated the legal services provided to Enery in this matter. "We are glad to have advised Enery in this innovative legal matter for the local market. We congratulate the parties for having secured this VPPA which paves the way for similar transactions in the future."

Enery is a provider of green electricity dedicated to supplying its customers with reliable and accessible renewable energy. With a diversified green fleet currently generating over 200 GWh of clean electricity from 280 MW, Enery is at the forefront of driving the CEE region’s transition to sustainable energy. The company’s ambitious plans include ongoing development projects totalling more than 7 GW. 

Asahi Europe & International is the international branch of Asahi Group Holdings, a global food and beverage company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. It runs 19 production facilities in 8 countries across Europe and is the custodian of some of the best beer brands in the world, including Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Kozel.

Ursus Breweries was advised by Dentons in the Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Enery. Partner Claudiu Munteanu-Jipescu, Head of the Energy practice in Bucharest, led the legal team, assisted by Energy counsel Elena Vlasceanu and senior associate Angelica Pintilie, Banking and Finance partner Simona Marin, counsel Maria Tomescu, associates Cristina Staicu and Alin Serea and Corporate counsel Doru Postelnicu.

“Congratulations to Ursus Breweries on this successful agreement, which will pave the way for other businesses in Romania to explore similar opportunities,” said Claudiu Munteanu-Jipescu. “This project demonstrates Dentons’ capabilities on complex VPPA transactions and renewable energy deals in Romania and beyond. It also exemplifies our commitment to supporting our clients in the pursuit of innovative and environmentally conscious solutions.”