Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei advises CMOC on hydropower project in the DRC

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and its joint operation firm Kewei have advised China's mining conglomerate CMOC on the Nzilo II hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 200MW project will supply hydroelectricity to CMOC's mining production to supplement solar power during nighttime hours, allowing the company to increase operational capacity.

"We are delighted to have advised CMOC from initial structuring to commercial closing for this milestone project,” said Gavin Guo, a partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei joint operation.

“This reflects our strengths in supporting our clients' energy transition plans, which is increasingly important for those with large-scale international projects."

Gavin led a cross-office team advising the client, supported by senior consultant Angela Zhao, associate Alvin Zheng and legal assistant Tonnie Zhang from Kewei in Shanghai, working closely with Paris-based partners Bertrand Montembault, Rebecca Major and Laurence Franc-Menget, of counsel Thomas Herman, associates Hugh Cronin, Caterina Molinari and Marie Badr and trainee Zoe Adeniyi.

London partner Helen Beatty and senior associate Edgar Monteiro advised on the finance aspects of the deal.