Mark Stockdale is a corporate partner in A&L Goodbody's Belfast office, with particular expertise in the energy sector. He has extensive experience advising sponsors, lenders and developers on the financing and construction of large scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the natural gas and renewables sectors. Mark also advises on the acquisition and sale of large scale infrastructure projects, complex contracts and on joint ventures within the infrastructure sector. In addition, Mark is one of the leading experts on energy regulation in Northern Ireland.
Areas of Expertise
Corporate and M&A/Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources /Projects & Infrastructure/Commercial Contracts/Finance
Experience Advising:
- An international investment fund on the financing and development of its on-shore wind farm portfolio, with projects totalling over 100MW
- An international investment fund on the acquisition of six large scale wind farms totalling over 150MW
- A utility on the acquisition and project financing of a large scale anaerobic digestion project
- A utility on the build out of a £200m natural gas pipeline
- A utility on the joint venture arrangements for the creation of a single gas network operator for Northern Ireland
- An Irish bank on the project financing of six large wind farms in Northern Ireland
- A UK bank on the project financing of five large solar PV farms in Northern Ireland
- In relation to the development of a £100m, 15MW waste to energy power plant in Belfast Harbour, the first of its type in Northern Ireland
- An infrastructure bank on the project financing of a 16MW waste wood CHP power plant in Foyle Port, the first of its type in Northern Ireland
- A utility in respect of several high profile regulatory disputes
Market Recommendations
"Mark Stockdale has excellent knowledge of the energy and renewables sector and complements the banking team on energy-related transactions. He has a strong network in the energy sector, and is very approachable and easy to deal with." (Legal 500 UK 2020)
"Mark Stockdale is … recognised for his "very strong technical knowledge in the energy sector" by market commentators. He has particular expertise advising on project financing and M&A transactions." (Chambers & Partners 2019)
Praised by sources who say: "His knowledge and expertise in the natural resources space is second to none." He advises on a full range of transactional energy matters." (Chambers & Partners 2018)
"Stands out for his energy expertise," according to peers, while a client reports that "he's really becoming the go-to guy in Belfast for such matters." He has a strong practice in project finance and project development in the energy sector. (Chambers & Partners 2017)
Professional activities
Mark is a member of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group and the Corporate & Commercial Lawyers Group for Northern Ireland.
Education
- Solicitor, Law Society of Northern Ireland, 2010; Law Society of England & Wales, 2008
- Law Society of Ireland (2019 pending)
- Legal Practice Course, Bristol Law School, 2006
- LL.B and LL.M Law, Queens University Belfast, 2004
Mark Stockdale
Partner, Corporate and M&A
Belfast