Nicolas Celis

Nicolas advises on EU and national energy regulation and supports the development and financing of energy projects worldwide. His regulatory work covers electricity and gas market design, renewable energy frameworks, grid connection, capacity mechanisms, permits, decarbonization policies, carbon markets and climate transition plans. He regularly provides strategic guidance on compliance with EU ETS, CBAM, RED II/III, and related climate frameworks, including contractual implementation and risk management.

On the transactional side, Nicolas is experienced in structuring and negotiating renewable energy contracts, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), grant agreements and interconnection agreements. He also has a strong focus and proven track record in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hybrid projects, advising on contracts related to supply, installation, long-term services, route-to-market strategies, and grid access. He coordinates multi-jurisdictional advice within Baker McKenzie’s Energy and Infrastructure practice and supports M&A and project finance transactions through due diligence, project structuring, and risk allocation.

Nicolas has represented clients before national regulators and authorities (e.g., CREG, regional energy agencies, competition authorities) and prepared position papers, legal memoranda, and regulatory submissions. He also leads negotiations and strategic discussions with developers, off-takers, financiers, and public bodies to enable the deployment of large-scale renewable and storage projects.

• Herman De Winter prize in Ridder René Victor moot court competition