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Energy

Varnum provides strategic legal counsel across the energy sector, advising clients on project development, regulatory compliance, transactions, and litigation.

Our attorneys have substantial expertise in renewable energy, energy storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging, conventional energy, and data center energy and infrastructure. With attorneys experienced as former in-house counsel, policy advisors, and Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) leaders, we help clients navigate complex regulations and turn regulatory challenges into actionable strategies.

We represent energy producers, developers, off-takers, municipal and tribal utilities, investors, lenders, manufacturers, data centers, and large energy users. We also advise trade associations and nonprofit energy organizations. We support Michigan’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future by helping clients navigate regulatory hurdles, advance innovative projects, and achieve their business objectives.

Clean, Renewable, and Alternative Energy

Varnum represents clients across the renewable and alternative energy spectrum, including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, biogas, and waste-to-energy. We provide support in:

  • Project Planning & Development – Permitting, site selection, and approvals at the state and local level.
  • Financing & Incentives – Structuring financing and securing grants, tax credits, and other incentives.
  • Contracts & Agreements – Drafting and negotiating power purchase agreements (PPAs), engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contracts, interconnection agreements, and leases.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Review – Ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local laws and conducting environmental due diligence.
  • Real Estate Support – Managing acquisitions, leases, easements, and title review.
  • Community Engagement – Supporting outreach and public education to build local support.

Energy Storage and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

We advise advanced energy storage (AES) companies, including Michigan’s lithium-ion battery sector. Our team guides clients through all aspects of project development, from financing, permitting, and construction to interconnection agreements. We draft tolling, capacity supply, and hybrid system PPAs, advise on regulatory compliance, and help clients manage risks such as fire, system failure, or performance loss.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

Varnum helps clients develop and operate EV charging projects. We provide guidance on regulatory compliance, permitting, financing, and incentives, including grants, rebates, tax credits, and public-private partnerships (P3s). Our team also supports interconnection, grid integration, commercial agreements, cybersecurity, data privacy, and strategic partnerships, including franchise and joint-venture projects.

Conventional Energy

We provide multidisciplinary support in the conventional energy sector, including regulatory compliance, permitting, site acquisitions, contracting, idle well capping and site remediation, and emission credits. We represent businesses ranging from independent producers to national energy companies.

Energy Interconnection, Transmission, and Power Purchase

Our attorneys have decades of experience helping clients move electricity from generation to end users. We handle interconnection agreements, transmission service agreements (TSAs) and PPAs, align strategies with sustainability and ESG goals, and advise on transmission policies, federal incentives, grid modernization, and renewable integration.

Data Centers

Varnum provides full legal support for data center development, construction, and operation. From project planning and siting to environmental, energy, corporate, and tax matters, we guide clients through the evolving regulatory environment. Our team works across municipal, real estate, labor, and litigation disciplines to deliver practical, business-focused solutions for developers, operators, and investors. Learn more about Varnum’s Data Center Practice Team.

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“Varnum has top-notch advice and strategy. Excellent team for our energy related needs.”

President, Michigan Business Association

Varnum serves a wide range of clients in the energy industry

Varnum’s energy clients include:

  • Independent power producers and co-generators
  • Renewable and alternative energy developers, including wind, solar, biomass, hydro, and storage
  • Energy project investors and lenders
  • Alternative electric suppliers
  • Oil, gas, and nuclear energy producers
  • Manufacturers of energy equipment and components
  • Large commercial, industrial, and institutional energy users, including data centers
  • Municipally and tribally owned electric utilities
  • Trade associations, nonprofits, and industry organizations

Meet the Team

Our attorneys are routinely recognized for their excellence and ability to litigate, negotiate and advise clients by Top Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Chambers USA and more.

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Environmental and Natural Resources

Varnum helps clients understand and operate successfully in the changing landscape of federal, state and local environmental requirements.

We have developed deep experience in representing clients in judicial and administrative environmental enforcement proceedings at the federal, state and local levels – including alternative dispute resolution.

Learn more about Varnum's Environmental and Natural Resources Practice

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