Energy, Utilities & Natural Resources
The Energy, Utilities & Natural Resources sector stands at the core of economic development, public infrastructure, and the transition toward sustainability. It encompasses electricity and gas markets, renewable energy generation, water and utility services, as well as the exploration and use of natural resources. The sector is characterised by intensive regulation, long-term investments, and strong public interest, making legal certainty a critical factor for stability and growth.
Energy and utilities activities operate within complex licensing, tariff, and regulatory regimes, often involving sector regulators, public authorities, and cross-border frameworks. Projects in conventional and renewable energy require alignment with rules on grid access, state aid, environmental protection, and market competition. At the same time, natural resource activities—such as extraction, processing, and land use—are subject to concession systems, environmental impact assessments, and sustainability obligations.
The sector is undergoing profound transformation driven by decarbonisation policies, energy security considerations, and EU climate objectives, which with the current political situation may change. Renewable integration, emissions reduction, infrastructure modernisation, and resilience planning increasingly shape commercial and regulatory decision-making. Operators must navigate evolving European and national legislation while balancing operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and public accountability.
Our approach to Energy, Utilities & Natural Resources integrates regulatory precision with strategic and commercial awareness. By structuring projects, compliance frameworks, and transactions with clarity and foresight, we support lawful development, operational continuity, and responsible resource management in one of the most legally complex and economically significant sectors in Europe.
Relevant Legislation
European Legislation
1. Energy Markets & Market Regulation
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Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity
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Regulation (EU) 2019/943 on the internal market for electricity
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Directive 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2009 on conditions for access to natural gas transmission networks
These acts regulate market access, pricing transparency, grid operation, and consumer rights in electricity and gas markets across the EU.
2. Renewable Energy & Energy Transition
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Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II)
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Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III – revised)
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Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law)
They establish binding targets for renewable energy deployment, decarbonisation, and climate neutrality, directly affecting energy producers, utilities, and infrastructure operators.
3. Energy Efficiency & Buildings
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Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791
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Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU) 2010/31/EU (as amended)
These rules impose obligations on energy savings, efficiency measures, and building performance, impacting utilities, public infrastructure, and large energy consumers.
4. Utilities, Water & Public Services
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Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC
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Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184
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Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC
They regulate water supply, wastewater treatment, and quality standards, forming the legal backbone of water and utility services across the EU.
5. Environmental Protection & Natural Resources
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Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU (as amended by 2014/52/EU)
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Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC
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Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (IED)
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Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC & Birds Directive 2009/147/EC
These acts govern resource extraction, infrastructure development, environmental permits, and biodiversity protection.
6. State Aid, Competition & Public Procurement
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Articles 107–109 TFEU (State Aid)
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Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (CEEAG)
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Public Procurement Directives 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU
They are central to energy projects involving public funding, concessions, and regulated utilities.
Bulgarian Legislation
1. Energy & Utilities Regulation
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Energy Act
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Energy from Renewable Sources Act
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Energy Efficiency Act
These laws regulate licensing, production, transmission, distribution, pricing, and market participation in the Bulgarian energy sector.
2. Regulatory Authorities
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Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC / КЕВР) – pricing, licensing, and supervision
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Ministry of Energy – policy and strategic planning
3. Water & Utilities
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Water Act
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Regulation on Water Supply and Sewerage Services
They govern water resource management, concessions, pricing, and utility service obligations.
4. Natural Resources & Subsoil Use
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Subsoil Resources Act (
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Concessions Act
These acts regulate exploration, extraction, and use of mineral resources, including concession procedures and state ownership regimes.
5. Environmental & Land Use Regulation
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Environmental Protection Act
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Biological Diversity Act
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Spatial Development Act
They govern environmental permits, EIAs, land-use planning, and infrastructure development.
Other Industries
