Michael Watson
Biography
Legal 500 UAE: Oil, Gas and Natural Resources 2021
“…garners praise from interviewees as a go-to figure for “more strategic and high-level advice,” as well as being “commercially very strong.”
Chambers & Partners Global, Projects & Energy 2020
Overview
Michael is Head of White & Case's EMEA Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance Group, co-Head of the Global Energy Group and a member of the ESG core team.
Michael is a renowned specialist across the energy spectrum, trusted by government instutitions, national oil companies, sponsors and lenders to drive industry-defining projects. He has an impressive track record having advised on the largest low carbon ammonia project, the largest single site solar PV project, the largest unconventional gas development outside of the United States, the largest reverse osmosis water project and the only nuclear plant in the Middle East.
This broad experience on the most complex energy projects means Michael is well positioned to handle the legal complexities of the energy transition. Clients routinely commend his robust experience handling ambitious, first-of-a-kind and largest-scale projects.
Experience
US$12.4 billion infrastructure investment deal
Representation of Saudi Aramco on a long term infrastructure deal with a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG), one of the world's leading infrastructure investors, to optimize its assets through a lease-and-lease-back arrangement involving its stabilized crude oil pipeline network.
World's Largest Single Site Solar Project
Representation of EWEC on the procurement and financing of the US$886 million development of the 2 GW Al Dhafra solar photovoltaic (PV) power project in Abu Dhabi.
Asia Pacific Petrochemicals Deal of the Year: RAPID
Representation of Saudi Aramco on the development and financing of the US$15.3 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) joint venture with Petronas in the southern Malaysian state of Johor.
US$20 billion Sadara chemical project, Saudi Arabia
Representation of Saudi Aramco in connection with the US$20 billion Sadara chemical, a joint venture with The Dow Chemical Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
US$35 billion nuclear project, Abu Dhabi
Representation of the Abu Dhabi energy sector in connection with the US$35 billion Barakah nuclear project being developed in Abu Dhabi.
"It is Michael's ability to translate his downstream understanding into legal principles that really separates him from his peers."
Chambers Global 2022
"Michael Watson…stand[s] head and shoulders above all other attorneys when it comes to petrochemical projects."
Legal 500 EMEA, 2022
