Comprehensive 360° Legal Counsel for Energy, Industrial, and Public-Sector Clients
I’m David Engel, an attorney specializing in energy, environmental, and public economic law.
With many years of experience advising both private companies and public-sector clients in leading national and international law firms, I now also serve as in-house counsel for a global industrial gases company.
My dual perspective — as both external counsel and corporate lawyer — allows me to understand the legal, economic, and regulatory challenges of the energy and industrial sectors from every angle.
I provide tailored, cost-efficient legal support in energy and environmental law, public economic and regulatory law, national and international contract law, and litigation.
Learn more about me.
Energy Law
Energy law has always been complex, dynamic, and deeply shaped by politics.
Today, the sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by decarbonisation, electrification, the rise of the hydrogen economy, new market roles, and the pursuit of energy sovereignty and security.
Industrial companies, utilities, and municipal operators must now balance their core business with an ever-growing set of legal, economic, and regulatory requirements.
I advise clients on all aspects of energy law, particularly at the intersection of contract structuring, regulation, funding, and infrastructure projects.
Public Sector and Regulatory Law
Public economic law governs the intersection between government and business — where entrepreneurial activity meets regulatory oversight.
In the energy sector, in infrastructure projects, and within municipal services and ownership structures, a precise understanding of these interfaces is essential for sound legal and commercial decisions.
I advise companies, public authorities, and municipal enterprises on all aspects of public economic and procurement law — from legally compliant tendering and contract implementation to project structuring and governance models.
Commercial and Contract Law
Long-term partnerships between energy companies, industrial enterprises, municipalities, and municipal utilities — as well as one-off transactions of substantial economic value — require a solid, clear, and legally sound contractual foundation.
With my background as a lawyer and in-house counsel in the industrial sector, contract drafting is one of my core strengths.
I draft, review, and refine contract templates, model agreements, and bespoke arrangements — from strategic structuring to final negotiation.
EU State Aid and Public Funding
Whenever public authorities grant financial support or advantages to companies, EU state aid law applies.
I ensure the legal compliance and structuring of funded projects – whether through the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), public service compensation (entrustment acts), or the Private Investor Test (Market Economy Operator Principle).
I support companies in assessing funding opportunities, identifying and mitigating legal risks, preparing and submitting applications, and communicating with funding authorities.
My services also include contract negotiation within funding consortia (e.g. climate protection contracts) and assistance with compliance obligations, such as sustainability and procurement requirements.
PPA and Green Hydrogen
I provide legally sound structuring and negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) – long-term electricity supply contracts for renewable energy projects.
My advisory work covers all phases of renewable energy project development – from land acquisition and permitting to operation and compliance.
For decarbonisation projects, I support the development of electrolysis plants and the certification and trading of renewable hydrogen in line with RFNBO and RED III requirements.
My focus lies on economically and regulatory robust contract structures – from project development through to proof-of-origin and documentation.
Litigation and Dispute Regulation
I represent your interests both out of court and before German state courts and arbitral tribunals — particularly in contractual disputes, warranty claims, damages, and liability matters.
Clients benefit from my experience in numerous court proceedings and from my longstanding perspective as corporate counsel.
This dual background allows me to combine legal strategy with commercial insight — understanding not only the legal tactics, but also the economic, regulatory, and strategic considerations that drive your business decisions.
Climate and Environmental Law
Environmental compliance, emissions trading (EU ETS, nEHS), and ESG reporting obligations are creating growing legal and organisational challenges for companies.
I advise on the authorisation and implementation of projects focused on climate protection, carbon pricing, and sustainability — in particular those involving green and blue hydrogen as well as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
I also support clients in corporate communication and sustainability strategies, ensuring legally compliant environmental claims (“green claims”) and consistent ESG-aligned messaging.