Paul Butcher

Herbert Smith Freehills

Paul specialises in public private partnerships and regulated utilities. He has extensive experience advising both public and private sector organisations and has particular expertise in regulatory and contractual issues relating to the energy, infrastructure and defence sectors.

Paul’s experience includes advising on the introduction of new regulatory regimes, sector privatisations, restructurings, infrastructure projects and other complex government procurements. Paul is focused on delivering commercial solutions for clients operating in sectors that frequently encounter complex commercial and legal issues.

For over 8 years Paul has played one of the leading roles in relation to negotiations with the UK Government on EDF's new nuclear project at Hinkley point C.

He has also advised nuclear operators, contractors and the Ministry of Defence in relation to nuclear liability issues.

Paul is now playing a leading role for Herbert Smith Freehills in relation to Brexit and sits on the firms' Brexit Client Services Committee; Knowledge and Technical Committee and the Firm Working Group.

Contributed to

2

Advanced nuclear technology plants—plans and prospects for the UK

Practice notes

This Practice Note summarises the evolving policy and regulatory position in respect of the potential future deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the UK. (The term SMR referring to advanced smaller-scale nuclear reactors with a capacity of between 300–700 megawatts.) Details of (and links to) key policy documents are included, together with an overview of the position in respect of licensing, planning, siting, decommissioning and insurance.

Energy

Radioactive waste—geological disposal facilities

Practice notes

This Practice Note considers the current status of nuclear geological disposal and the governance of geological disposal facilities in the UK. It was produced in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills.

Energy