Legal firm Walkers acted as Bermuda counsel to the Saturn Power group as it progressed the development of a solar-powered electricity generation plant at LF Wade International Airport.

A six megawatt solar farm has been created, which will annually generate energy equivalent to that needed to power 1,100 homes. The 24,000 solar panels are installed on the 19-acre site known as “The Finger”.

Saturn Power is an independent power producer based in Ontario which develops, engineers, owns and operates solar, wind and energy storage projects throughout the world. The granting of an operating licence for the solar farm, with effect from April 28, means that Saturn has been approved to become the first independent power producer on the island.

The Walkers team was led by partner Jonathan Betts and included partners, Kevin Taylor and Natalie Neto, senior associates Nathalie West and Rachel Nightingale, associate Ben Green and pupil Malacia Madden.

Mr Betts said: “We are very proud to have advised the team at Saturn on this project. It has been 3½ years since we were first engaged and it has been a pleasure to work with Saturn throughout the tender, development and construction, financing and regulatory processes. The grant of the operating licence is fantastic news and a testament to the Saturn team’s commitment to making this important innovative project a reality for Bermuda.”

Neel Bungaroo, executive vice-president, general counsel for Saturn Power Inc, said: “Walkers has been an invaluable partner for Saturn Power during this process. From their experience and acuity with the Bermudian legal system to their leadership and advice in dealing with the Regulatory Authority and the Government, Saturn benefited greatly from our work with Walkers and most notably from the tireless work and dedication Jonathan put into advising Saturn on its Bermudian legal affairs.”