Introduction
Ernest Chung is a project finance attorney focused on international and domestic infrastructure and energy projects. He advises financial institutions, sponsors, governments, and multilateral institutions in the development and financing of complex natural resource, infrastructure, and energy projects, especially in a cross-border context. Ernest’s practice also includes a wide variety of matters such as acquisition, equipment, trade and structured finance transactions, and general corporate and commercial law.
My focus
Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources
I advise domestic and international clients that are developing and financing major infrastructure, energy and natural resource projects. Often these projects are important on a societal level and involve the combination of public and private sector funding and resources. Helping clients to achieve success in this context requires me to help bring numerous parties, often with competing objectives and interests, to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Renewable Energy
I advise project developers, investors, financial institutions and other project participants on the development and financing of renewable energy projects, including those based on solar and wind technologies. Successful financings in this sector often require the blending of numerous sources of private and public sector funding. My familiarity with many of these financing sources and their institutional requirements helps me to assist renewable energy developers, investors and lenders to structure “bankable” projects.
International Projects
I have helped my clients to build and finance successful projects around the globe. In addition to my domestic work, I have extensive experience representing project lenders and sponsors in emerging markets, including the countries of the former Soviet Union, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Looking ahead
There is a widening gap, both domestically and abroad, between the need for investment in infrastructure (including energy infrastructure) and the availability of traditional public sector resources to fund this investment. To address this gap effectively, public and private sector funding, skills and other resources will need to be combined and leveraged in innovative ways. We expect to deploy our extensive experience representing both governmental and private parties on successful project financings to help public and private sector clients deliver infrastructure and energy assets in new and effective ways.
In the news
- Press Release
Nixon Peabody advises Galway Sustainable Capital in strategic sustainable agriculture investment
Nixon Peabody LLP is proud to have recently represented Galway Sustainable Capital in its strategic investment in Yield Resource Management Group (Yield RMG), a privately held developer and manager of sustainable agriculture, water and energy products. Read the press release.Feb 17, 2023 - Project Finance & Infrastructure Journal
Nixon Peabody hires energy partner in New York
The following coverage highlights the arrival of New York City Energy & Environmental partner Ernie Chung.Feb 9, 2016
Admitted to practice
New York
Education
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Harvard College, A.B., magna cum laude
Professional activities
- Association of the Bar of the City of New York
- Committee on Project Finance, former chair
- American Bar Association
- Sections on Business Law and Environmental, Energy and Resources
- International Bar Association
- Sections on Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources, and on Infrastructure
- Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
- United Nations Association of the United States of America
Recognition
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the field of Energy Law
- Recognized as a leading individual in projects law by Chambers USA and Chambers Global for his acclaimed representation of developers, commercial banks, export credit agencies and development finance institutions in project finance matters
- Chambers Global “Leader in the Field” for Project Finance (2019 and 2018 editions)
Pro bono services
- Led team under the auspices of the American Bar Association and the United Nations Development Program that advised on the drafting of a comprehensive new Minerals Law for Afghanistan
- Served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Business Advisory Council for the Greater Tumen Initiative
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllScott R. Singer
Partner- New York
- Office:+1 212.940.3182Mobile:+1 917.886.5967
- ssinger@nixonpeabody.com
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Virginia Wong
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Project Finance and Public Finance- New York
- Office:+1 212.940.3028
- vwong@nixonpeabody.com
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