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Katie Best

Special Counsel
About

Katie helps clients turn ambitious energy and infrastructure projects into reality. With more than 15 years' experience advising sponsors and lenders, she operates at the intersection of capital, infrastructure and the global energy transition.

Katie focuses on complex financing transactions across the renewable energy and infrastructure sector, including project finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, export credit agency financing, corporate lending, derivatives and sustainability-linked financings. She has advised on some of the market's most significant solar, wind and battery storage financings, working across the UK, Europe and Australia.

Known for combining technical excellence with commercial pragmatism, Katie is frequently called upon to navigate novel financing structures, multi-jurisdictional transactions and stakeholder-heavy projects. She has led award-winning financings, developed innovative funding platforms for renewable energy portfolios and helped clients unlock capital for large-scale energy transition investments.

Clients value Katie's collaborative style, strategic thinking and ability to find practical solutions to complex challenges. A trusted adviser to sponsors, lenders and investors, she is known for building strong, long-term client relationships and helping organisations navigate complex strategic and financing decisions. Her commitment to client service has been recognised through Client Choice and other industry awards, reflecting both the quality of her advice and the strength of the relationships she develops. Whether coordinating cross-border lender groups, supporting first-of-kind financings or helping clients execute growth strategies, she is focused on delivering outcomes that move projects forward.

Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, 2022Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, 2007
Education
  • Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law, Sydney (2007)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Sydney (2005)

  • Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours), University of Sydney (2003)

EXPERIENCE

  • A syndicate of international banks on a GBP245m financing for the construction of a 500 MW battery energy storage system project in Scotland. The project is the sponsor’s first stand-alone battery storage project in the UK and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in Q3 2027.*
  • Two international banks on a EUR60m senior secured debt financing of a portfolio of nine battery energy storage projects in Germany, totalling approximately 112 MW (238 MWh) of installed capacity.*
  • A global renewable energy producer on an innovative construction bridge financing platform of up to EUR1bn supporting its European and UK renewable energy pipeline, including solar projects, co-located and standalone battery storage assets and repowering initiatives. Katie led the delivery of a complex hybrid bond and loan structure involving multiple jurisdictions.*
  • A syndicate of ten banks on a non-recourse multi-currency EUR1.3bn green financing for the construction and development of renewable energy projects across Europe. The financing will enable the construction of nearly 2 GW of solar and battery storage assets located primarily in Spain and the UK, as well as Italy, the Netherlands, France and Germany.*
  • A global solar energy developer on a USD1.8bn revolving credit facility supporting its global renewable energy growth strategy. The transaction involved multi-currency and trade finance features across multiple jurisdictions.*
  • A syndicate of commercial and institutional lenders on a EUR372m loan for the long-term financing of a 736 MW solar photovoltaic portfolio in Spain.*
  • A syndicate of international banks as lenders on the EUR391m refinancing of a portfolio of seven wind parks with a total installed capacity of 242 MW in two Spanish provinces.*
  • Financiers to an institutional investor and an infrastructure fund manager on the AUD2.3bn privatisation and long-term lease acquisition of a major Australian desalination plant. The matter involved a syndicate of international and domestic lenders and an export credit agency.*
  • An Australian infrastructure fund on its borrowing base debt facility and various project finance facilities, including in respect of electricity assets and wind farms in south-eastern Australia.*

* Experience gained before joining DLA Piper.