Paul Hastings Secures Complete Defense Verdict in $70 Million Trial

Paul Hastings LLP earned a complete defense verdict on behalf of Innogy Renewables US LLC (now known as RWE Renewables Americas LLC) in a dispute over the construction of a 126-megawatt renewable energy wind project in Western New York. 

In Trireme Energy Holdings Inc. v. Innogy Renewables US LLC, Trireme claimed that Innogy breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in connection with the construction of the Cassadaga Project, a wind farm in Western New York. Specifically, Trireme alleged that Innogy deliberately delayed construction of the project in order to avoid paying Trireme an approximately $70 million earn-out payment. On December 14, 2023, after a five-day bench trial in the Southern District of New York before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon, the Court ruled that there was no evidence to support Trireme’s claim that Innogy deliberately delayed the project and awarded a complete defense verdict to Innogy. In her opinion, Judge Rochon emphasized Innogy’s efforts to work to complete the wind farm project despite COVID-19-related and other delays.

Complex Litigation and Arbitration partner Susan Leader led the Paul Hastings team, which also included associate Paul C. Gross. 

More details about the decision can be found here. 

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