Law360 Quotes Ike Emehelu and Matt Kapinos on DOE Loan Programs Office

For its article “Energy Dept. Poised to Unlease A Gusher Of Loans,” Law360 quoted Akin’s Ike Emehelu and Matt Kapinos, co-chairs of the firm’s projects & energy transition practice. The article explores how the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office is administering applications for loans under the Inflation Reduction Act.

"The pool of interested applicants has vastly expanded because the DOE is increasingly focused on the energy transition, rather than just clean energy generation like wind and solar," said Ike Emehelu, who added that companies are getting a better sense of whether they will be able to secure a loan earlier in the application process.

"Our clients have had initial screening interviews with the DOE ... they're kind of acting like a normal bank in some way," said Matt Kapinos. "If you start early and you investigate, the DOE helps you figure out the best way to get your application in."