Quinn Emanuel Secures $72 Million Victory for Brazilian Energy Company in Landmark ICC Arbitration and in U.S. Court Action Against Chinese Solar Giant

In a hard-fought legal battle, Quinn Emanuel successfully represented a Brazilian energy company in its dispute with one of the largest Chinese solar panel manufacturers, securing a landmark victory in both an ICC International Arbitration and U.S. court proceedings.  The case, which centered on the breach of supply contracts for solar panels, culminated in a $72 million settlement, nearly 100% of the direct damages awarded by the ICC tribunal.

            Quinn Emanuel, alongside its Brazilian co-counsel Demarest Advogados (now XGIVS Advogados), secured a favorable decision for its client in the ICC International Arbitration, with the tribunal finding that the Chinese company had materially breached the contracts and awarding the Brazilian company nearly all its claimed direct damages, plus interest and legal fees, totaling over $70 million.

            However, the Chinese company refused to pay the award and attempted to vacate it, prompting further legal action.  Quinn Emanuel then successfully defeated the Chinese company’s petition to vacate the award in the Southern District of New York, while also securing confirmation of the arbitral award through a cross-petition.

            With the legal victory in hand, Quinn Emanuel escalated the pressure on the Chinese company by employing aggressive asset discovery tactics, freezing assets held by U.S. service providers, and subpoenaing a U.S. company involved in a highly valuable joint venture with the Chinese company.

            This strategic leverage led to a highly favorable settlement for Quinn Emanuel’s client, which ultimately will receive $72 million, along with strong protections to ensure the Chinese company will not renege on its agreement to pay.  The case serves as a critical precedent for breach of supply contracts in the renewable energy sector, where the fact that there are very few players for each supply chain means these players have enormous bargaining power, and highlights Quinn Emanuel’s ability to achieve exceptional results in complex international disputes.

            This victory not only secured significant financial compensation for our client but also solidified Quinn Emanuel’s position as a leader in handling high-stakes international arbitration and litigation, especially in industries like renewable energy where legal strategies can have far-reaching consequences.