Last week, construction partner Jack Kennedy of Addleshaw Goddard moderated a panel at the European Infrastructure Conference 2026, bringing together leaders from across the infrastructure sector to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing governments, investors and project sponsors: how to successfully deliver infrastructure projects of strategic national importance.
The discussion formed part of a wider conference agenda focused on Europe's evolving infrastructure landscape, with attendees debating the opportunities and challenges arising from the energy transition, digital transformation, funding requirements and project delivery pressures that will shape the next generation of infrastructure investment across Europe.
As a sponsor of the conference, Addleshaw Goddard was pleased to contribute to these important conversations and to share practical insights drawn from advising clients across the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from development and procurement through to financing, construction, operations and dispute resolution.
The ingredients of successful strategic infrastructure projects
A key highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on delivering projects of strategic national importance, moderated by Jack Kennedy and featuring David Shaw of Addleshaw Goddard, Gary Gibson of Uisce Éireann, Lisa Reynolds of Turner & Townsend (client partner on MetroLink) and Simon Rhoden of Amey.
Drawing on experience from major infrastructure programmes, the panel explored the characteristics that distinguish successful projects from those that encounter delay, cost escalation and/or disputes.
Several themes emerged consistently throughout the discussion.
Early planning and stakeholder alignment
Major infrastructure projects face increasing complexity, whether from regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, stakeholder engagement or supply chain constraints. Panellists emphasised that successful outcomes are often determined long before construction begins.
Clear project objectives, robust governance structures and early alignment between project sponsors, delivery teams, funders and public authorities create stronger foundations for effective delivery and better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Collaboration and risk allocation
The discussion highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration across all project participants. Infrastructure projects increasingly involve numerous stakeholders, each with different commercial drivers and responsibilities.
Panellists noted that balanced and realistic risk allocation remains critical. Projects are most successful when risks are allocated to the parties best positioned to manage them, reducing the likelihood of disputes and helping maintain programme certainty. Innovation, transparency and collaborative working practices were identified as increasingly important tools in navigating project complexity and delivery challenges.
Dispute avoidance rather than dispute resolution
While dispute resolution remains a key point of consideration for any infrastructure project, the panel focused heavily on dispute avoidance strategies.
Early intervention, effective contract management, clear communication pathways and proactive risk identification were identified as practical measures that can reduce project friction before issues escalate. As infrastructure programmes become larger and more complex, preventing disputes from arising in the first place can deliver significant benefits in terms of cost, delivery timelines and stakeholder relationships.
Infrastructure trends shaping the market
Beyond project delivery, the conference provided valuable insights into the broader trends influencing infrastructure investment across Europe. Three themes dominated discussions throughout the event.
Energy transition and grid investment
Significant investment continues to be directed towards renewable generation, battery storage, electricity networks and energy security initiatives.
A recurring theme was that the challenge is no longer simply developing generation projects. Increasing attention is being focused on ensuring that grid infrastructure, network capacity and regulatory frameworks can support the scale of deployment required to meet decarbonisation and energy security objectives.
Growth of digital infrastructure
The rapid expansion of AI, cloud computing and data-driven services continues to drive investment in data centres, connectivity networks and wider digital infrastructure.
Conference delegates highlighted growing demand for sites, power capacity and planning approvals, creating both opportunities and challenges for developers, investors and public authorities. Access to energy infrastructure in particular is becoming a critical factor in enabling future digital growth.
Increasing demand for private capital
With governments across Europe facing competing fiscal demands, private investment is expected to play an increasingly important role in delivering major infrastructure programmes.
This is generating renewed interest in public-private partnership models, alternative financing structures and long-term institutional investment, particularly in sectors such as energy, transport, water and digital infrastructure.
Looking ahead
The conversations at the conference reinforced that infrastructure sits at the intersection of economic growth, energy security and digital transformation. Delivering ambitious investment plans will require not only capital, but also effective planning, collaboration and risk management.
Looking ahead, continued investment is expected across energy networks, renewable generation, battery storage, hydrogen initiatives, digital connectivity and AI-related infrastructure. As these programmes expand in scale and complexity, organisations that can successfully align stakeholders, manage risk and deliver projects efficiently will be best positioned to realise their objectives.
The conference provided a valuable forum for sharing experience, strengthening relationships and advancing discussion around the future of European infrastructure. Addleshaw Goddard was delighted to support the event and contribute to the debate on how strategically important projects can be delivered successfully, sustainably and at pace.
