About Harm Kerstholt
Harm Kerstholt is a partner at AKD, specialising in the energy sector. With over 25 years of experience, he advises on M&A, joint ventures and renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, solar and hydrogen.
Harm is a member of AKD's Energy Industry Team. This team provides integrated legal support across all areas of law relevant to the energy transition. AKD's practice covers renewable energy, district heating, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and public and private grids. It supports clients on projects as well as disputes. The team advises clients throughout their project lifecycle, from early development and permitting to decommissioning, bringing together expertise in regulation, project development, contracting and financing, with a focus on the interaction between stakeholders, systems and projects driving the transition. AKD represent clients in disputes with regulators, public authorities and contracting parties, frequently in test cases on recent European and domestic energy laws.
At AKD, Harm guides clients through complex transactions and projects, ensuring compliance with Dutch and EU regulations. Clients praise his practical approach, with Legal 500 noting:
“Harm Kerstholt is a best-in-class corporate energy lawyer… providing creative solutions for complex matters, he is a hard-working lawyer, down to earth, polite, amiable, and able to achieve the best results for his client.”
Previously, Harm was a partner at a leading Dutch law firm, where he advised on major energy transactions, including significant investments in energy infrastructure and offshore wind projects.
His work covers acquisitions, divestments and project financings, with a focus on ESG integration and Dutch climate objectives. From 2016 to 2019, Harm worked in New York, handling cross-border deals and advising on US–European joint ventures. This gives him a broad, international perspective.
A 1998 graduate of the University of Groningen, he combines deep legal expertise with market insight. At AKD, Harm supports energy companies, project sponsors and public entities in navigating the energy transition, contributing to the firm’s commitment to practical, client-focused legal services in a rapidly evolving sector.