Energy & natural
resources

Briefings in English - 2008

In recent times, the role that business needs to play in helping fight climate change has received increasing attention. At the same time, many have argued that efforts to combat climate change will provide corporate, as well as environmental, benefit. This report introduces one approach to measuring the contribution made by business to fighting climate change, as well as the corporate success it may (or may not) bring. (September 2008)

On 1 January 2009, the new German Renewable Energies Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz; EEG 2009), the material economic framework for renewable energy projects in Germany, will enter into force. It contains a number of amendments to the regulation of renewable energy plants in Germany. This briefing outlines some major changes made since the first draft of the EEG 2009 was published in autumn 2007. (July 2008)

In recent times, the role that business needs to play in helping fight climate change has received increasing attention. At the same time, many have argued that efforts to combat climate change will provide corporate, as well as environmental, benefit. This report introduces one approach to measuring the contribution made by business to fighting climate change, as well as the corporate success it may (or may not) bring. (June 2008)

At the March 2007 European Council summit, EU member states committed themselves to cutting the EU’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 per cent by 2020, compared with 1990 levels, with a promise to move to 30 per cent if other industrialised countries follow suit. After some delay and intense behind-the-scenes lobbying by the member states and industry, the Commission finally published a package of legislative proposals designed to achieve these targets on 23 January. (March 2008)

The worldwide trade in pure biodiesel and the biodiesel-mixture B99 is increasing considerably, namely the import of the fuel into the European Union. One of the issues traders have to observe is the customs law classification of the product. Both types of biodiesel are, as of 1 January 2008, to be classified under the new CN Subheading 3824 9091. Before that date, they had to be classified under CN Subheading 3824 9098.

In an attempt to overcome these problems the recently published energy and planning white papers propose what amounts to a preferential regulatory system for nationally significant infrastructure projects that should, among other matters, ensure the delivery of the new energy generation capacity that the government envisages will be required in the next two decades. This involves further changes to the development consents regime, beyond those already introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 for major infrastructure projects. (January 2008)

Briefings in English - 2007

Following a public consultation on the UK government’s draft Climate Change Bill earlier this year (see our briefing Environment: proposed UK climate change bill April 2007), an amended bill has now been introduced into parliament with a view to it becoming law early next year.

The European Council summit in March 2007 committed the EU member states to radical greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, energy efficiency and renewables targets. The Berlin Declaration issued shortly afterwards echoes the commitments made. Emissions reduction and renewable energy will be at the heart of the agenda for the upcoming G8 summit hosted by Germany. The EU has also signalled its intention to play a leading part in negotiating the international agreement that will replace the Kyoto Protocol when it expires in 2012. GHG emissions reduction, energy efficiency measures and the increased use of renewable energy will therefore play an increasingly important role in shaping policy at the EU level. Difficult negotiations and legislative action will be required, however, before these policy initiatives are translated into a new regulatory framework. (May 2007)

Briefings in English - 2006

Vietnam's 1996 law on minerals has been amended by a new law. The revised law provides the basis for a 'mineral master plan', any mining activities in violation of which are prohibited. It also clarifies the allocation of licensing authority for mineral-related projects between the central government and the local government and exempts mining of ordinary construction materials under a certain volume from the mining licence requirement. However, it does not address some outstanding issues of concern to investors from the 1996 law. (August 2006)

Briefings in English - 2005

The Venezuelan government is to terminate current operating agreements. Oil and gas companies have six months to agree new ventures with a government controlling share. Royalties have been increased and income tax rates are to rise sharply. (May 2005)

The European Commission intends to review the way the EU's energy markets operate. Its investigation, which is expected to start in May 2005, will look at how competitive the energy markets are and whether the Commission needs to take enforcement action to increase competitiveness. (March 2005)

Briefings in Italian - 2005

La Commissione europea ha intenzione di dare avvio ad una approfondita indagine conoscitiva sul funzionamento dei mercati energetici negli Stati membri. (Aprile 2005)

Briefings in English - 2004

This guide introduces our dispute resolution team for the energy sector in Asia and our experience in regional arbitration in its many and varied guises. (November 2004)

For information on the different formats of our publications, please view our accessibility page.

Search publications

News

Freshfields advises on significant Central Asia pipeline View

Freshfields advises the Government of Bahrain on Al Dur Independent Water and Power Project View

Our carbon economy team

Read about our carbon economy team

Corporate social responsibility report