Energy Law module (CP40001)

Understanding the intricate relationship between legislation, regulation, and policy is essential in navigating the energy industries. This is particularly true in the gas and electricity sectors.

In this module, you will delve into how governments use legal and regulatory tools to implement policy decisions. These in turn shape these industries.

You will also explore:

• the increasing role of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions
• the potential contribution of regulated nuclear energy
• the critical interplay between these factors and commercial contracts
• infrastructure provision
• the supply of essential minerals

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• understand how the 2023 Energy Act attempts to maintain energy security. You will learn about how it also adheres to the goal of a transition to a cleaner economy by 2050. This is in line with the Paris Agreement
• review the ways that commercial contracts are used in the import and export of gas
• understand how the tensions between energy and environmental law, energy and competition law are resolved in the context of international law
• learn about policy in the renewable energy, gas and nuclear energy sectors
• understand the supply chain cross-border challenges for law

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• carry out an independent analysis of a legal and regulatory regime or proposed structural reform of an energy business
• examine the regulatory challenges likely to face a renewable energy company as it starts up and expands
• critically examine the policy debates. You will also be able to examine the implementation of policy changes. These will relate to the energy industry

Assignments / assessment

• written assignment (2,500-3,000 words) (30%)
• open-book exam (70%)

Teaching methods / timetable

Teaching in this module is conducted via a combination of:

• face-to-face lectures
• seminars by invited speakers, which address special issues and case studies
• practical classes, where you will make presentations
• independent study

This module is available at Levels 3 and 4. You are only able to take one version of this module.