This timely collection of essays examines the legal and regulatory dynamics of energy transitions in the context of emerging trends towards decarbonisation and low-carbon energy solutions. The book explores this topic by considering the applicable energy law and policy frameworks in both: (i) highly industrialised and major economies such as the US, EU, China and Australia; (ii) resource-rich developing countries such as Nigeria and regions like Southern Africa.
Comprising 16 chapters, the book delves into the tradeoffs and regulatory complexities of carbon-constraints in conventional energy supply systems, while maintaining a reliable and secure energy system that is equally sustainable (ie decarbonised). It highlights the importance of ensuring affordable access to energy services in developing economies as the energy transitions unfold and explores the potentials of emerging technologies such as hydrogen networks, power-to-gas and Carbon Capture and Storage. Additionally, the book also considers the international investment law implications of energy decarbonisation.
Focusing on the nexus between law, regulation and institutions, it adopts a contextual approach to examine how and to what extent institutions can effectively facilitate more reliable, sustainable and secure energy supply systems in the twenty-first century. This book portrays the conventional hydrocarbon-based energy supply industry in a largely international and interconnected context. It highlights the costs, benefits and losses that may arise as the transition towards decarbonisation unfolds depending on the pathways and solutions adopted.
With chapters written by leading experts in energy law and policy, the reader-friendly style and engaging discussions will benefit an international audience of policymakers, academics, students and advisers looking for a more incisive understanding of the issues involved in energy transitions and the decarbonisation of energy systems.
Introduction: Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World Tade Oyewunmi, Penelope Crossley, Kim Talus and Frédéric Sourgens PART I ENHANCING SECURE AND RELIABLE ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY 1. Tradeoffs and Tensions in the American Energy Transition David B Spence 2. The US Gas Supply Boom under Carbon Constraints: Examining the Role of Regulatory Institutions Tade Oyewunmi 3. Decarbonising Gas and Electricity Systems: An Outlook on Power-to-Gas and other Technology-Based Solutions Tade Oyewunmi 4. Economic Waste and Environmental Problems: Natural Gas Flaring in Texas Kim Talus and Cheri R Hasz 5. Global Governance Networks for Climate Change and Energy Investments Frédéric Gilles Sourgens 6. Investment Law and Decarbonisation Diane Desierto and Frédéric Gilles Sourgens 7. Private Mineral Rights and Africa’s Shale Gas Emeka Duruigbo 8. International Oil and Gas Operators and Decarbonisation Peter Kayode Oniemola 9. The Carbon Taxation Conundrum Frédéric Gilles Sourgens and Lori A McMillan PART II ENERGY TRANSITIONS: LAW AND REGULATION IN SELECTED COUNTRIES AND REGIONS 10. A Primer on United States Energy and Decarbonisation Policy Troy A Rule 11. The Integration of Renewable Energy Sources in the EU Electricity Grid: Adapting Current Market Rules to ‘New Market Realities’ Sirja-Leena Penttinen and Leonie Reins 12. Regulating Energy Supply in China Philip Andrews-Speed 13. Energy Law and Regulation in Nigeria – Prospects for Reliable Electricity Supply Tade Oyewunmi and Ivie Ehanmo 14. Australian Electricity Law and Policy in a Time of Energy Market Transition, National Emergency and Climate Crisis Penelope Crossley 15. Canada’s Emerging LNG Export Industry and the Project Approval Challenge Rudiger Tscherning 16. Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Transitions and Decarbonisation in Southern African Countries Victoria R Nalule and Smith I Azubuike Conclusion: An Exposition of a Contextual Approach to Energy and Decarbonisation Penelope Crossley, Tade Oyewunmi, Kim Talus and Frédéric Sourgens
Tade Oyewunmi is Assistant Professor of Law and Senior Energy Research Fellow at the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE), Vermont Law School. Penelope Crossley is Associate Professor of Energy and Resources Law at the University of Sydney Law School. Frédéric Gilles Sourgens is Professor of Law and Director of the Oil and Gas Law Center at Washburn University School of Law. Kim Talus is the James McCulloch Chair in Energy Law and Director of the Center for Energy Law at Tulane University Law School.
