The Future of Energy Newsletter - Autumn 2024
Written By
Partner
UK
I am a projects and regulatory partner and Chair and Co-Head of International Energy & Utilities Sector Group focused on energy innovation. My work has taken me around the globe.
We are proud to share our quarterly newsletter on the key international Energy & Utilities legal developments relating to the global energy transition.
Brought to you by the international Energy & Utilities Sector Group at Bird & Bird
In Focus
Unlocking Energy Storage: Revenue Streams and Regulations
Our inaugural report takes a global perspective on the role of energy storage systems in the clean energy transition and provides an overview of the energy storage market across key jurisdictions globally, sharing revenue streams, regulations, key innovations and technologies in the market to consider.
Read the full report
Corporate PPAs: An International Perspective - 2024 edition
We are pleased to release the 2024 edition of our International Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (Corporate PPAs) Report. This report looks at the main drivers propelling the growth of Corporate PPAs globally. It addresses several innovative deal structures and provides an overview of market considerations in key jurisdictions across Western and Eastern Europe, the Nordics, Asia- Pac and the USA.
Read the full report
Updates from our International Network
Finland: Government proposal for a law on tax credits for clean technology investments
In April 2024, the Finnish Government held its discussions on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2025-2028, releasing a plan to accelerate industrial investments through a temporary tax credit. The tax credit is aimed for large industrial investments supporting the transition to a net-zero economy, such as battery and hydrogen projects and fossil-free steel industry. In this article, we outline the key details and eligibility criteria of the legislative proposal.
For more information please contact Laura Huomo or Johanna Parkkinen.
Read the full story
UK Government announces key changes to CfD Scheme to boost clean energy
The new UK Government has made reforming the sector to make Britain a clean energy superpower a key pillar of its early energy strategy. In just over four months since the general election, the Government has progressed plans for a state-owned clean energy company in the form of GB Energy, acquired the Electricity System Operator (now National Energy System Operator (“NESO”), and has proposed grid connection reform. Our article explores the Government’s response to the CfD scheme consultation, detailing reforms for future rounds and extending CfD phasing to floating offshore wind projects.
For more information please contact Hadrien Espiard.
Read the full story
Are you ready for REMIT II? Essential updates for Algorithmic Traders
EMIT II (Regulation 2024/1106), amending REMIT (Regulation 1227/2011) with effect from 7 May 2024, introduces significant new requirements for market participants engaging in algorithmic trading. Its adoption shines a spotlight on an important tool in energy trading. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the new regulations and offers guidance on how to navigate the upcoming challenges.
For more information please contact Peter Willis or Kathryn Parker.
Read the full story
What does the UK's Autumn Budget 2024 mean for the Energy Sector?
The Autumn Budget 2024 was released on 30 October 2024 and among the announcements, which included a headline £40bn in tax rises, were some important points for the UK’s energy sector. These include green energy industry investment, tax alterations and regulatory changes. In chancellor Rachel Reeves words, this is with the aim of “delivering our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower”.
For more information please contact Michael Rudd.
Read the full story
Ofgem’s Consultation on the governance of the data sharing infrastructure (DSI)
Renewables and distributed energy systems are being deployed at scale to decarbonise the UK’s power system. Assets such as electric vehicles (EVs), solar photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, grid scale storage, and others, are enabling flexible energy generation, storage and distribution while generating large volumes of data. Capturing, analysing and sharing this data is key for an efficient system-wide transition to net-zero. In this article, we explore the UK's efforts to decarbonize its power system through the deployment of renewables and distributed energy systems, emphasising the critical role of data sharing in achieving this transition.
For more information please contact Hadrien Espiard or Michael Rudd.
Read the full story
Challenges to the development of new data centres in Germany
Finding of suitable locations for the development of new data centres in or around the metropolitan areas of Germany is becoming increasingly challenging for data centre developers, due to two main reasons: a shortage of available electrical energy and hurdles in obtaining relevant permits. Our article examines the challenges faced in the development of new data centers in Germany, such as stringent regulatory requirements, high energy consumption, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. We also discuss the complexities of site selection, infrastructure demands, and the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to overcome these hurdles.
For more information please contact Dr. Dirk Barcaba or Elie Kaufman, LL.M.
Read the full story
Legislative Traffic Jam after the German Traffic Light Coalition Goes Dark
The initial furore over the break-up of the German governing red-yellow-green traffic light coalition has now subsided. With a new parliamentary election in place, the focus is now on the reasons for the break-up, the consequences on the current legislative process, and the uncertainty around energy law projects. This article provides an overview of some of the most important pending energy law projects.
For more information please contact Dr. Tobias Büscher or Dr. Matthias Lang.
Read the full story
