Our experience includes:

  • involvement in the development and implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), including advice on the legal issues that can arise from allocation of allowances via national allocation plans;
  • advising on achieving and creating value from emission reductions, whether as a result of own action or through contractual arrangements with third parties – we are currently advising on the acquisition of project credits generated via the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms and on the issues that arise as a consequence of investing in these, as well as advising on the establishment of carbon funds;
  • advising on carbon storage and sequestration (CCS) – we are instructed to advise the UK Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on its competition for a commercial scale CCS system that will capture at least 90 per cent of the carbon dioxide emissions from a coal-fired power station of at least 300 megawatt (MW) capacity and transport it for storage under the seabed;
  • advising on various aspects of the UK’s recently announced nuclear new-build programme;
  • advising on refinancing, strategic equity investment and conducting due diligence on several renewable energy portfolios; and
  • drafting and negotiating infrastructure, power generation and operating and maintenance contracts for renewable energy projects.

We are also monitoring the development of US climate change litigation, where a range of claimants are pursuing legal action regarding the causes, regulation and effects of climate change.

Extending the EU ETS

Implications for the EU chemicals industry.

Read the brochure

Briefings

European Commission proposes a new CO2 tax and an amended energy tax  View

Efficient routes to CO2 reduction: considerations regarding the participation of European car makers in emissions rights trading  View