Europe’s Policy Framework for Promoting Offshore Wind Energy: Lessons for Taiwan and Other Countries
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2015)
As a result of the recent proliferation of onshore renewable energy (RE) infrastructure in many developed countries around the world, related environmental and public concerns have arisen. Consequently, to facilitate further growth in RE, especially after the Fukushima accident of 2011, these and other countries are considering options for developing RE infrastructure offshore, or in less controversial spaces. Offshore wind farms (OWFs), for example, present a viable option for their energy policy. Europe, in particular, has emerged in recent years as a pioneer in facilitating large-scale deployments of OWFs.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2015)
As a result of the recent proliferation of onshore renewable energy (RE) infrastructure in many developed countries around the world, related environmental and public concerns have arisen. Consequently, to facilitate further growth in RE, especially after the Fukushima accident of 2011, these and other countries are considering options for developing RE infrastructure offshore, or in less controversial spaces. Offshore wind farms (OWFs), for example, present a viable option for their energy policy. Europe, in particular, has emerged in recent years as a pioneer in facilitating large-scale deployments of OWFs.
Offshore Renewable Energy Development in the British Islands: Legal and Political Risk - Part 2: Update and Removing Blockages to Development
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2013)
In Part 1 of this two-part article, it was argued that: offshore renewable energy development is a central pillar of United Kingdom plans for a largely decarbonised economy by mid-century; in order to reach ambitious climate change targets and budgets, and a related renewables target, step changes are needed in levels of investment in offshore generating stations, electricity transmission networks and related supply chains; and so key aims must be driving down costs and delivering for investors short-term certainty and longer-term visibility (balanced, of course, with a degree of policy flexibility). The first of the two main mechanisms in which the law will play a major part in meeting those key aims, Electricity Market Reform (EMR), was discussed in Part 1, in the context of political and legal risk for investors, to the extent that EMR had emerged by 24 July 2013. It should be noted that the relevant political landscape has changed fundamentally since that date, warranting an update of Part 1 now. The second mechanism, removing barriers to offshore renewable energy development through improving or introducing major infrastructure planning, marine planning, licensing consents, environmental management, transmission network (grid) access and use/amenity accommodation and decommissioning processes, are now discussed in this second part, following the above-mentioned update. Account will again be taken of developments in Devolved Administrations and the Crown Dependencies. The piece is up to date as of 19 September 2013.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (12/2013)
In Part 1 of this two-part article, it was argued that: offshore renewable energy development is a central pillar of United Kingdom plans for a largely decarbonised economy by mid-century; in order to reach ambitious climate change targets and budgets, and a related renewables target, step changes are needed in levels of investment in offshore generating stations, electricity transmission networks and related supply chains; and so key aims must be driving down costs and delivering for investors short-term certainty and longer-term visibility (balanced, of course, with a degree of policy flexibility). The first of the two main mechanisms in which the law will play a major part in meeting those key aims, Electricity Market Reform (EMR), was discussed in Part 1, in the context of political and legal risk for investors, to the extent that EMR had emerged by 24 July 2013. It should be noted that the relevant political landscape has changed fundamentally since that date, warranting an update of Part 1 now. The second mechanism, removing barriers to offshore renewable energy development through improving or introducing major infrastructure planning, marine planning, licensing consents, environmental management, transmission network (grid) access and use/amenity accommodation and decommissioning processes, are now discussed in this second part, following the above-mentioned update. Account will again be taken of developments in Devolved Administrations and the Crown Dependencies. The piece is up to date as of 19 September 2013.
Offshore Renewable Energy Development in the British Islands: Legal and Political Risk - Part 1: Energy Policy and Electricity Market Reform
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2013)
Offshore renewable energy (ORE) development forms a central pillar of UK plans for a largely decarbonised economy by mid-century. To reach ambitious climate change targets and a related renewable energy target, however, step changes are needed in levels of investment in offshore generating stations, electricity transmission networks and related supply chains. Key aims are driving down costs and delivering short-term certainty and longer-term visibility for investors. The law will play a major part in meeting both aims, through two mechanisms: electricity market reform, discussed in this first part of a two-part article; and removing barriers by improving major infrastructure planning, marine planning, licensing consents, environmental management, electricity grid access and marine use accommodation processes, all discussed in the second part to appear in the September issue of RELP.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2013)
Offshore renewable energy (ORE) development forms a central pillar of UK plans for a largely decarbonised economy by mid-century. To reach ambitious climate change targets and a related renewable energy target, however, step changes are needed in levels of investment in offshore generating stations, electricity transmission networks and related supply chains. Key aims are driving down costs and delivering short-term certainty and longer-term visibility for investors. The law will play a major part in meeting both aims, through two mechanisms: electricity market reform, discussed in this first part of a two-part article; and removing barriers by improving major infrastructure planning, marine planning, licensing consents, environmental management, electricity grid access and marine use accommodation processes, all discussed in the second part to appear in the September issue of RELP.
Social Acceptance and the Development of the North Sea Offshore Grid
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2013)
This article considers social acceptance and the development of marine renewable energy and grid infrastructure for a sustainable, secure, and competitive European energy future. The North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative and the European Union’s Regulation on Guidelines for Trans-European Energy Infrastructure are considered in this respect. Declarations and recent marine initiatives of the Renewables- Grid-Initiative are examined to determine how they might support the development of greater social acceptance for marine grid infrastructure for the northern seas of Europe. Finally, recommendations are made for a regulatory framework to support the development of social acceptance for offshore grid infrastructure in these seas.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2013)
This article considers social acceptance and the development of marine renewable energy and grid infrastructure for a sustainable, secure, and competitive European energy future. The North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative and the European Union’s Regulation on Guidelines for Trans-European Energy Infrastructure are considered in this respect. Declarations and recent marine initiatives of the Renewables- Grid-Initiative are examined to determine how they might support the development of greater social acceptance for marine grid infrastructure for the northern seas of Europe. Finally, recommendations are made for a regulatory framework to support the development of social acceptance for offshore grid infrastructure in these seas.
The German Offshore Transmission Grid – (Finally) A Success Story?
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
As a result of the extensive promotion of offshore wind energy in Germany since 2006 and, in particular, since the so-called “Energiewende” by the German government in 2011, there is an increased demand to expand the German offshore transmission grid. However, the applicable statutory framework proved to be insufficient to provide the needed legal and regulatory guidance for offshore grid investments which have exceeded € 5 billion since 2010 and are expected to increase in the upcoming years. Furthermore, the increasing demand for offshore components and technology has exhausted the available market capacities. Because of these challenges, both de facto and de jure, and after long lasting discussions among the concerned parties, the German legislator implemented on 28 December 2012 a new statutory framework containing in particular a structural approach for the offshore grid development as well as a new liability regime for cases of delayed construction or disruption of offshore grid connection lines. The new statutory framework is aimed at providing potential investors and grid operators with the due level of legal certainty required for a further and effective expansion of offshore wind energy in Germany. In this regard, it should provide a sound basis for facilitating the Energiewende, but it is now up to all stakeholders involved to find a workable solution.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2013)
As a result of the extensive promotion of offshore wind energy in Germany since 2006 and, in particular, since the so-called “Energiewende” by the German government in 2011, there is an increased demand to expand the German offshore transmission grid. However, the applicable statutory framework proved to be insufficient to provide the needed legal and regulatory guidance for offshore grid investments which have exceeded € 5 billion since 2010 and are expected to increase in the upcoming years. Furthermore, the increasing demand for offshore components and technology has exhausted the available market capacities. Because of these challenges, both de facto and de jure, and after long lasting discussions among the concerned parties, the German legislator implemented on 28 December 2012 a new statutory framework containing in particular a structural approach for the offshore grid development as well as a new liability regime for cases of delayed construction or disruption of offshore grid connection lines. The new statutory framework is aimed at providing potential investors and grid operators with the due level of legal certainty required for a further and effective expansion of offshore wind energy in Germany. In this regard, it should provide a sound basis for facilitating the Energiewende, but it is now up to all stakeholders involved to find a workable solution.
Wind Farm Development in the Belgian Part of the North Sea: A Policy Odyssey without Precedent
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (10/2012)
Die Autoren stellen einen sehr interessanten Rechtsfall im belgischen Teil der Nordsee vor. Das ökologisch wertvolle Meeresgebiet („Vlakte van de Raan“) grenzt unmittelbar an ein niederländisches Natura 2000-Gebiet, ist selbst (zu einem Teil) als FFH-Gebiet bereits auf der Gemeinschaftsliste für die atlantische Region und zugleich Projektgebiet für eine Windfarm mit 50 Anlagen und einer geplanten Leistung von 2 MW. Der Fall ähnelt mit seinen unerwarteten und beispiellosen Wendungen einer Odysee zwischen den Interessen der Industriepolitik, Anforderungen des Naturschutzrechts der europäischen Union, des belgischen (und flämischen) Verwaltungsrechts und der zugrundeliegenden Kompetenzordnung, angereichert mit Problemen der Staatshaftung, die durch vorzeitige und später widerrufene Genehmigungserteilung an die Betreiber ausgelöst wurden. Ein Lehrstück, das auch die Notwendigkeit einer bindenden Raumplanung im Meer verdeutlicht. Als Lösung aus der verfahrenen Situation schlagen die Autoren vor, das Verfahren zur Schutzgebietsausweisung des belgischen Teils von „Vlakte van den Raan“ ganz von neuem zu beginnen und 2014 noch abzuschließen, um ein Vertragsverletzungsverfahren der EU-Kommission zu verhindern.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (10/2012)
Die Autoren stellen einen sehr interessanten Rechtsfall im belgischen Teil der Nordsee vor. Das ökologisch wertvolle Meeresgebiet („Vlakte van de Raan“) grenzt unmittelbar an ein niederländisches Natura 2000-Gebiet, ist selbst (zu einem Teil) als FFH-Gebiet bereits auf der Gemeinschaftsliste für die atlantische Region und zugleich Projektgebiet für eine Windfarm mit 50 Anlagen und einer geplanten Leistung von 2 MW. Der Fall ähnelt mit seinen unerwarteten und beispiellosen Wendungen einer Odysee zwischen den Interessen der Industriepolitik, Anforderungen des Naturschutzrechts der europäischen Union, des belgischen (und flämischen) Verwaltungsrechts und der zugrundeliegenden Kompetenzordnung, angereichert mit Problemen der Staatshaftung, die durch vorzeitige und später widerrufene Genehmigungserteilung an die Betreiber ausgelöst wurden. Ein Lehrstück, das auch die Notwendigkeit einer bindenden Raumplanung im Meer verdeutlicht. Als Lösung aus der verfahrenen Situation schlagen die Autoren vor, das Verfahren zur Schutzgebietsausweisung des belgischen Teils von „Vlakte van den Raan“ ganz von neuem zu beginnen und 2014 noch abzuschließen, um ein Vertragsverletzungsverfahren der EU-Kommission zu verhindern.
Wind Power Deployment – Why Spain Succeeded
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (9/2012)
Spain’s success in wind power deployment goes beyond subsidies. An incremental approach to regulatory design allows regulator and firms to proactively adapt strategies and pursue wind power opportunities. Technical advances are incorporated, while economic incentives focus on rewarding integration of renewable energy into mainstream power supplies. Within an internationalising context, Spanish utilities selectively “export” their domestic experience to gain global footholds.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (9/2012)
Spain’s success in wind power deployment goes beyond subsidies. An incremental approach to regulatory design allows regulator and firms to proactively adapt strategies and pursue wind power opportunities. Technical advances are incorporated, while economic incentives focus on rewarding integration of renewable energy into mainstream power supplies. Within an internationalising context, Spanish utilities selectively “export” their domestic experience to gain global footholds.
Joint Support and Efficient Offshore Investment: Market and Transmission
Connection Barriers and Solutions
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (9/2012)
Different support schemes are applied for the promotion of renewable energy sources in EU Member States. Current EU legislation opens opportunities for international cooperation to achieve national renewable targets more efficiently, either by statistical transfers, joint projects or joint support schemes. This article investigates their interplay with support schemes and applies the results to offshore wind energy. With all North Sea neighbouring countries planning offshore wind installations and considering a coordinated offshore grid, this constitutes a good starting point for coordinated action. Two case studies on the regulatory combinations of joint projects financed under tendering and tradable green certificates as a joint support scheme are contrasted, addressing main barriers and possible solutions. Joint projects are an interesting option in the midterm, whereas joint support schemes may be more attractive on a longer time horizon.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (9/2012)
Different support schemes are applied for the promotion of renewable energy sources in EU Member States. Current EU legislation opens opportunities for international cooperation to achieve national renewable targets more efficiently, either by statistical transfers, joint projects or joint support schemes. This article investigates their interplay with support schemes and applies the results to offshore wind energy. With all North Sea neighbouring countries planning offshore wind installations and considering a coordinated offshore grid, this constitutes a good starting point for coordinated action. Two case studies on the regulatory combinations of joint projects financed under tendering and tradable green certificates as a joint support scheme are contrasted, addressing main barriers and possible solutions. Joint projects are an interesting option in the midterm, whereas joint support schemes may be more attractive on a longer time horizon.
3. Other Forms of Energy, EQF 4 Premium
© AIRE (Adapting and installing an international vocational training for renewable energy) (1/2012)
Which knowledge, skills and competences does an AIRE specialist need as far as usual forms of energy are concerned?
© AIRE (Adapting and installing an international vocational training for renewable energy) (1/2012)
Which knowledge, skills and competences does an AIRE specialist need as far as usual forms of energy are concerned?
1.3 Wind Power, EQF 4 Premium
© AIRE (Adapting and installing an international vocational training for renewable energy) (1/2012)
Which knowledge, skills and competences does an AIRE specialist need in the field of Wind Power?
© AIRE (Adapting and installing an international vocational training for renewable energy) (1/2012)
Which knowledge, skills and competences does an AIRE specialist need in the field of Wind Power?
