Energy & environment

“The terms renewable energy, sustainability and climate neutrality are currently on everyone’s lips. In 2009, the European Union adopted the 2020 Climate and Energy Package, committing itself to a reduction of greenhouse gases by at least 20 percent by 2020.”

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

The issues of energy and the environment will change many areas of the economy and daily life in the coming years. We advise our clients in all sectors of the energy industry, whether they are energy suppliers, project developers, power plant operators, industrial companies or municipalities – especially at the interfaces with other areas such as environmental law, state aid and public procurement law or investment protection agreements, where we develop tailor-made, sustainable solutions related to energy and the environment. We advise our clients on national and European energy industry law (electricity, gas), on renewable energies and green electricity, on sector-specific plant, construction and environmental law issues, as well as on sector-specific contract design. Our expertise covers energy and emissions trading, energy efficiency, power station and plant construction, state aid and competition law as well as regulatory law. Another core competence lies in conducting proceedings before the ordinary courts, including arbitration proceedings and representation before national and international regulatory authorities.

Specialist area

Energy & environment

ELECTRICITY AND GAS ACT

The ElWOG 2010 and the GWG regulate the most secure, cost-effective, consumer-friendly, efficient and environmentally friendly grid-bound supply of electricity and gas to the general public. Today, this supply is increasingly based on renewable energies. In addition, the law regulates how to ensure effective and undistorted competition in the supply of electricity and gas and how to ensure the long-term efficient and reliable operation of energy supply networks. At TWP, we know the industry as well as the energy-related laws and advise you on your questions regarding the energy industry.

 

RENEWABLE ENERGIES AND GREEN ELECTRICITY

The shift from fossil to renewable energy sources is challenging and requires new ideas and concepts, including in legal terms. In this area, innovative entrepreneurs and communities are called upon to take energy-efficient measures in addition to renewable energy supply in order to make the energy revolution possible. We advise you in all legal matters relating to renewable energy and green electricity, because the issues are usually very complex, especially at the interfaces with other legal areas.

 

E-MOBILITY

The topic of renewable energy has long had a firm grip on the mobility sector. New transport concepts, electric cars and car sharing are important components in making mobility sustainable and future-proof. With our profound know-how in these areas, we support innovative companies in implementing their ideas and business models.

ENERGY AND EMISSIONS TRADING

In order to achieve the goals set, greenhouse gases must be massively reduced. The EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) was introduced for this purpose. Greenhouse gas emission allowances are traded in 28 EU Member States, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Energy-intensive industrial companies and energy suppliers are required to surrender emission allowances in line with the level of emissions from their plants. The certificates are issued by the states according to strictly harmonised rules and are then freely tradable. The aim of emissions trading is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the sectors concerned as efficiently as possible. The trading system operates on the basis of the “cap and trade” principle: At the beginning of the trading period, an upper limit is set for emissions from plants – this results in the total number of credits available. No further allowances may be issued during a period. We handle these bureaucratic steps for you and provide you with comprehensive advice on energy and emissions trading.

 

POWER STATION AND PLANT CONSTRUCTION

Public law requirements must be observed – there is no way around it. Whether you are dealing with a new construction or the conversion or extension of a plant – legal approval must be obtained. The laws in the area of building law and plant construction indicate which projects can be realised where and which related permits are required. Forward-looking planning is therefore always needs to include comprehensive consideration of the legal licensing requirements. Our experts in the area of energy & environment have been advising project developers and plant operators on all legal issues relating to construction and approval procedures for years. We are happy to support you with our experience in complex problems and negotiations with the authorities.