Data protection in Europe

This alert deals with hot topics in European data protection – transferring data and the results of the CNIL's (the French Data Protection Regulator) 2010 annual report.

A 'Green' Budget, but is it green enough?

A new Green Investment Bank aimed at funding low carbon transport and energy schemes, such as nuclear power stations and wind farms, has been trailed in the press for a few weeks now. And it has appeared in Alistair Darling's pre-election Budget.

FIT and RHI: new acronyms to conjure with

As if energy, and renewable energy incentive schemes in particular, wasn't complicated enough already, two new schemes (and their obligatory acronyms) are due to be introduced in the next year or so.

Local authorities: the new generators?

It is widely acknowledged that the UK Government's targets for tackling climate change are incredibly challenging. It is also universally accepted that local authorities will have a key role to play in efforts to tackle climate change.

Local Government update

Life never stands still in local government. Read the team's comments on issues, from the ramifications of London Authorities Mutual Limited (LAML) to the new remedies directive, and take note of any action points that will help you and your organisation.

To try but not to succeed: R (Friends of the Earth and others) v Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

The Court of Appeal has recently given judgment in the case of R (Friends of the Earth and others) v Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change [2009] EWCA Civ 810 - a judicial review of the Government's failure to hit targets for fuel poverty.

Regulating Energy Networks for the future

Ofgem has recently published the third Working Paper in its RPI-X@20 review. RPI-X@20 is a two-year project to evaluate the current approach to regulating Great Britain's energy networks.

Carbon Reduction Commitment - the basics

The Carbon Reduction Commitment is a mandatory emissions trading scheme. To be introduced under powers taken in the Climate Change Act 2008 its twin aims are to improve energy efficiency and reduce the UK's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Carbon Reduction Commitment - Implications for the data centre sector

The Department for the Environment and Climate Change has published the Draft Carbon Reduction Commitment Order 2010. This has shed light on how the Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme will work and what energy consumers need to ensure compliance.

The Renewables Obligation 2009: a new order

The 2009 vintage of the Renewables Obligation for England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland became law this week.

Good consultation - further clarity from the High Court

Two decisions of the High Court in judicial reviews involving the Boundary Committee for England provide helpful guidance to public bodies operating under a statutory duty to consult.

What you need to know about climate change law

In October 2008, the UK Government created the Department for Energy and Climate Change, recognising the central role of energy in the climate change agenda. It's a global issue, to which global solutions (such as the Kyoto Protocol) have been proposed.

Climate Change Act

Described by some commentators as a ground-breaking piece of legislation, the Climate Change Act hit the statute books on 26 November 2008 following extensive public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. Its aims are certainly bold.

Planning Act receives Royal Assent

Alongside the Climate Change and Energy Acts, the Planning Act 2008 received Royal Assent on the 26 November 2008. This paves the way for the new Infrastructure Planning Commission.

The Energy Act 2008 becomes law

Last week saw three important pieces of legislation added to the statute books - the Climate Change Act, the Energy Act and the Planning Act.

Planning and Energy Act 2008

The Planning and Energy Act received Royal Assent on the 13 November and came into force on the same date. The Act allows local councils in England and Wales to set reasonable requirements in their development plan documents.

Offshore electricity - 'Round 3' documentation

The Government is targeting 14 GW of offshore wind by 2020. An important step in achieving this target will be the speedy completion of the Crown Estate's third round of offshore windfarm leasing (Round 3).

Offshore - Ofgem update on tender process

Ofgem has issued a further consultation document regarding the competitive tender process by which offshore transmission owners (OFTOs) will be appointed

Ofgem probe: no evidence of cartel

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, has announced its findings after a seven-month investigation into the energy supply markets.

Energy Performance Certificates - new regulations published

New regulations have been published which amend the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007.  The new regulations extend the transitional period for EPCs and make various other changes.

Offshore electricity transmission - publication of draft tender regulations

The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has published a first draft of regulations containing the legal framework for the methodology for determining how and to whom offshore transmission licences will be granted.

European Parliament backs deal reached with European Council to cap aircraft emissions from 2012

All airlines operating flights in to or out of the European Union will find themselves subject to the requirements of the European Union's emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) from 2012.

The Renewable Energy Strategy: finally a fair wind?

Yesterday, the Government announced its national renewable energy blueprint and put its renewable energy strategy out to consultation.

Defra Changes Guidance on Green Tariffs

On 16 June, Defra issued new guidance on how companies should calculate their carbon footprint. Read our expert comment on the new guidance.

Citiworks: the end of private electricity distribution networks?

The so-called "Citiworks" case has gained a great deal of notoriety since the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered its judgment last month (22 May 2008).

Offshore electricity transmission: another piece of the jigsaw

Last Friday, Ofgem and BERR published a Policy Update. Read Wragge & Co's expert analysis of the update and take note of any relevant action points.

Latest round of offshore wind gets the green light

The Crown Estate has today announced eagerly awaited further information in relation to the tender process for the latest round of offshore windfarms (Round 3) at the British Wind Energy Association conference in London.

The property developer's step-by-step guide to generating green energy

Wragge & Co's construction and energy experts have compiled an analysis of the ways in which green energy can be produced and a step-by-step guide on how to become a renewable energy producer.

Government Response to Renewables Obligation consultation

Energy Bill published

EU Third Energy Package: Reforming regulation of the energy sector

Energy White Paper: Banding proposals

Energy White Paper

Banding of the renewables obligation

(Further) Reform of the renewables obligation

The Energy Review

Yesterday Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling published the UK Energy Review Report 2006; following the UK Energy Review which was initiated in November 2005 at the direction of the Prime Minister.

EU action in the energy sector

In a public presentation yesterday,1 Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner responsible for competition, has announced that the European Commission is preparing an assault on anti-competitive practices in the energy sector.

A vision for the future of EU energy policy

UK CHP and the European Cogen Directive

The European Directive on the promotion of cogeneration (2004/8/EC) came into force on 21 February 2004, and was to be implemented by Member States by 21 February 2006.

Compulsory purchase powers of renewable generators

Historically, the majority of those involved in developing renewables projects have not needed to be licensed, as the capacity of renewables projects tended to fall within the generic class exemptions.

DTI's final decisions for the Renewables Obligation Order 2006

International flights will soon be subject to EU emission limits

As an incentive to airlines to reduce the escalating greenhouse gas emissions from international flights, the European Commission is proposing to fix the number of emission allowances for each operator.

Weather report: the Electricity (Standards of Performance) Regulations 2005

The severe storms of October 2002, which swept across a large swathe of Wales and central and southern England, left around two million electricity customers without power.

The future of renewable energy after the Energy Act 2004 - Part 4

Preliminary consultation on the 2005/6 Review of the Renewables Obligation

At the end of March, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) published its preliminary consultation on the 2005/6 review of the Renewables Obligation.

The future of renewable energy after the Energy Act 2004 - Part 3

The first of these briefing notes looked at the background and scope of the Energy Act 2004 (the Act). The second was a brief review of the legislation relating to offshore energy production.

Mutualisation of the Buy-Out Fund: Securing the Renewables Obligation

Supplier default, leading to a shortfall in the buy-out fund, has occurred in each of the two completed renewable obligation periods to date. Confidence in the renewables market has been weakened as a result.

The future of renewable energy after the Energy Act 2004 - Part 2

In the first of this series of short briefing notes we looked at the background and scope of the Energy Act 2004 (the Act).

The future of renewable energy after the Energy Act 2004 - Part 1

The Government's Energy White Paper, published in February 2003, recognised not only the challenges faced by all industrialised countries in the world, climate change and dependence on imported gas and oil

The EU Cogen Directive - the rebirth of CHP or a lost opportunity?

The recent British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) programme 'If...the lights go out' presented a bleak (and somewhat alarmist) view of how the United Kingdom will meet its energy needs in 2010.

NFFO sterilisation - reversing the process (the sequel)

The Government's 'technical' review of the RO comes at a time of recent market setbacks, particularly surrounding TXU's administration.

A lot of hot air...

Undermining ROCs - shortfalls in the buy-out fund

The Renewables Obligation (RO) was introduced in a blaze of publicity in April 2002.

Energy White Paper

If you want the bottom line on the Energy White Paper, without the spin, read on. The Government's new energy policy is big on ambition but light on substance. This note summarises the facts and highlights what future developments to look out for.

The Freedom to Choose? Negotiating Energy Supply Contracts

The energy supply markets have been open to competition for quite some time. Larger industrial and commercial (I&C) customers have been able to exercise their right to choose their own electricity and gas suppliers since 1994, and all customers since 1999.

UK Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme - Meeting your company's targets

The UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme 2002 (ETS) was introduced by the UK Government to manage climate change and to reduce carbon emissions by UK companies. The ETS runs for five years from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2006.

UK Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme - Meeting the industry targets

The UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme 2002 (ETS) was introduced by the UK Government to manage climate change and to reduce carbon emissions by UK companies. The ETS runs for five years from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2006.