Energy and Renewables

International carbon markets are in a state of flux. The impending end of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the imminent start of Phase III of the European Union emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) and the development of new schemes elsewhere mean ongoing uncertainty for investors, but also potential opportunities. This article provides an overview of the current state of international carbon markets, highlights some of the key recent developments internationally and in specific jurisdictions, and considers the future of emissions trading. This Q&A is part of the PLC multi-jurisdictional guide to environment. For a full list of jurisdictional Q&As visit www.practicallaw.com/environment-mjg.

With the shift away from nuclear energy certain developers with nuclear expertise now focus on the development of both renewables and cheaper forms of conventional power. This article examines how countries can meet their carbon reduction aims while reducing the use of nuclear energy and how governments are seeking to reduce the incentives on offer.

Climate change has become increasingly topical, with the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. This has strengthened interest in cleantech and the development of cleantech venture capital investment. This article examines the current market and growth in cleantech investment, and the financing environments in Europe, the US and Asia.

In December 2009, environment ministers and officials will meet in Copenhagen for the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At Copenhagen, inter-governmental negotiators will try to agree a new climate treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. Given the high expectations of an agreement being reached at Copenhagen, the lack of progress at meetings held during the summer of 2009 in preparation for the conference has raised questions concerning whether and what kind of an agreement could possibly be reached in December. This article is part of the PLC multi-jurisdictional guide to environment. For a full list of jurisdictional Q&As visit www.practicallaw.com/environmenthandbook.

The EU’s Article 29 Working Party has adopted an opinion (04/2013) on the data protection impact assessment template for smart grid and smart metering systems (WP205) in the energy sector.