Lawyer Monthly Magazine August 2020 Edition

52 WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM | AUG 2020 RENEWABLE ENERGY: IS THE LAW DOING ENOUGH? RENEWABLE ENERGY: IS THE LAW DOING ENOUGH? other countries that have committed to this target. Although a global issue, over 50% of all emissions come from 3 major economies: China, USA and the EU. Are the UK’s renewable energy efforts enough? The UK is one of the leading economies in tackling climate change. Since 1990, the UK has reduced its emissions by 42% while growing the economy by 72% with an increasing emphasis on clean growth and green skills – integral to the nation’s current economic strategy. Energy production in all its forms amounts to 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. To understand the role of clean energy in tackling emissions, the current rankings are: • Production of electricity and heat – 31% • Transport – 15% • Agriculture – 11% intensive techniques, 6% forestry • Manufacturing – 12% In terms of renewable energy, the 2020 target was for 20% of the UK’s energy to be provided from renewable sources. As recently as 18 months ago, the UK was predicted to fall short of this requirement. However, renewables now represent over 30% of energy generation, well on the way to a target of 50% by 2025. Offshore Wind has Climate Change is a global challenge and renewable energy is but one element of the solution. The UK is bound by the Climate Change Act 2008, which introduced binding obligations to secure reductions in carbon emissions by 2050. Initially, this was to be a reduction of 80% of the 1990 baseline, but last year was increased following recommendations by the UK Climate Change Committee to an obligation of 100% reduction (‘net zero’) – thus ending the UK’s contribution to greenhouse gases by 2050. France, Norway and New Zealand are been a game changer in terms of cost and quantity of renewable energy, with biomass, nuclear and solar being the other major contributors. There is increased attention on biofuels and alternative fuels such as hydrogen for all types of transportation, and hydrogen usage for domestic heating. Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) is also expected to be key. Whether the UK’s efforts in renewable energy are enough depends upon your perspective of the role of renewables as but one of the range of technologies and policy measures necessary to achieve net zero. It is clear, however, that public support for climate action is growing. Moreover, political and economic commitments to net zero are becoming firmer and more challenging, including support for renewables in recognition of its key role. How does this fare to other jurisdictions? Climate change is a global issue and requires a global response. In the run up to the Paris Climate Change Summit in 2015 over 150 countries submitted their national climate action plans, representing over 90% of global emissions. How countries can contribute is influenced by the strength and industrial make-up of their economies as well as their geography – for example being able to access plentiful solar power. The COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which has been postponed to next year, is expected to see greater commitments from other countries notwithstanding the USA giving notice that it will withdraw from the Paris Agreement later this year. It also requires huge technological and policy changes, and supporting renewables alone will not be enough. Globally $129 billion is spent each year subsidizing solar and wind energy, yet these sources meet just 1.1% of our global energy needs. The IEA estimates that by 2040 – after $3.5 trillion has been Ben Sheppard, Partner in the Energy & Infrastructure Team at Walker Morris LLP, discusses whether the law is doing enough to encourage renewable energy in the UK and tackle climate change.