THE POWER OF
LEGAL EXPERTISE

The recent publication of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (CP30) highlighted the vital importance of the transition to clean power and the need for more offshore wind. 

This article discusses the challenges faced by Scotland’s offshore wind sector in meeting CP30 targets. 

First published in The Herald.

The UK’s climate commitments will not be met without a significant increase in the use of renewables. Changes to the regulations around the costs for using the physical network could stimulate the necessary investment.

First published in The Herald.

One year on from the Climate Change Committee's announcement that Scotland’s 2030 climate goals were “no longer credible”, and that there was no comprehensive strategy in place for Scotland to achieve net zero, we still await the updated Scottish Government Climate Change Plan. 

First published in The Business.

Scottish onshore wind has a key role to play in ensuring the UK meets its clean energy targets. How will the Clean Power Action Plan 2030 impact the future of Scotland’s onshore wind sector?

First published in The Herald.

In this article the upcoming reforms to share security in Scotland are discussed, as well as the opportunities this presents for onshore wind project financing.

Shortened version published in The Herald.

With market and legal pressures increasing ESG accountability, what does the future hold for ESG in relation to the UK’s clean energy transition?

First published in The Scotsman.

Expect a climate of innovation at Glasgow's All-Energy conference.

Published in The Herald.

Port infrastructure and the Clean Energy 2030 plan – challenges and opportunities.

First published in The Herald.

During October/ November 2024, the UK and Scottish governments held a consultation on proposals to reform the consenting process under the Electricity Act 1989 for electricity infrastructure in Scotland.

The impetus behind the proposed reforms is to accelerate the transition to clean power and achieving net zero.

With port infrastructure being key to Scotland’s offshore wind potential, it is vital that it sees strong forward progression. There has been a lot of positive change for the sector over the last year – but is it happening quickly enough? 

First published in The Business.

Much change is needed to progress Scotland's clean energy targets – here we detail the new Labour government's commitments thus far. 

First published in The Herald.

World Hydrogen Day highlights the importance of hydrogen in the shift to a low-carbon economy. While Scotland has the potential for green hydrogen production, challenges include integrating it with renewable energy and streamlining the planning process for efficient delivery.

First published in The Herald.

With Labour sweeping into power in the UK on the back of a large parliamentary majority, energy infrastructure experts cast an eye over the potential impact the change of government will have on the direction of travel for energy sector policy.

With an increased focus on energy security in the upcoming general election, this article outlines the key energy policies presented in each party's manifesto.

Offshore wind has a critical role to play in reducing climate change emissions, while also delivering security of energy supply.

First published in Energy Voice.

Increasing focus on the environmental performance of buildings and the impact of their emissions on climate change is leading owners and occupiers of commercial buildings to look at developing strategies for improving energy use.

The food and drink sector can make a substantial contribution to the UK’s decarbonisation and net zero objectives. In this article, Associate Scott Rodger examines three opportunities and risks arising from regulatory policy and legal developments in the UK for the sector.

As Scotland struggles to achieve challenging net zero targets, decarbonisation through the development of the hydrogen sector stands to be a powerful enabling force.

First published in The Herald.

Scotland's ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets won't be possible without a key enabler: port infrastructure.

First published in The Herald.

The UK Government has ambitious plans to invest heavily in carbon capture technology, allowing for tonnes of CO2 storage and new job creation.

First published in The Herald.

With increasing pressure on pension schemes to invest in environmentally conscious projects, what reforms are taking place to improve transparency and incentivise trustees?

First published in The Scotsman.

To meet 2045 targets for net zero, the Scottish Government will need to focus on one key area: innovation.

First published in The Herald.

With Scotland's ambitious target to achieve a 75% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030 appearing unachievable, decarbonisation is pulled into focus.

First published in The Sunday Times' The Business.

Battery energy storage systems are critical for the future of renewable energy but they come with their own challenges, particularly when it comes to access.

First published in Energy Voice.

As we move away from reliance on fossil fuels, our need for renewable energy only grows and so does the need for necessary policy frameworks to support this development.

First published in The Herald.

By 2030 the UK government’s new Battery Strategy seeks to position the UK as a world leader in sustainable design, manufacture, and use, underpinned by a thriving battery ecosystem. Can it solve the difficulties currently facing the Battery Energy Storage System sector in the UK?

First published in Energy Voice.

With the current Red Sea crisis at hand, we explore what legal options are available to those within the energy sector facing significant delays due to the diversion of shipments.

First published in The Herald.

In this article, Clare Foster, Partner and Head of Clean Energy, explains that although a number of Scottish ports are currently working on major infrastructure developments, politicians must now act to accelerate the process.

First published in The Herald.

In the drive to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland, attention has focused on increasing energy from renewable power sources. This has encountered infrastructure and legislative challenges, in contrast with recent support for the telecoms sector.

Scotland's future as a world leader in offshore wind may hang in the balance without significant government action to tackle the barriers to deployment.

First published in The Sunday Times’ The Business.

The onshore wind sector deal for Scotland sets out a number of commitments in order to meet Scotland's 2030 onshore wind ambitions. This article provides a high-level summary of the deal, with a focus on the key near-term milestones you should be aware of.

Ofgem’s CMP 376 decision addressing the electricity connections queue has practical implications for all existing and new agreements.