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Adam Brown

Regulation of the energy sector, climate change, and other public law topics.

Adam Brown is a Counsel at Dentons, specializing in the Energy sector. He joined the firm in 2013 and provides legal advice on regulatory aspects related to energy transactions and the broader regulatory lifecycle, including policy and legislation development.12

His work primarily involves advising commercial clients on compliance and regulatory matters within the energy industry, reflecting his extensive experience in risk and compliance since graduating from Sheffield Hallam University.23

Highlights

Aug 29 · linkedin

"The government has today announced plans for new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms to provide stability for industry, support investment, protect jobs, deliver economic growth, and meet its climate obligations, as the North Sea transitions to its clean energy future.  The guidance is necessary in light of a Supreme Court ruling that has implications for the assessment of new development consents. The landmark Finch ruling requires regulators to consider the impact of burning oil and gas, scope 3 emissions, in the Environmental Impact Assessment for new projects.   Having been elected on a mandate to deliver an orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea that secures current and future generations of good jobs, and meets the UK’s legally-binding targets, the government is acting immediately. It will consult on new guidance in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Engagement with industry, workers, trade unions, and civil society will provide clarity and certainty for the industry and ensure a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations."

"The government will not challenge the judicial reviews brought against development consent for the Jackdaw and Rosebank offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea. This decision will save the taxpayer money. This litigation does not mean the licences for Jackdaw and Rosebank have been withdrawn. The government will also consult later this year on the implementation of its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields. The government will aim to conclude its consultation by spring 2025. Further details including the timings for consultation will be published in due course. In the meantime, the government will be working in partnership with operators to navigate the implications for individual projects."

Watch this space!

Aug 29 · linkedin

A short but important document, commissioning NG ESO to advise on options to achieve the new government's stated aim of a clean GB power system by 2030. The results of this work, coupled with the idea of accelerated connections for "designated projects" that are genuinely shovel-ready and can be shown to meet "need" in terms of network security / operability / reducing constraints may mark a further step in the country's slow progress towards a more planned power sector. The commission also illustrates the kind of thing that might be done by NG ESO in its future role as Independent System Operator and Planner (ISOP / NESO, aka Future System Operator) with a duty to provide "advice, analysis or information" under s.171 Energy Act 2023 when requested by Ministers. Note that the "range of pathways" that NG ESO is tasked with identifying is meant to make "an enduring contribution to economy-wide decarbonisation beyond 2030" as well as "enabling a decarbonised power system for Great Britain by 2030" (and compare the way that the ISOP's primary duties at ss.163-165 of the 2023 Act are framed to ensure that it has a "whole-[energy-]system" focus).

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Adam Brown
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom