Handbook

Sustainable Energy Law will examine a number of controversial topics. The course focuses on sustainable energy issues, which is a broader category than merely renewable sources. As the course will highlight, the repeal of the Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme and the attack on the Renewable Energy Target have left a … For more content click the Read More button below. The course will focus of all aspects of sustainable energy law and policy, including those involving property law, land use planning, and utility regulation.  It will particularly focus on unresolved legal and policy questions relating to wind and solar energy development.  However, it will also include coverage of issues involving geothermal energy, biomass, biofuels, hydropower, and other important renewable energy technologies. The course will also provide an examination of the role of nuclear energy in Australia and in other countries. It will examine specific policy issues affecting the regulation and management of the nuclear industry. The course will conclude by exploring several legal and regulatory challenges emerging as Australia and other nations of the world seek to transition toward a more sustainable energy system, including issues related to energy storage technologies, smart meters and electric vehicles.   Main Topics Introduction to Australia's renewable energy resources, current status of development and future prospects in a carbon constrained world;Overview of sustainable energy law in Australia;Renewable energy law frameworks: the CPRS and sustainable energy target legislation;Other legislative and policy incentives for promotion of sustainable energy;Renewable energy and regulation of the National Electricity MarketTechnology-specific state-based legislative regimes for wind energy and solar energy;Emerging legal regimes for off-shore sustainable energy (wind, wave and tidal energy)Legal issues concerning biomass and bio-fuelsPlanning approval, environmental impact assessment and sustainable energy projectsProperty law issues associated with renewable energy projects including turbine wake interference and regulating rights to solar access