Raphael J. Heffron – författare

The aim of this short text is simply to introduce a reader to this topic. It is intended for a global audience and rather than being restricted to potential energy law students of a particular country. It is also written for students of other disciplines such as geographers, social scientists and engineers. It should also be engaging to those in a variety of professional practices who want an accessible background to and overview of the subject.

The first edition of Energy Law: An Introduction was a great success and this extended second edition is expected to be just as successful. It is used widely as a core text in energy law courses across the world and this second issue adds further discussion on important topics such as energy law principles and drivers. Further, it highlights issues of energy justice, a growing and an emergent topic which is also at the core of the energy law principles and the key drivers of why new energy law is formulated.

The textaims to outline the principles and central logic behind energy law. Therefore, readers from across the world should be able to use it as a guide to thinking about energy law in their own countries. A variety of examples from many different countries are included in the text and while examples and comparisons are mainly from the EU and US, they represent good examples of more advanced and innovative energy law.

For those readers who seek further or more in-depth knowledge, this text will only serve as an introduction. However, a key focus of the book is to direct the reader where they to look for further information and within the book there are suggested extra readings, the key recommended journals to read and other sources of information based on institutions who publish further material in this area. 

Overall this second edition of Energy Law: An Introduction aims to inspire students and others to contribute to try and improve energy law across the world and enable us all to contribute in our own small way to delivering a just and sustainable energy world for future generations.

This is the first in-depth and original analysis to explore the central importance of law in achieving a just transition to a low-carbon economy. In addition, it advances the JUST framework, a unique framework for assessing the just transition. This important research and theoretical tool provides a practical perspective as it ensures the geographical space and timelines of development are factored into analysis. The research also provides analysison the just transition movement around the world and the influence of international institutions.

Through several case studies on Just Transition Commissions and Critical Mineral Development, the book details and demonstrates key elements of justice, including distributive, procedural, restorative, recognition, and cosmopolitan justice. It is clear from the analysis that while these are vast areas for analysis, if applied in practice, they all centrally contribute to ensuring society will advance in achieving a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

This book focuses on renegotiating extractive contracts to align with the net-zero goals. It delves into extractive contract negotiations in four ways which collectively represent a major research gap in literature. It focuses on extractive contract provisions and examines their alignment with net zero goals, suggesting how these provisions could be re-negotiated to ensure an effective energy transition. Consequently, the book assesses how contractual provisions are responding to, or reflecting energy transition scenarios, and highlights areas to be included or strengthened that will be beneficial for all energy stakeholders. This book goes on to discuss the energy transition global landscape. Through the presentation of case studies from different countries, the book assesses the transition risks in extractive contracts, and it uniquely provides the negotiation tools and strategies to address these transition risks.

The book presents the importance of restorative justice in today’s energy transition across the world. It emphasizes the importance of a fair, equitable and inclusive shift towards a low-carbon economy. It recognizes climate change as the primary global challenge and advocates for an urgent and comprehensive energy transition where restorative justice is centrally utilised. Restorative justice focuses on identifying harm, assigning responsibility, protecting those affected, repairing damage, preventing future occurrences and providing a crucial foundation for seeking justice. It encompasses various forms of harm (economic, environmental, and social) and includes all stakeholders, including individuals, communities, and the environment. By providing a secure and structured platform for dialogue, restorative justice allows for diverse perspectives, challenging conversations and action for a just and sustainable world.