The energy transition requires rapid deployment of new energy infrastructure at an unprecedented pace and scale. Successfully permitting that infrastructure in a timely manner has become a critical issue, one that countries and companies are struggling with. It’s a fine line between creating a framework that delivers the right outcomes—for the environment, for locals, for a country—and one that introduces too many constraints. How can regulators overcome these barriers, and ensure that perfect does not become the enemy of the good? What role should companies play to ensure their projects meet public demands?
The war in Ukraine and commitments to the global climate agenda have created a new energy reality in Europe. The EU has pursued a strategy that has drastically reduced its dependence on Russian gas while accelerating a transition to renewable energy. The energy mix across Europe has been reshuffled as a result and the policies in place have the potential to significantly alter industrialization across the Continent. How will Europe’s energy portfolio continue to evolve and what impact will it have on industrial activity? Can the Continent wean itself entirely off Russian gas? What is the future for gas, hydrogen and nuclear energy in Europe?
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has triggered a significant uptick in the development of carbon markets around the world, as more countries seek to put a price on carbon emissions that may help their industries sidestep Europe’s new carbon tariffs. We will discuss the trends we see both in developed and developing markets, review carbon market policy and regulatory landscape, discuss efforts to decarbonize supply chains and the opportunities and challenges for emerging markets with CBAM.