Partnering with the IBA: Global Guidelines for Energy Regulation
Throughout 2024, Keith, James and Marina have been collaborating with the IBA’s Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure Law to help develop global regulatory guidelines that aim to assist the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals by contributing to a 5,000-word chapter in the publication.
Together with an international team from law firms in Argentina (O’Farrell) and Italy (Macchi di Cellere Gangemi) and academics from the Externado de Columbia University, the team have been grappling with the issue of how collaborative use of natural resources can enhance the just energy transition, while managing considerations of national sovereignty and international equity.
The IBA is a respected global authority on international legal frameworks, and this project has been a unique opportunity to work on one of the most pressing challenges of our time: creating fair and effective energy regulations.
What’s in the Chapter?
The chapter is part of a larger publication designed to help legislators create laws that support energy transitions. Instead of promoting specific solutions, the guidelines offer practical principles to ensure energy security, decarbonisation, and sustainable development.
Redefining a Just Energy Transition
We expanded the idea of a just energy transition to address more than climate targets. The chapter highlights the importance of fairness, recognising historical inequalities and the challenges faced by different states, particularly in the Global South.
Overcoming Global Challenges
Energy regulation is shaped by geography, economic inequality, and historical exploitation. The chapter stresses the need for global cooperation to ensure solutions work across borders.
Four Practical Principles for Legislators
We proposed four key principles for legislators to use when crafting regulations:
Collaboration Between Nations
Countries need to balance their own interests with those of others, working together to create fair outcomes.Adaptable, Fair Regulations
Laws should reflect local circumstances but also align with shared global goals.Equitable Cost Sharing
Decarbonisation costs must be fairly distributed to avoid overburdening vulnerable communities.Clear Rules and Responsibilities
Strong enforcement mechanisms are essential to ensure compliance and accountability.
Why This Matters
This project goes beyond writing recommendations. It provides a framework for nations to create meaningful change in the energy sector. By focusing on collaboration, fairness, and shared responsibility, the publication offers practical tools for navigating one of today’s most complex issues.
We’re incredibly proud of the effort Keith, James, and Marina have put into this chapter, especially as they’ve produced this alongside their day-to-day roles. Great work!
Stay tuned for the release of the full publication, and explore how we can support your energy projects here or get in touch below…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Keith is the legal Structuring and Governance lead at Complete Projects. He is a UK qualified corporate and restructuring lawyer and a governance specialist with over 20 years of international experience. He has successfully delivered projects across various sectors, with a particular focus on international energy. Prior to joining Complete Projects, Keith was a leader in PwC's international legal restructuring and governance team and led the Energy legal team in the UK.