Working in cooperation with the Forum for Future Energies (Forum für Zukunftsenergien e.V.), the Bucerius Initiative on Energy Law and Policy held a gathering in Berlin on January 14th to address developments following the Paris Agreement. Speakers Rainer Baake, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and Prof. Dr. Felix Ekardt, University of Rostock, presented an outlook on energy law and the future of energy policy in the wake of the UN Climate Change Conference.
Baake expressed positive surprise about the outcome of negotiations. Through a stronger coupling of the energy sectors with the electricity sector at the center of focus, achieving objectives in this part of the world should go smoothly. For Germany, he saw great potential not only as an exporter of individual energy systems, but for its potential to develop solutions regarding coordination of all market segments. On the international front, the big question that must be answered is how to avoid using a large share of currently available fossil fuels in moving forward.
Prof. Ekardt shed light on a range of possible interpretations of the Agreement and referred to weaknesses such as its lack of sanctions. An argument based on international law, on the other hand, could strengthen the binding force of regulations. In poorer nations, the approach of “standards in exchange for money” would promote climate protection measures.
Due to the incredibly positive response, the Initiative on Energy Law and Policy will continue its series of conferences. The next Bucerius Energy Law Day will take place on the Bucerius Law School campus on September 22, 2016.
