LWMEPP-Energy Law and Policy in Power and Renewable Fuels

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: j.m.guira@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Renewables and Green tech are growing rapidly while nuclear and coal remain mainstays in certain economies.  The module provides an introduction to the basic law, institutional and policy frameworks which drive policy, transaction, and regulation. We therefore focus on core trends in energy law and policy. We then look to how this influences transaction structures in core areas such as renewables as well as more conventional fuels. Understanding the core role of markets, and technology, and how large sale projects are financed and operationalized is crucial.

Aims:

The module aims to provide students with knowledge of the general framework and key transaction issues, and regulatory principles underlying renewables and power sector fuels. The focus will be on understanding how law and policy and institutions shape energy choices both on a macro as well as micro perspective. Finance is a key element in understanding how investment decisions are made in different areas.   

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Appreciate global, regional and key country specific frameworks for investing in power projects.


• Develop a basic understanding of how regulation works in power and infrastructure, with special emphasis on transition to greentech and renewables.


• Explain and critically assess the various ways in which market and technology contribute to and require legal change.


• Understand the role of dispute resolution in this area, including arbitration


• Demonstrate an ability to place the legal content of the module in a wider commercial context.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module will cover topics such as:

• Energy law and policy- approaches and principles


• Renewables and Greentech


• Financing and incentivizing projects and development


• Nuclear, coal and other fuels


• Dispute resolution

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module is designed to provide students with a range of resources on which they can draw in their learning. The main elements are:

• A list of required and recommended readings, with notes and questions that will be used to guide class discussion and reflection and the use of case studies.


• Five seminar classes of 2 hours each with presentations by students.

Where there are specialist programme lectures or events, or other University seminars, relevant to these issues, students in the module will be encouraged to attend and be given the opportunity to discuss the issues with visiting academic presenters.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
An assessed essay of 8 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law􀀒s Assessed Work Rules).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
See School of Law PGT Programme handbook

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 15 August 2018