We are asking governments to implement robust laws for
#MoreRenewables
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Strong, streamlined laws are a crucial part of the energy transition. That’s why we’re calling on all levels of government – national, subnational and international – to implement laws that will rapidly advance the energy transition, while also safeguarding nature and local communities.
At the COP28 climate summit, the international community agreed to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Renewables are already the fastest-growing source of power worldwide, but we need to expand the sector by at least 16.4% annually to meet the 2030 goal. Currently, the international community is falling behind on this target, with growth of 12% in South America, 9% in Asia and North America, and only 3.5% in Africa in 2023.
This year presents a valuable opportunity to implement laws and policies that can unleash rapid growth in renewables. Countries are required to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, outlining the domestic measures they plan to take to support international climate goals including the tripling renewables target. Businesses and governments must work together to define NDC commitments that will expedite the implementation of renewables while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.
Robust laws are a central enabler of the energy transition
1. Strong treaty language
2. Reform of investor-state dispute resolution
3. Removal of fossil fuel subsidies
4. Faster permitting and grid access
5. Embed climate nature and human rights considerations in planning
To keep global heating below dangerous levels, we need to rapidly phase out fossil fuels and triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. We already have the technology we need to do this; now we must create the legal conditions to enable this rapid change. The right types of laws will accelerate innovation and action, while also safeguarding nature, local communities and the interests of future generations.
There are many kinds of laws that can be reformed or enhanced to push the energy transition forward. We need to include language in international treaties – including the outcomes of COP29, this year – which sets strong and specific targets for the implementation of renewables; this will send a signal to the international community, which then trickles down to national and subnational law and policy.
We need to reform investor-state dispute settlement to preclude actions which protect fossil fuels or otherwise undermine the transition to renewable energy.
Currently, the global average time required for permitting an offshore wind project is nine years. We need to streamline permitting and planning laws to allow faster development and multiplication of projects.
Globally, governments still provide around $7trn USD in fossil fuel subsidies, which contribute to the climate crisis by perpetuating the world’s reliance on oil, gas and coal. These subsidies are deeply embedded in legal and economic models, and we need to reform legal structures to remove them, and redirect subsidies towards renewables instead.
Large tracts of land and ocean will be required to triple renewables. It’s essential that climate, nature and human rights considerations are embedded in planning and environmental impact assessment processes, to ensure that the energy transition doesn’t come at the cost of communities or the environment.
Harmonising laws across countries and regions is a way of unlocking more renewables for more people
Creating similar or compatible laws across different countries and regions is a key way to accelerate the energy transition and deliver more renewable energy across the globe. Harmonisation is important for the energy transition for two main reasons.
Firstly, it's important because it simplifies planning and establishment of new renewables facilities, because companies and innovators can engage with similar legal frameworks in multiple jurisdictions. A simplified process means implementation can take place more quickly.
Secondly, harmonisation increases the possibility of energy sharing across borders, so regions can share excess capacity with their neighbours, and countries can work together to ensure stability and security of supply.
Having similar laws and standards across the world strengthens accountability, as it makes it easier for companies to monitor and report environmental outcomes, and also makes it easier for governments and NGOs to ensure compliance.
Simple, harmonised legal frameworks are also very important for access and equity in the energy transition. Well-designed laws reduce the bureaucratic burden on governments. They provide sufficient flexibility for regions to tailor requirements to their own individual geographical and economic context, while also learning from and coordinating with other regions.
Businesses must talk to governments, and each other, about the legal requirements they need to play their part in the energy transition
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