Chair
Philippe Raybaud
Power Law Committee
The mission of the Power Law Committee of the International Bar Association is to provide a forum where energy lawyers with different legal backgrounds from around the world can interact and learn from one another in a setting encouraging collegiality and the friendly exchange of ideas. The committee is part of the Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law.
About the Committee
The mission of the Power Law Committee of the International Bar Association is to provide a forum where energy lawyers with different legal backgrounds from around the world can interact and learn from one another in a setting encouraging collegiality and the friendly exchange of ideas.
Although the power sector may be governed by rules specific to each jurisdiction, the acceptance of international ownership of power companies and plants is now very well-established in many jurisdictions. Similarly, despite the fact that transactional and finance lawyers have become increasingly involved in the power business, there is still the need for highly specialized expertiserelating to regulatory regimes and methodologies, power purchase arrangements, transmission siting, access and pricing, engineering procurement and construction, operation and maintenance, reliability standards and compliance, fuel procurement and hedging arrangements.
Additionally, and very importantly, there is the new global emphasis on sources of renewable energy and demand side management necessary to mitigate climate change.
All of these are topics that the Power Law Committee will explore, hoping to provide its membership with practical and useful advice to better serve clients, and to offer the opportunity for collaboration, networking and friendships among its members.
Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences
IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024
15 Sep - 20 Sep 2024
Mexico City , Mexico
Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law
Published quarterly, the Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law (JERL) is the journal of the SEERIL. Featuring contributions written by some of the finest academic minds and most successful practitioners in this area of study, JERL is a highly respected journal committed to reflecting contemporary issues that face the energy and natural resources sectors.
Publications
Power Law: Editorial June 2024
John Vellone, Newsletter Editor of the IBA Power Law Committee introduces the latest collection of articles from Committee members.
Released on Jun 19, 2024
Polish legal framework for nuclear small modular reactors
The article describes the existing Polish regulations on nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) and presents the regulations contained in the Atomic Law and the Nuclear Special Act. On the basis of these legal acts, the main stages of the investment process are introduced, including the types of administrative permits required for this type of investment. The article draws attention to legal restrictions as well as other types of barriers to the development of SMR technology in Poland and also discusses the status of the first SMR projects in Poland.
Released on Jun 16, 2024
Overview on the current SMR’s development status in Mexico
Mexico is exploring the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to enhance its nuclear energy capabilities. The Political Constitution assigns the responsibility for electric energy planning and control to the federal government, emphasising the strategic role of transmission and distribution. Key agencies such as the Ministry of Energy, the National Commission on Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSNS) and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) are pivotal in this effort. While no specific SMR plans have been detailed, these bodies are actively involved in discussions and evaluations. The National Institute for Nuclear Research (ININ) also supports nuclear energy initiatives, including SMRs, to meet energy demands and reduce fossil fuel reliance. Despite the lack of a formal timeline, Mexico’s energy strategy shows promise for integrating SMRs into its clean energy future.
Released on Jun 16, 2024
Navigating new horizons: the legal framework for SMRs in Pakistan
This article investigates the possibility of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a solution to Pakistan’s growing energy demands amidst challenges such as rising inflation, natural disasters and debt default. Highlighting the country’s reliance on imported fuel and the consequent circular debt, the article advocates for a move to nuclear energy, specifically the use of SMRs with Chinese aid through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The article describes China-Pakistan nuclear cooperation and the need for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) to provide a legal and regulatory framework to enable safe SMR deployment.
Released on Jun 16, 2024