Energy Transition. The global shift from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy.
Overview
The energy transition is shaping the global economy. The transition to a low carbon economy requires a massive and increased rate of investment from both the public and private sectors across many different technologies and sectors.
Growth is needed in renewable energy, energy efficiency and storage, the electrification of energy-intensive
industries, transportation and heating, and the development of green fuels – both biofuels and e-fuels
derived from clean hydrogen. Not all emissions can be avoided, and effective ways are needed to reduce and
eventually eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions of oil and gas operations, such as carbon capture and
storage at scale and direct air capture, to achieve net zero and limit climate change. Meeting the
increasing demand for battery metals is integral to the energy transition. Digitisation, including the
integration of digital technologies into infrastructure assets, will continue to play an important role in
facilitating the energy transition and maximising efficiency and long-term sustainability.
We advise clients on the full breadth of energy transition-related matters, ranging from project
development, construction and financing, to M&A and joint ventures, as well as providing detailed regulatory
and tax advice. We are also well-positioned to advise and represent multinational clients in cross-border
litigation, international arbitration, investigations and risk mitigation.
Across the globe, our lawyers are routinely involved in many first-of-a-kind and award-winning
transactions as we support our clients in their energy transition journey, across onshore and offshore wind,
floating offshore wind, solar, carbon capture, clean hydrogen, battery storage, EV charging, grids,
interconnection, carbon trading, digital infrastructure and new nuclear.
How we help our clients
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Decarbonisation technology transforming the energy landscape.
Explore NowCarbon trading and investment
Functional carbon markets to drive investment decisions.
Explore NowClean hydrogen
Decarbonising the economy with electrofuels.
Explore NowDigital infrastructure and infratech
Technology for energy and infrastructure.
Explore NowEnergy infrastructure
Critical architecture underpinning energy transition.
Explore NowGreen Fuels
The future for sustainable transport and industry.
Explore NowNew nuclear
Harnessing existing and new nuclear technology.
Explore NowRenewable energy
Essential growth for energy transition.
Explore NowOur latest deals
* Matter completed by Jonathan Castelan at a previous firm.
Meet the experts
Featured insight
Energy Transition Trends 2024
Read the reportContact our experts.
Alternatively, email us at energytransition@cliffordchance.com
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Thought leadership
Energy Transition – Opportunities and challenges for Offshore Wind
With increasing global demand for offshore wind to power the clean energy transition, the opportunities and risks are multiplying.
Read our briefingLow-carbon fuels: Decoding EU legislation for the transport sector
The EU has adopted new legislation on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the transport sector.
Read our briefingEnergy Transition: What role can geothermal power play?
With the need to transition from fossil fuel power plants, countries around the world are looking for alternatives to stabilise electricity grids.
Read our briefingFunding the energy transition: Mobilizing private finance for net zero
There is widespread acknowledgment of the scale of action required to address climate change by accelerating the development of low-carbon energy sources, while also decarbonizing industry and transportation.
Read our briefingDigital transformation and the energy transition – The legal issues
The twin challenges of the energy transition and digital transformation are tightly linked, with each playing a crucial role in the success of the other
Read our reportThe green industrial policy revolution: Developments in trade, energy transition, and geopolitics
Driven by the energy transition, national security concerns, and commitments to support domestic production, countries are increasingly taking measures to develop green economies and energy systems at home.
Read our report