Energy is one of the hot topics in the debate leading up to the 2014 independence referendum.  However, there is too little focus on the legal context in which energy currently operates and what the current issues and problems for energy law are.  This autumn, Terra Firma Chambers is holding two seminars on energy law which will discuss some of the main themes in this important area. 

Without doubt, EU law has a dominant influence in this area, particularly in relation to renewable energy and the implications of climate change.   But the impact of EU law is much wider, having implications for nuclear energy, the oil and gas sectors and, increasingly, offshore energy resources.  Indeed, the EU has just adopted a controversial directive on safety in the offshore oil and gas industries.  What are the implications of this directive, which must be transposed into domestic law by July 2015? 

Scotland is a world leader in the field of renewable energy.  But what is the legal context in which renewable energy operates? Beyond EU law requirements, there are important issues arising from planning law, tax law and environmental law which affect the renewables sector.  Is it the case that the law is friendly towards renewables or rather places obstacles in the way of more energy from renewables? 

Energy and tax are sensitive issues at any time but never more so when energy costs are on the rise.  How does the tax system impact on the energy sector and what are its implications for energy costs? 

The Terra Firma seminars will explore these issues, in addition to considering some recent decisions of the courts in the field of energy law, including the complex problems posed for planning and environmental law by the on-going litigation concerning the insolvency of the Scottish Coal Company.

The first seminar will take place in The Lighthouse in Glasgow on Wednesday 9th October and the second at the Society of Advocates Aberdeen on Thursday 10th October. Registration for both will commence at 3pm, with a seminar start time of 3.30pm, and will be followed by a drinks reception at 5.30pm. The seminars, sponsored by Wesleyan for Lawyers, have been accredited by the Faculty of Advocates as contributing 2 hours CPD each for its own members and are eligible for a similar award from the Law Society for the solicitor branch of the profession.  There will be a modest fee for attendance of £30 per delegate. For full details please see our seminar section or email emma.potter@terrafirmachambers.com