Carbon Markets and Renewable Energy
Climate change is widely regarded as one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. The complex business and regulatory environment surrounding climate change policies and carbon markets, creates both risks and opportunities. DLA Phillips Fox lawyers have the skills to assist businesses and governments meet their compliance obligations under the many schemes regulating greenhouse gas and energy reporting, carbon trading, energy efficiency and renewable energy, both locally and overseas.
Our exclusive alliance with DLA Piper also means that we can offer our clients access to the latest international experience with carbon markets, carbon funds, clean development mechanism (CDM) and joint implementation (JI) projects.
We can:
- Advise on strategies to prepare your business for the commencement of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) including cost pass-through, contract review clauses and financing arrangements
- Advise on contracting strategies for project agreements, tender documentation and commercial opportunities arising from the CPRS
- Ensure your contracts are clear about reporting obligations under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 and the collection of adequate data to facilitate reporting
- Assist with the commercialisation of established and emerging renewable energy technologies and IP protection
- Negotiate and document carbon transactions, including carbon sequestration agreements in relation to carbon sinks (forestry) and the establishment of carbon funds
- Advise on accessing Kyoto units from international markets
- Evaluate possible merger & acquisition opportunities while considering carbon risk and CPRS compliance costs
- Provide tax advice about the implications of buying and selling carbon units
- Advise on development controls to mitigate climate change impacts and the assessment of climate change risks in the project approval process
- Conduct administrative appeals, resolve disputes with contracting parties and defend enforcement proceedings by regulatory authorities
By working closely with your business, we can help you take a strategic approach to the legal challenges arising from climate change, and identify opportunities for you to capitalise on the changing legislative agenda while meeting your compliance obligations.