This program offers a deep and structured exploration of energy law and regulation, covering the entire spectrum of the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. Participants will examine the legal, contractual, policy, and regulatory frameworks that govern energy exploration, production, distribution, and transition to cleaner energy sources. The course blends comparative law analysis, practical case studies, and regulatory insights to equip participants with the knowledge to navigate complex legal issues in upstream, midstream, and downstream energy operations. It also integrates emerging themes such as energy transition, sustainability, climate law, and renewable integration, making it ideal for professionals shaping the future of global energy governance.
Secure enrollment • Professional certificate included
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the core principles and legal frameworks of energy law across oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
Interpret and apply international energy treaties, contracts, and national regulations.
Draft and negotiate key energy sector agreements (PSCs, JVs, PPAs, etc.).
Manage environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obligations in energy operations.
Address regulatory compliance, competition, and sustainability challenges in energy markets.
Evaluate dispute resolution mechanisms in energy law and cross-border transactions.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Energy Law and Policy Key Study Areas: Foundations and sources of energy law The global energy system and market dynamics Role of states, investors, and regulators in energy governance National energy policies and international energy treaties Case Studies: Comparative review of energy regulation in the EU, US, and Africa National energy policy reforms and climate commitments Activities: Group discussion on national energy policy frameworks Mapping key stakeholders in energy regulation
Module 2: Oil and Gas Legal Frameworks Key Study Areas: Upstream, midstream, and downstream operations Licensing regimes: concessions, production sharing, and service contracts Petroleum law principles and state sovereignty over resources The role of national oil companies (NOCs) Case Studies: Licensing disputes in Nigeria and Angola Production sharing agreement renegotiations in the Middle East Activities: Draft a simple production sharing contract (PSC) clause Analyze a petroleum licensing agreement
Module 3: Energy Contracts and Commercial Arrangements Key Study Areas: Joint venture agreements (JVs) and farm-out/farm-in deals Offtake and transportation agreements Power purchase agreements (PPAs) in renewables Risk allocation, stabilization, and force majeure clauses Case Studies: Analysis of gas supply and LNG sale agreements Legal risk allocation in renewable energy contracts Activities: Draft and review a PPA template Negotiation simulation: government vs. investor in an energy project
Module 4: Regulatory Institutions and Energy Market Governance Key Study Areas: Role and structure of energy regulatory authorities Competition law in energy markets Tariff regulation and consumer protection Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and regulatory challenges Case Studies: Electricity sector liberalization in Kenya and South Africa Regulation of independent power producers (IPPs) Activities: Workshop: regulatory impact analysis for a new energy project Draft a compliance checklist for energy market participants
Module 5: Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) in Energy Law Key Study Areas: Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and permitting Climate change and decarbonization policies Social impact, indigenous rights, and benefit-sharing mechanisms Corporate governance and sustainability disclosure Case Studies: Environmental litigation in oil spills (e.g., Niger Delta, Deepwater Horizon) ESG reporting standards in energy companies Activities: Draft an ESG compliance plan for an energy operator Group role-play: stakeholder consultation and conflict mediation
Module 6: Renewable Energy and Climate Law Key Study Areas: Legal frameworks for renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, biomass) Feed-in tariffs, green certificates, and carbon credit schemes Climate law: Paris Agreement and national adaptation frameworks Energy transition and just transition policies Case Studies: Renewable energy investment frameworks in Germany, Kenya, and India Legal challenges in offshore wind projects Activities: Design a renewable project legal framework Draft a sample renewable energy investment memorandum
Module 7: Energy Infrastructure Development and Financing Key Study Areas: Legal structure of energy infrastructure projects Project finance, guarantees, and risk allocation Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in energy projects Cross-border energy projects and trade Case Studies: LNG terminal and pipeline financing deals Renewable energy project finance models in Africa and Asia Activities: Financial structuring simulation for a solar energy project Group analysis of a PPP energy project contract
Module 8: Local Content, Employment, and Community Development Key Study Areas: Local content laws and national participation requirements Training, technology transfer, and local supplier development Community engagement and benefit-sharing mechanisms Gender inclusion and corporate social responsibility (CSR) Case Studies: Local content implementation in Ghana, Brazil, and Norway Legal analysis of community development agreements (CDAs) Activities: Draft a local content compliance plan Group discussion: balancing foreign investment and national participation
Module 9: Dispute Resolution in Energy Law Key Study Areas: Common sources of disputes in energy projects Arbitration and mediation in energy contracts (ICSID, ICC, LCIA) Enforcement of arbitral awards in cross-border energy disputes Role of state immunity and stabilization clauses Case Studies: ICSID cases involving energy nationalization disputes Power purchase agreement arbitration outcomes Activities: Mock arbitration session on a gas supply dispute Draft an arbitration clause for a renewable energy project Module 10: Future Trends and Energy Transition Law Key Study Areas: The evolving legal landscape of the global energy transition Hydrogen economy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and digital energy systems ESG and sustainable investment frameworks Legal innovations for clean energy access and energy justice Case Studies: Hydrogen and battery storage policy frameworks Carbon trading schemes in the EU and Africa Activities: Group project: drafting a model “Energy Transition Policy” for a developing country Final presentation: legal roadmap for sustainable energy development
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for energy lawyers, corporate counsel, regulators, policymakers, project managers, investors, engineers, and environmental consultants working in oil, gas, and renewable energy industries. It also benefits government officials, academics, and compliance professionals involved in energy governance, sustainability, and infrastructure development.
