United Kingdom: Energy Law

Ofgem has launched a consultation on draft licence conditions for Competitively Appointed Transmission Owners (CATOs), introducing an Early Competition model for developing onshore transmission assets. The proposed regulatory framework governs CATOs across the full project lifecycle, from design and construction through to operation and eventual decommissioning.

The UK renewable energy sector achieved a milestone in 2025 with renewables generating 44% of electricity, while wind power maintains its position as the dominant renewable source. Following a comprehensive market review, the government has decided to retain a unified national electricity pricing system rather than adopting zonal pricing. New regulatory reforms targeting grid connections and the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 are designed to accelerate project development by reducing approval delays.

European steel producers face mounting pressure from weak demand, rising imports, and structural cost disadvantages in energy and labor. With capacity utilization at historic lows and overcapacity reaching 60-65 million tons, the industry must fundamentally rethink its position in the global value chain. Can European steelmakers survive by shifting from commodity production to specialized, high-value products?

The Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 have introduced a comprehensive regulatory regime for heat networks in Great Britain, with Ofgem serving as the regulator. Operating a relevant heat network without proper authorisation is now a criminal offence, yet many organisations may not realise they fall under these new regulations or understand their compliance obligations.

The U.K.'s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Phase 4 brings mandatory energy assessment requirements for large businesses, with critical compliance deadlines approaching in 2026 and 2027. Understanding qualification criteria, new reporting obligations, and enforcement consequences is essential for organizations that may fall within scope, including those affected by recent structural changes or M&A activity.

The UK's clean energy transition is accelerating with renewable capacity coming online at scale, but the gap between political ambition and commercial reality is creating complex legal challenges for businesses and investors building, financing and acquiring clean energy assets. Three structural shifts—electric vehicle adoption, data centre expansion, and battery storage maturation—are simultaneously driving demand...

Great Britain's data centre development pipeline is expanding rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence and hyperscaler growth. Ofgem has launched a consultation on proposed connection reforms aimed at distinguishing viable projects from speculative ones through new commitment fees and queue management milestones. These reforms could require developers of large-scale projects to secure substantial upfront financial commitments and demonstrate credible end-users and technical capability at specific stages.

Understanding the intellectual property landscape is a strategic advantage in the energy sector, helping companies identify where competitors are filing patents, where gaps exist, and where opportunities lie. This guide explains how landscape searching can guide smarter R&D efforts and investment decisions across solar, wind, and oil and gas technologies.

The new “opt-out” power under Section 35B of the Planning Act 2008 allows developers to apply to direct development out of the NSIP/DCO regime. We examine the procedure, guidance, and implications for energy projects