International Trade in Sustainable Electricity-Regulatory Challenges in International Economic Law

摘要

The challenges posed by climate change are of the utmost concern for the whole world. While the use of fossil fuel-based energy is the biggest cause of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, on the other hand, a consistent use of renewable, or sustainably produced energy, might significantly reduce such emissions and contribute, in the long run, to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Reducing carbon emissions has proved to be a complex challenge for developing countries, which try to ensure people's access to energy while fostering economic growth; at the same time, more advanced economies are also seeking ways to ensure energy security through reduction of fossil-fuel imports and consumption. In this regard, the development of sustainable energy (i.e. clean and low-carbon), coupled with energy efficiency, would make a positive impact in reaching those goals. As a corollary of sustainable energy production, cross-border trade in electricity is gaining momentum and rapid expansion, as an outcome of technical innovation and ongoing efforts in decarbonisation. Electricity networks have expanded, making possible an integration of consistent shares of renewable energy into the grid, which, in turn, has called for the desirability of long-distance electricity flows.