Solar & Wind Energy Law & Policy

Catalog description

Wind and solar energy are the major sources of renewable electricity (other than hydropower) in use around the world. This course will focus on three legal and policy factors that arise with these technologies, using case studies and legal materials from the U.S. and Europe. First, what steps have governments taken or considered using to promote the development of these energy supplies? Second, what issues arise in locating wind and solar facilities, and what legal strategies have governments used to overcome local resistance and to address environmental concerns? For wind, both onshore and offshore siting will be considered. For solar, deployment of photovoltaic panels and construction of concentrated solar power plants will be discussed. Finally, what legal and regulatory strategies are used or under consideration with respect to the distribution and use of wind and solar electricity?