WTO Law on Subsidies and Local Content Rules in the Renewable Energy Sector

Roeben, Volker

Abstract

The WTO legal framework on subsidies and local content requirements applies to renewable energy projects executed by Member States globally. This article analyses the constrains that WTO law places on the support Member States can provide, through local content requirements in subsidy regimes used for renewable energy projects. Considering the growth of offshore renewable energy globally and the widespread use of local content requirements, it is crucial to determine whether the WTO rules will affect offshore renewable energy growth globally. The article analyses disputes involving various forms of renewable energy between Member States. Only one dispute analysed, the recently resolved dispute between the UK and the EU directly relates to offshore renewable energy. Through analysis of disputes involving other types of renewable energy, an inference may be made regarding the application of the WTO legal regime to offshore renewable energy developments.

Citation

Roeben, V. (2022). WTO Law on Subsidies and Local Content Rules in the Renewable Energy Sector. Oil, gas and energy law, 5,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jan 16, 2023
• Publication Date: 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 18, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 18, 2023
• Journal: Oil, Gas & Energy Law
• Publisher: Maris B.V.
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Publisher URL: https://www.ogel.org/article.asp?key=4060