Energy law for the next generation, towards 2030 to 2050

An international debate is needed on what energy law is required for society to achieve its energy and climate targets for 2030 and 2050. This editorial and the special issue that follows focus on Energy Law for the Next Generation, Towards 2030 to 2050. Legal scholarship to date has not evolved sufficiently to play its role in the energy transition and in ensuring the effects of climate change are mitigated. There remain too many gaps in the law, in particular around decommissioning of fossil fuel energy infrastructure and management of waste from fossil fuel activities, ie carbon taxes. The overall key challenges for energy law are to address climate change, environmental impacts and economic governance. New visions of what energy law must be reformed or newly formulated are needed. Currently, in education, in practice and in research, the status quo remains. The research perspectives in the articles for this special issue will hopefully inspire the next generation of energy law scholars to provide solutions. It is, after all, a key 'justice' issue to ensure that as an energy law community, we leave a foundation in place that can lead to a just transition to a low-carbon and sustainable world for future generations within the science-based critical deadlines such as 2030 and 2050.

Automated summary

An international debate is needed to determine the energy law required to achieve society's energy and climate targets for 2030 and 2050. The current state of legal scholarship is insufficient in addressing the energy transition and climate change mitigation. There are gaps in the law, particularly concerning decommissioning of fossil fuel infrastructure and waste management. Energy law must confront challenges related to climate change, environmental impacts, and economic governance. New visions and reforms are necessary, and the research perspectives in this special issue aim to inspire the next generation of energy law scholars to provide solutions.