Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This subtopic brings together content on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is relevant to the energy industry and energy lawyers.

Impact of coronavirus on the Energy Industry

The coronavirus pandemic, which broke out in early 2020, caused a number of key areas of concern for the energy industry and energy lawyers. Our content in this subtopic contains guidance and analysis relating to these issues; in particular, the potential contractual implications and wider impact on the market. While some of these issues are more historic in nature, much of the content will continue to be relevant in certain future circumstances, such as the outbreak of another pandemic or equivalent globally disruptive set of events.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) and contractual obligations—checklist sets out some of the key issues to consider when a party is unable to comply with its contractual obligations due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), including force majeure
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Practice Note: Force Majeure in oil and gas contracts provides an overview of the main considerations which arise when drafting

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Latest Energy News

Ofgem launches consultation on LDES financial framework for cap and floor regime

Ofgem has launched a consultation on the proposed financial framework for Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) projects under Window 1 of the cap and floor regime. This follows the opening of the first application window on 8 April 2025 and outlines approaches to setting cap and floor levels, establishing delivery incentives, and determining competitive assessment methods. The framework is supported by a comprehensive financial model and a detailed handbook for revenue calculations and bid assessments. Stakeholders are invited to submit their responses by 17 July 2025, with the final framework expected to be published in Q3 2025. The initiative is aligned with the government's Clean Power 2030 objectives.

HM Treasury unveils ten-year Infrastructure Strategy with £725bn clean energy investment plan

HM Treasury, in partnership with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, has unveiled a landmark ten-year Infrastructure Strategy as part of the Plan for Change. This detailed strategy commits at least £725bn to infrastructure investment through to 2035, with the dual aim of establishing the UK as a clean energy superpower and providing long-term investment certainty. It outlines aggressive 2030 clean power targets of 43–50 gigawatts (GW) offshore wind, 27–29 GW onshore wind, and 45–47 GW solar capacity, while allocating £9.4bn for carbon capture, usage and storage projects and £500m for hydrogen transport infrastructure. In addition, the strategy sets aside £14.2bn for the development of Sizewell C and £2.5bn for small modular reactor programmes, with Great British Energy set to invest £8.3bn in clean power projects, including £300m for offshore wind supply chains.

Council agrees position on two-year delay to EU battery due diligence rules

The Council of the EU has approved a position to postpone battery due diligence obligations under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 by two years, from 18 August 2025 to 18 August 2027. The proposal, part of the Commission's Omnibus IV simplification package, also changes reporting requirements from annual to three-yearly intervals. The Commission will publish due diligence guidelines one year before obligations take effect. The Council presidency will now enter negotiations with the European Parliament to finalise the agreement.

Commission launches Citizens Energy Package consultation with 12-week deadline

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy has launched a public consultation and call for evidence on the proposed Citizens Energy Package, which aims to accelerate clean energy transition while ensuring consumer protection. The package builds on the Clean Industrial Deal and Affordable Energy Action Plan, focusing on energy poverty, coal region decarbonisation and consumer empowerment. The Commission plans to table a Communication on the package by end-2025, following input from stakeholders through multiple channels including the Citizens Energy Forum and Regulatory Round Table. The consultation closes on 11 September 2025.