The interplay between energy security and law and policy on green energy development: a socio-legal analysis



Rutherford, A
(2019) The interplay between energy security and law and policy on green energy development: a socio-legal analysis. PhD thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the interplay between energy security and law and policies promoting green energy. Based on empirical work carried out in two very different country case studies – Great Britain and Brazil – this thesis attempts to foster a better understanding of the role played by energy security in constructing and deconstructing green energy policy initiatives. Understanding the diversity of views on and the complexities of the interplay between energy security and green energy development is at the heart of this thesis. The diversity of views raised in national contexts leads to legal disputes in international forums when attempts are made to address the issues of this energy security-green energy interplay. As such, building on the findings of the case studies of Great Britain and Brazil, this thesis then analyses the interplay between energy security and green energy development in international trade law as encapsulated in the law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an international trade organisation which adjudicates between competing discursive claims surrounding energy security and green energy development and pronounces on their legal status. This thesis shows the complexity of the relationship between energy security and law and policies on green energy development and how the existing discursive constructions are broadening, deepening and transforming this interplay. In summary, the findings demonstrate the discursive contests that lead to divergent constructions of energy security not only in the context of different countries, but also in different sectors of the economy within a country. It also shows that the links between energy security and national and international law and policies on green energy pose challenges to a transition to a green energy system. In order to assist the energy transition, this thesis puts forward the adoption of the broader energy security concept in law and policies which includes environmental, climate and social considerations. It also argues for the incorporation of a dominant positive frame in relation to the interplay between energy security and law and policy on green energy development since a positive frame in relation to this link has the implication to significantly contribute to the promotion of an energy source. In addition, it advances the need to embrace emerging green energy technologies in energy systems and argues that an evenly distributed market share of green energy technologies and equipment around the world is the best solution to ensure green energy security in the context of the just energy transition. This thesis then proposes a way forward in creating the legal space in the law of the WTO for trade restrictive measures aimed at ensuring green energy security.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Divisions: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Law and Social Justice
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 28 Jun 2019 10:02
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 00:42
DOI: 10.17638/03043367
Supervisors:
  • Sattorova, M
  • Mair, M
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3043367