Por:
Laura Catalina Silva Barrera
|
Fecha:
2011
Recently, renewable energies have been considered as an alternative to address the depletion of hydrocarbon resources. Additionally, renewable energies are promising for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Kyoto Protocol, members should implement policies and measures in this area.
In this regard, a comprehensive technical background in renewable energies is needed to take into account the different types of renewable energy. ECOTEC Research and Consulting Limited in 2001 mentioned that: ‘Renewable energy is the term used to describe a wide range of naturally occurring, replenishable energy sources - in particular, sun, wind, water and a range of biomass resources.’
In order to address this international concern, and to apply the pacta sunt servenda principle, the European Union and the United Kingdom Parliament and Government have been developing a legal framework. The EU has issued assorted Directives which have been operating only as a reference since those legal instruments ‘require the enactment of an Act of Parliament or delegated legislations’ to be binding in UK.
Additionally, the UK Parliament has enacted Acts which give the framework, and various Statutory Instruments to regulate renewable energy.6 Nevertheless, since 2003 Scotland has been developing its own regime through Acts and particular Statutory Instruments. Therefore, offshore wind, one of most promising renewable energies developing in Scotland, illustrates the recent legal issues with some legal shortcomings and strengths regarding environment, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable development, and consent licencing as a main features of the regime.
