FCEEL

Past Conferences

3. Annual Conference 2024 at Erasmus University Rotterdam: „New Technologies for Decarbonization – Challenges and Regulatory Strategies“

The Third Forum on Comparative and European Energy Law (FCEEL) took place on 5 November 2024 at Erasmus University Rotterdam. This year’s edition of the Forum was dedicated to the most pressing contemporary issues in the regulation of new decarbonisation technologies. It featured ten presentations and two round-table discussions. The speakers covered topics as varied as green hydrogen, solar and nuclear energy, energy storage, and the maritime industry.

  • The first panel on comparative and domestic perspectives, introduced by Prof. Dr. Torsten Körber (University of Cologne), began with Assistant Professor Dr. Ruven Fleming (University of Groningen and Technical University Freiberg) presenting an analysis of legal frameworks in eight countries. Dr. Daniel Busche (University of Düsseldorf) examined the rise of plug-in solar panels in Germany, addressing legal challenges and benefits for the energy transition. Assistant Professor Dr. Ceciel Nieuwenhout (University of Groningen) discussed energy communities and Positive Energy Districts in Portugal and the Netherlands. Dr. Friederike Eggert (SEFE) provided an industry perspective on transitioning to green hydrogen, highlighting risks from alternative technologies and unclear legislative definitions.
  • The second panel, introduced by Prof. Dr. Charlotte Kreuter-Kirchhof (University of Düsseldorf), explored European perspectives. Dr. Jolanta Apolewicz (Mykolas Romeris University) proposed a more ecocentric approach to nuclear regulation. PhD Candidate Shakya Wickramanayake (Tilburg University) advocated for justice-based approaches in the Twin Transition. Prof. Dr. Theodoros Iliopoulos (Hasselt University) critiqued the EU’s preference for technological neutrality, noting the prevalence of technology-specific funding. Dr. Jolien Kruit (Van Traa Advocaten) highlighted legal challenges in maritime transport, while PhD Candidate Hannah Mosmans (Erasmus University Rotterdam) addressed risks from “dark fleets” carrying sanctioned oil.
  • The Forum concluded with a round-table discussion moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Ruven Fleming. Panelists discussed nuclear waste management, long-term impacts of regulatory decisions, and parallels between the energy market and the early internet. Prof. Dr. Theodoros Iliopoulos emphasized the need for coherent rulemaking, PhD Candidate Shakya Wickramanayake highlighted legal uncertainty, and Dr. Jolanta Apolewicz stressed holistic regulatory approaches. Prof. Dr. Leonie Reins and Assistant Professor Dr. Max Baumgart closed the event.

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2. Annual Conference 2023 at University of Cologne: „A Dutch-German Hydrogen Valley”

The second Dutch-German Forum on Comparative and European Energy Law (FCEEL) took a look at the chances and possible obstacles of a Dutch-German Hydrogen Valley. The speakers provided economical, legal and political perspectives on this issue:

  • The first Panel focused on the politicial and economic aspects of the H2-Transformation: Dr. Andre Wolf (Centre for European Policy Network) gave a presentation on “The potential for interregional integration in the hydrogen value chain” and Dr. Aad Correlje (Delft University of Technology) talked thereafter about “The (geo)political context and the economic coordination in regard to the value chain and infrastructure management”.
  • The second Panel dealt with a H2-use case und the legal framework therefore. Yola Traum (Lawyer at Becker Büttner Held) talked about „The legal framework for a hydrogen valley in the Netherlands-NRW region – from the EU to the region“
    Dr. Christian von Halen (Head of Legal Technology & Transformation, Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG) thereafter gave a presentation on „Contractual questions of hydrogen value chains“.
  • The third Panel focused on H2-grids and policy aspect of a Dutch-German Hydrogen Valley. Prof. Dr. Phillip Fest (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy NRW) focused his talk on „Challenges and Solutions of Hydrogen Infrastructure“. Bas Pulles (Projectdirector Delta Rhine Corridor, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) gave a presentation on the topic „Delta Rhine Corridor – Cross-border infrastructure connecting supply and demand“.

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1. Annual Conference 2022 at Tilburg University: „Security of gas supply“

The first Dutch-German Forum on Comparative and European Energy Law (FCEEL) analysed the EU, Dutch and German approach to the security of gas supply and possible influences on other member states’ energy markets. The conference had an interdisciplinary approach including legal and economic perspectives.

  • The first Panel focused on the European Perspective on Energy Security and Energy Solidarity and included Prof. Dr. Charlotte Kreuter-Kirchhof (DIER), Ulrich von Koppenfels (Head of Sector, Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission) and Prof. Dr. Leigh Hancher (TILT) as speakers.
  • The second Panel focused on the energy industry perspective on the security of gas supply. Ulrich Ronnacker (Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Open Grid Europe GmbH) started with a presentation focusing on the perspective of a transmission system operator. Afterwards there was a lively discussion on possible solutions to the gas crisis.

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