Research centre of the University of Groningen under direction of prof. Dr L.Squintani. See www.
The University of Groningen has a special connection with the energy sector. Not only is it situated on top of the Groningen gas field, but it also has close ties with the parties developing this field. Currently, the University of Groningen and companies like Gasunie are cooperating in several energy related organizations like the Energy Delta Institute and the Energy Valley. Moreover, the Board
of the University of Groningen has chosen 'energy' as one of the key areas for its research and education. Research
Within the faculty of law the Groningen Centre of Energy Law coordinates all research involving (parts of) the energy sector. Its research covers the entire energy chain (“from well to burner tip”). It includes all legislation and regulation applying to the production, transmission and supply of energy, the promotion of renewable energy sources, the need to secure energy supply as well as issues concerning climate change and environmental protection. Current research is to a large extent focusing on the liberalization of the EU and national energy markets as well as its legal, economic and social consequences. Other areas of interest are the contractual framework within which the energy suppliers and consumers operate as well as the fiscal and financial aspects of energy production and supply. International
The energy sector is developing from a national to an international industry as a result of which cross-border issues are becoming increasingly important. As of the 1960s the Netherlands is exporting natural gas to several European countries but is also an important transit state for several other energy resources like oil. Due to a steadily decreasing supply and an increasing demand, the need to import energy will expand. This will also have an impact on the legal framework within which the energy markets operate. International and comparative law is therefore one of the key research areas of the Groningen Centre of Energy Law.
