EP.208 Allan Marks on the US' role in the Global Energy Transition
Aug 27, 2024
auto_awesome
Allan Marks, a leading project finance lawyer with over 30 years in the energy sector and a lecturer at UC Berkeley, joins the discussion alongside Oliver Kerr and George Prassas. They delve into the U.S.'s essential shift towards domestic manufacturing for energy production and its effects on the transition from fossil fuels. The conversation covers the regulatory landscape's complexities, the implications of the upcoming election on energy policy, and the crucial role of tax incentives in boosting renewable investments. They even touch on how AI is reshaping the legal industry.
The Inflation Reduction Act has catalyzed the U.S. energy sector's investment landscape, making it a leading hub for clean energy globally.
Regional diversity in U.S. energy policies necessitates tailored strategies for fostering effective clean energy solutions across different states.
Deep dives
Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on U.S. Investment
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has significantly boosted both domestic and foreign investments in the U.S. energy sector. It has positioned the U.S. as a major market for clean energy, accounting for approximately 16% of global investments in this area, which is substantial compared to other regions such as China and the EU. Furthermore, the IRA complements other federal laws, like the bipartisan infrastructure law, and various state policies, ultimately creating low barriers for growth in clean energy production, particularly solar and wind. The act's subsequent policies have encouraged an influx of investments across a range of states, especially California and the Northeast, as they expand their energy production capabilities.
Shifting Focus from Globalization to Domestic Manufacturing
A notable trend in recent years has been the shift from globalization toward a focus on domestic manufacturing, fostered by industrial and trade policies in the U.S. The enactment of tariffs on imports, like electric vehicles from China, reflects an increased emphasis on protecting domestic industries. This reshoring of manufacturing aims to enhance supply chain security and create jobs, while simultaneously stimulating investment through laws like the IRA and the CHIPS Act. However, there is ongoing debate about how this shift will affect overall costs and the pace of the energy transition, as protectionist measures may lead to higher consumer prices.
Differing Regional Approaches to Energy Transition
The energy transition in the U.S. is characterized by significant regional variability in policies and market dynamics. Each state operates under distinct regulatory frameworks, impacting how they approach energy production and consumption—California, for instance, has focused heavily on reliability and diverse energy sources, while Texas prioritizes low-cost energy and minimal barriers to entry. This divergence leads to different energy infrastructures and the rapid development of technologies such as battery storage, which is gaining particular traction in states with high renewable penetration. Overall, these regional disparities highlight the importance of tailored approaches to promoting clean energy solutions suited to local contexts.
Challenges and Opportunities for Offshore Wind Development
Offshore wind energy presents a significant opportunity for the U.S. to harness vast renewable energy resources, particularly in regions with high energy demand such as the Northeast and California. While technological advancements in offshore wind are promising, the U.S. is still playing catch-up compared to Europe and Asia, where offshore wind has already seen widespread adoption. Key challenges include regulatory complexity and the necessity for a domestic supply chain to support construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Despite these hurdles, there is considerable potential for growth in this sector if domestic manufacturing and regulatory frameworks can advance effectively, particularly with incentives from acts like the IRA.
In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Allan Marks, Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Finance Partner at Milbank, to discuss the United States' role in the global energy transition. Joining him are our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, and our USA West Market Lead, George Prassas.
Allan is one of the world's leading project finance lawyers, with over 30 years of expertise across various sectors, including power and renewable energy, water, fuels, and digital infrastructure. He is a Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and has previously taught at the Haas School of Business. Additionally, he is a regular contributor to Forbes, where he covers topics related to energy, infrastructure, and climate.
Key topics include:
The shift towards domestic manufacturing and labour in the US and its impact on the cost and speed of the energy transition
The regulatory environment in the US and its regional diversity
The upcoming election and its potential influence of its outcome on the US energy transition