Energy Markets and the Energy Transition (LAWS90318)

The energy transition – a key plank in achieving Australia's net zero targets – represents a generational challenge for energy markets. 

Transitioning Australia's energy system to renewable energy and storage involves a complex group of stakeholders, with policy makers, regulators, investors, energy providers and consumers grappling with multiple – often conflicting – objectives.   

This subject aims to give students a clear understanding of the structure and principles of Australia's energy markets in the context of achieving the energy transition.  Focusing on the Australian electricity sector, it will examine the foundations of our energy markets and the pathway for renewable energy, together with the nature and scale of the energy transition and current policy debates.  

Key legal elements of the subject include the structure and legal framework for the electricity supply industry and markets, the legal framework supporting investment in renewable energy, principles and policy frameworks underpinning the energy transition, the role of government and electricity market reform initiatives.  

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject should be able to: 

• Analyse and interpret the development of energy law and policy in Australia, key challenges in the energy transition and the law and principles governing the National Electricity Market.
• Locate, synthesise and analyse legal problems involving electricity market and energy transition questions, taking into account climate, social and economic policy.
• Identify and assess the source legislation and rules governing electricity market questions and regulation.
• Identify issues and solve problems involving energy transition questions, taking into account energy market regulations.
• Analyse and discuss current reform proposals and policy developments in the Australian energy markets, by reference to both primary and secondary sources.

Generic skills

• Advanced understanding of the changing base of law and policy relating to energy markets and the energy transition.
• Well-developed problem-solving ability for complex problems involving different stakeholder groups.
• Capacity to effectively communicate complex ideas orally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist groups.