June 2017 – Global Power Law & Policy

K&L Gates Blockchain Energizer – Volume 7

Jun 29 2017

By Molly Suda, Buck B. Endemann, and Ben Tejblum

There is a lot of buzz around blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries from finance and healthcare to real estate and supply chain management. Reports estimate that over $1.4 billion was invested in blockchain startups in 2016 alone, and many institutions and companies are forming partnerships to explore how blockchain ledgers and smart contracts can be deployed to manage and share data, create transactional efficiencies, and reduce costs.

While virtual currencies and blockchain technology in the financial services industry have been the subject of significant debate and discussion, blockchain applications that could transform the energy industry have received comparatively less attention. Every other week, the K&L Gates’ Blockchain Energizer will highlight emerging issues or stories relating to the use of blockchain technology in the energy space.

IN THIS ISSUE

Blockchain May Help Address Cyber Security Concerns in the Energy Industry
United Nations Recognizes the Potential for Blockchain Technology to Promote Climate Change Action
Infocast Blockchain Webinar
- Interested in learning more about blockchains? On July 12, the authors of the Blockchain Energizer will partner with Infocast to provide a one-hour webinar on blockchain technology and its applications in the energy space.
- Registration is free and may be accessed through the following link.

To view more information on theses topics in Volume 7 of The Blockchain Energizer, click here.

Maryland Issues Request for Proposals for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Projects

Jun 29 2017

By William M. Keyser and Elizabeth P. Trinkle

The Maryland Department of Transportation (“MDOT”) has issued a request for proposals (“RFP”) to create a Master Services Agreement (“MSA”) to select contracts to design, construct, finance, and operate renewable energy facilities and energy storage projects at MDOT locations throughout the State of Maryland. The terms of the MSA will be five years, with an optional two year extension.

The scope of the RFP encompasses solar, geothermal and microhydropower renewable energy systems. In addition to traditional renewable energy facilities, bidders may also propose energy storage systems and microgrid development. Bidders are encouraged to find cost-effective project financing, and the contractor will be responsible for applying for and obtaining incentives offered by the State of Maryland. Proposals are to be submitted in two parts: Part I should include the technical aspects of the project, and Part II should contain the pricing information required by the RFP. Read More

United States Announces Intent to Withdraw From Paris Climate Accord: What is the Real Impact?

Jun 19 2017

By William M. Keyser, Laurie B. Purpuro, Cliff L. Rothenstein, Alyssa A. Moir, and Christina A. Elles

On June 1, President Trump declared that he would withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord (the “Agreement”). His announcement, though not unexpected, raises a host of questions on several legal, technical, and policy fronts. And while the news and commentary on President Trump’s position continues to change, three fundamental questions are worth asking:

K&L GATES BLOCKCHAIN ENERGIZER – VOLUME 6

Jun 15 2017

By Molly Suda, Buck B. Endemann, and Ben Tejblum

While virtual currencies and blockchain technology in the financial services industry have been the subject of significant debate and discussion, blockchain applications that could transform the energy industry have received comparatively less attention. Every other week, the K&L Gates’ Blockchain Energizer will highlight emerging issues or stories relating to the use of blockchain technology in the energy space.

IN THIS ISSUE

Blockchain-Based Energy Trading Pilot Project Looks to Expand
Over 20 Energy Trading Frims Will Participate in Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading Market

To view more information on these topics in Volume 6 of The Blockchain Energizer, click here.

Energy Department Seeks Input on Regulatory Reform

Jun 12 2017

By Tim L. Peckinpaugh, David L. Wochner, David L. Benson and Kathleen L. Nicholas

On May 30, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) published a request for information (“RFI”) soliciting guidance on potential regulations that should be modified or repealed to reduce burdens and costs. This is part of a government-wide initiative to overhaul the federal government’s regulatory regime, set in motion with an executive order signed by President Trump just after his inauguration. This RFI also comes after President Trump signed an executive order, “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth,” which seeks to review all regulatory actions that hamper the domestic production of fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

To read the full alert on K&L Gates HUB, click here.

K&L Gates Blockchain Energizer – Volume 5

Jun 01 2017

By Molly Suda, Buck B. Endemann, and Ben Tejblum

While virtual currencies and blockchain technology in the financial services industry have been the subject of significant debate and discussion, blockchain applications that could transform the energy industry have received comparatively less attention. Every other week, the K&L Gates’ Blockchain Energizer will highlight emerging issues or stories relating to the use of blockchain technology in the energy space.

IN THIS ISSUE

Canada’s TMX Natural Gas Exchange to Test Blockchain
Banks and Traders Begin to Consider the Implications of a Shift to Blockchain-Powered Networks
CFTC Launches FinTech Initiative

To view more information on theses topics in Volume 5 of The Blockchain Energizer, click here.

Archive:June 2017