Topic outline

  • General

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  • Important module information

    • Module Description

      The module on 'Select Public International Law Issues in Energy' examines the application of public international law to inter-state energy activities.

      States have long taken responsibility for satisfying domestic demand for energy. Traditionally, this could largely be done at the local or, at times, regional level. Over the last fifty years, however, increasing demand for energy and, in part as a result, the progressive exhaustion of traditional energy sources has led to a more extensive interdependence between mineral resource-rich and mineral resource-scarce countries and cooperation in the energy sector. This, in turn, has led to state regulation of these activities and the emergence of a complex web of inter-state norms and practices. These norms have also evolved significantly as a result of the climate emergency and Russia's invasion of Ukraine which has led to a recent energy crisis. 

      Part I of the module provides the foundations of public international law concepts and principles applicable to energy activities, as well as covering the actors engaged in these activities, with a strong focus on states as the primary actors initiating and endorsing energy activities. Part II covers plurilateral and bilateral treaties governing energy activities, including treaties on the joint exploitation of common offshore oil and gas deposits, treaties on the joint exploitation of international watercourses, treaties on cross-border transportation of hydrocarbons, and energy cooperation treaties. This Part also cover the interplay between these treaties and custom. Part III examines how public international law deals with the decommissioning of energy installations.

      The module is assessed by an online exam, which accounts for 100% of the final mark. Towards the end of the semester, students will have the opportunity to complete an in-class mock exam to familiarise themselves with the exam format. Students will also be able to ask questions about the course content during a dedicated revision class.

      Students will also benefit from guest lectures organised throughout the semester.  More information will be provided in class. 




    • MODULE EXPECTATIONS


      TEACHING ARRANGEMENTS

      Each lecture is based on the week’s topic and be taught by Dr Tibisay Morgandi.  

      The lectures take places in Semester 1, on Thursdays (12:00-15:00) in room 1.2.


      PREPARING FOR THIS MODULE


      • Check each week's Handout and make sure to complete the essential readings and any other activity (eg watching a video) specified therein ahead of the class.

      • Engage with the questions included in the Handout and be prepared to discussed them in class.

      • Have the readings materials ready for consultation in class.


      Tip: Make it a goal to complete an optional reading (as indicated in the Handout) every other week.


    • Module Syllabus File
      96.5 KB

  • Where to get help

    There will undoubtedly be times during the term when you get stuck doing your homework or project. This is normal. 

    Who to contact for what:

    - You can use the online student forum to post questions

    - You can contact me by email: t.morgandi@qmul.ac.uk


  • Weeks 1&2 - Framework and Concepts

    • Weeks 1 & 2 - Lectures

      In this first two lectures we will discuss the politics and geopolitics of energy and the role of international law in interstate energy activities. We will cover in particular:

      - the politics and geopolitics of energy (eg Russia's invasion of Ukraine)

      - the concepts of energy security and of international interdependence in the energy sector

      - the role of states as primary actors and the influence of power asymmetries on energy activities

      - prisoner's dilemma and models of governance based on equitable benefit-sharing


      Weeks 1 & 2 - Preparation for Lectures


      1. Complete the readings referred in Weeks 1 & 2 Handout

      2. Give thought to the questions included in the Handout and be prepared to discuss them in class



    • WEEKS 1 & 2 HANDOUT File
      51.5 KB
    • T Morgandi and J Davis - Energy Security File
      119.5 KB
    • Slides Weeks 1 & 2 File
      759.3 KB

  • Week 3 - The Work of the ILC on Shared Energy Resources and the Fragmentation of International Energy Treaties

    • Week 3 - Lecture

      In Week 3 lecture we will discuss the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) on shared energy resources and the fragmentation of international energy treaties


      Week 3 - Preparation for Lecture

      1. Complete the readings included in Week 3 Handout

      2. Give thought to the questions included in the Handout and be prepared to discuss them in class



    • WEEK 3 HANDOUT File
      53.5 KB
    • UNGA Res 63/124 - The Law on Transboundary Aquifers File
      50.3 KB
    • Fatouros - An International Legal Framework for Energy File
      307.0 KB
    • Slides Week 3 File
      340.9 KB

  • Weeks 4&5 - Shared Energy Resource Treaties - Joint Exploitation of Common Offshore Hydrocarbon Deposits

  • Week 7 - Shared Energy Resource Treaties - Joint Production of Hydropower

    • Week 7 - Lecture

      In Week 7 lecture we will discuss the second type of bilateral energy agreements, that is agreement for the joint production of hydropower. These agreements establish a framework for the joint exploitation of an international watercourse.  


      Week 7 - Preparation for Lecture

      1. Complete the readings included in Week 7 Handout (on the second type of bilateral energy agreements on joint production of hydropower)

      2. Give thought to the questions included in the Handout and be prepared to discuss them in class

      3. Prepare for the in-class exercise on activities (including the production of hydropower) carried out in relation to a shared watercourse



    • WEEK 7 HANDOUT File
      56.0 KB
    • McCaffrey - The Theoretical Bases of International Watercourse Law (2019) File
      999.4 KB
    • 1997 UN Convention on the Law of International Watercourses File
      192.9 KB
    • 1950 USA/Canada Treaty File
      85.7 KB
    • 1987 Syria/Jordan Treaty File
      76.8 KB
    • 1973 Brazil/Paraguay Treaty File
      168.1 KB
    • Slides Week 7 File
      672.7 KB

  • Week 8 - Guest Lecture: Dr Emilio Bettoni

  • Q-Review Recordings