Sherzod Shadikhodjaev, Energy and the Environment: Exploring the Nexus under International Economic Law (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2024)

1. Book description

Energy intersects with the environment at all stages of its life cycle by affecting nature and public health and is subject to government measures concerning low-carbon growth, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy and ecologically safe supply of nuclear and other energy resources. This timely book provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of international economic law in regulating such an energy–environment nexus under the regimes of the WTO, the Energy Charter Treaty, regional trade agreements and investment treaties. The author discusses the international environmental and economic law foundations of this nexus and extensively examines the relevant rules, jurisprudence and practices regarding trade restrictions, subsidies, technical standards, investment protection and technology policies. This book highlights the existing gaps and ‘greening’ solutions within the framework of international economic law. Where relevant, it draws comparisons between trade law and investment law to show their similarities, differences and (potential) conflicts at the energy–environment interface.

2. Table of Contents 

Introduction; 1. Foundations of the Energy–Environment Nexus and International Economic Law; 2. Energy Trade Control and Environmental Protection; 3. Energy Subsidies and the Environment; 4. Pro-Environmental Energy Standards and Trade; 5. Energy Investment Regulation and the Environment; 6. Energy and Green Technologies; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

3. Reviews

‘This is the most comprehensive treatment of the regulation of energy from an environmental perspective so far. The legal and economic logic of interventions in both the trade as well as the investment spheres is brought into light through the very competent writing of the author, who must also be complemented for expressing in a clear-cut understandable manner a very demanding topic. A book that no academic or practitioner working in this area can afford to overlook.’ (Petros C. Mavroidis – Edwin B. Parker Professor of Foreign and Comparative Law, Columbia Law School)

‘This book offers a groundbreaking perspective by interlinking energy policy with environmental legal principles. Shadikhodjaev’s unique approach lies in merging these often distinct fields, providing new insights into how international legal frameworks can address environmental challenges arising from energy consumption. This pioneering analysis, which critically evaluates existing legal structures and proposes innovative solutions for integrating energy policies with environmental protection, marks a significant contribution to the evolving international legal narrative. Shadikhodjaev’s work sets a precedent in the field, serving as a vital guide for future policy and legal development.’ (Julien Chaisse – Professor of Law, City University of Hong Kong & President, Asia Pacific FDI Network)