Regolazione e prospettive del mercato dello shale gas in Cina: tra diritto del commercio internazionale, diritto dell'energia, accordi di produzione, protezione ambientale e sviluppo sostenibile: un confronto con l’esperienza statunitense (Regulation and Prospects of the Shale Gas Market in China in Light of International Trade, Energy Law, Production-Sharing Agreements, Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development: A Comparison with the US Experience)

DIRITTO COMUNITARIO E DEGLI SCAMBI INTERNAZIONALI, 1-2/2015, pp. 29-83

59 Pages Posted: 30 Sep 2015 Last revised: 23 Jan 2016

See all articles by Paolo Davide Farah

Paolo Davide Farah

West Virginia University (WV, USA); gLAWcal - Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development (United Kingdom); University of Pittsburgh - School of Law

Riccardo Tremolada

Harvard University, Law School, Students; Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP; gLAWcal - Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development

Date Written: September 25, 2015

Abstract

Italian Abstract:: Sommario: 1. Introduzione - 2. Lo sviluppo dell’industria della produzione e della commercializzazione dello shale gas in Cina: accordi per l’esplorazione e lo sfruttamento - 3. La cornice istituzionale, amministrativa e normativa cinese - 4. Problematiche ambientali, gestione delle risorse idriche ed esigenze di sviluppo e crescita economica - 5. Analisi comparatistica con la pregressa esperienza degli Stati Uniti d’America: un modello di riferimento per lo sviluppo dell’industria del gas non convenzionale? - 6. Conclusioni: il futuro dello shale gas in Cina tra interventi normativi e nuovi equilibri geopolitici.

English Abstract: Shale gas has been defined as a revolution in the global energy landscape. This is even more true in China, whose large shale gas reserves are likely to have a crucial effect on the regional gas market and on China’s energy mix. The country is endeavoring to minimize reliance on imported fossil fuels, while it strives to address mounting energy demand and gain greater negotiating power on determining gas prices. Nonetheless, this advance does not come without risks, as shale gas exploitation poses a number of legal, regulatory and environmental challenges, which could negatively impact on future exploitation and commercialization, not only in China.

This study carries out an in-depth analysis of the current shale gas regulatory framework, moving from previous experiences of unconventional gas exploitation in the United States to evaluating their possible application to China, where regulatory and enforcement hurdles are exacerbated by an energy sector characterized by technological deficiencies, barriers to market access hindering access to resource extraction for private investors, and a limited liberalization of gas prices. These questions are analyzed in light of problems related to water pollution originating from mismanaged drilling and fracturing, and the absence of adequate regulatory measures and industry standards regarding predictive evaluation.

The paper goes on to explore the institutional situation of fragmentation, and clashes and overlapping of competences, emphasizing how these processes impact on outcomes. The study concludes by proposing possible ways forward, involving cooperation and regulatory reforms.

Note: Downloadable document is in Italian.

Keywords: Shale gas, Water, Energy, China, United States, International Trade, International and Comparative Law, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Health, Environment

JEL Classification: K33, K32, K23, K22, F02, F13, F15, D62, D73, D78, I18, H23, H41, Q25, Q42, Q43, Q48, Q32, Q38

Suggested Citation

Farah, Paolo Davide and Tremolada, Riccardo, Regolazione e prospettive del mercato dello shale gas in Cina: tra diritto del commercio internazionale, diritto dell'energia, accordi di produzione, protezione ambientale e sviluppo sostenibile: un confronto con l’esperienza statunitense (Regulation and Prospects of the Shale Gas Market in China in Light of International Trade, Energy Law, Production-Sharing Agreements, Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development: A Comparison with the US Experience) (September 25, 2015). DIRITTO COMUNITARIO E DEGLI SCAMBI INTERNAZIONALI, 1-2/2015, pp. 29-83, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2666216

Paolo Davide Farah (Contact Author)

West Virginia University (WV, USA) ( email )

325 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26506
United States

HOME PAGE: http://paolofarah.wordpress.com

gLAWcal - Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development (United Kingdom) ( email )

United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://www.glawcal.org.uk/

University of Pittsburgh - School of Law ( email )

3900 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
United States

Riccardo Tremolada

Harvard University, Law School, Students ( email )

1563 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP ( email )

London
United Kingdom

gLAWcal - Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development ( email )

52 East Quay, Wapping Quay
Liverpool, L3 4BU
United Kingdom

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