Chapter IX.3: The energy trilemma

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the energy trilemma, a concept at the heart of both energy policy and energy law. The chapter explains its origins and discusses the three core components of the energy trilemma: energy security; competition in and realising economic development through energy markets; and environmental protection. Each of the three aspects will first be discussed at a conceptual level, before scrutinising the legislation adopted in pursuit of these goals. The chapter illustrates how the three components interact and form a policy trilemma that energy law strives to unwind. As will be seen, the concept of the energy trilemma is fundamental to energy law at international, regional, and national levels. The chapter concludes by querying what may lie ahead for the energy trilemma as a legal concept in an accelerating energy transition.