Delara Heidari

The global imperative to combat climate change necessitates a fundamental shift in energy systems towards low-carbon alternatives. This research investigates and analyzes the legal frameworks and pathways crucial for facilitating a successful transition to low-carbon energy systems, with a focus on hydrogen storage as a case study in Iranian Law. Hydrogen storage is emerging as a pivotal component of low-carbon energy systems, providing a versatile solution for energy storage and distribution. 

However, no specific standards, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks are available for aquifer storage operations. Legal and social obstacles must be overcome before any large-scale implementation of aquifer storage can be achieved. Large-scale storage of hydrogen in aquifers can be challenging for both public and private sectors. Legal supports will facilitate the large-scale hydrogen storage in aquifers. Laws and policies such as tax legislation and rules on the ownership and management of energy storage facilities, the hydrogen storage role in energy markets, and subsidies can influence the business case of aquifer storage projects and, consequently, the success rate of the projects.

The laws can facilitate the participatory process and the involvement of the local community in the project development toward arriving at solutions and agreements that limit the environmental impacts and construction inconvenience, speed up the development, and determine appropriate financial compensations for possible local consequences (e.g., land-use change, constructions and the surface pipelines trace, noise pollution, soil and groundwater contamination) of the storage projects.

Objectives of case study are:

Analyzing specific legal provisions related to hydrogen storage, including those addressing safety standards, environmental considerations, property rights, ownership, and liabilities. 
Investigating financial incentives and subsidies provided by the legal frameworks to support hydrogen storage projects. 
Evaluating the mechanisms in place for ensuring compliance with legal requirements and the enforcement of regulations. 
Evaluating any international collaborations or agreements reflected in the legal frameworks. 
The research seeks to unravel the complexities of legal frameworks for low-carbon energy transition, contributing to the academic and practical knowledge necessary for crafting effective policies. The ultimate aim is to pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The research emphasizes the role of laws and policies in enabling a participatory process and involving local communities in project development. This inclusive approach seeks solutions and agreements that mitigate environmental impacts, expedite development, and determine appropriate financial compensations for potential local consequences, including land-use change, construction impacts, surface pipeline traces, noise pollution, and soil and groundwater contamination resulting from storage projects. By addressing legal and social dimensions, this research contributes to the overarching goal of establishing a robust legal framework that fosters the successful integration of low-carbon technologies into global energy systems.