European and International Energy Law MBL

MBL Energy Law

As a result of market liberalization and the growing impact of climate change, the energy sector is changing rapidly. Although the EU presents the prototypical example of this change, similar developments can be found in other regions around the world. The energy transition and the need to decarbonise affects many different areas of law such as state aid and renewable energy development, emission trading schemes, grid regulation and digitalization in the energy sector. But in order to understand the legal framework behind the energy sector also requires an understanding of the technical and economic foundations underlying it. Energy law is therefore a truly an area encompassing many different disciplines, welcoming input from those from various backgrounds.

Our specialised MBL Energy programme presents the main principles of energy market liberalization while also assessing the legal developments from decarbonisation of the energy sector and the rapid growth of renewable energy. We provide lawyers, economists, engineers and other professionals an excellent understanding of the complexities and intersections of energy sector, with a specific on the legal frameworks which underly it. This select programme gives up to 30 students a distinctive profile and qualifies them for leading positions in the rapidly-growing energy sector.

Course Structure

The Master program is taught over a period of two semesters. Studies are stretched over six modules taught consecutively through the course of the academic year. The curriculum covers all areas of the value chains in the electricity and gas sectors. Students will examine the European legal framework from upstream generation right down to the supply of energy to households and businesses, including transmission and distribution. The program will assess the salient aspects of EU competition law, regulatory law as well as providing a deep understanding of the technical and economic fundamentals of energy and network regulation. The program will also cover aspects of international law, such as investment and trade law, climate law as well as gaining an understanding of energy regulation in other energy markets such as Norway, Russia and the United States.

As well as the many lectures and tutorials at the EUREF Campus, regular excursions are built into our program’s schedule. Since we believe a hands-on experience strengthens the learning process and prepares students for their future employment, students will visit different sites such as the largest electricity stock exchange in continental Europe, the EEX in Leipzig, the energy intensive undertaking AURUBIS in Hamburg, the PV manufacturer ALEO Solar in Prenzlau, the Vattenfall’s CHP plant in Berlin or the network operator 50Hertz in Berlin.

Double Degree Program

In cooperation with the Kutafin University of Moscow the TU Berlin also offers a German-Russian Double Master Program “European and International Energy Law”. For more information Click here.

Module Description

1. Legal Framework for the Functioning of the Energy Markets

Module 1 is designed to provide an introduction to the structure and methodology of European and international energy law. Students will be equipped with the necessary understanding of European and international law and learn about the fundamental principles that influence the development and application of energy law in Europe and beyond. The module will assess the EU’s Single Market as a prerequisite for a well-functioning energy market, providing an in-depth look at the application of competition and state aid law, while also looking at international dimensions, such as dispute resolution and international energy investment law.

2. Economic Fundamentals of Regulatory Law

Module 2 provides a general introduction to economics and the theoretical foundations of regulatory law, specifically tailored to the needs of energy law students. The module covers fundamental concepts such as the regulation of natural monopolies, while also exploring the challenges in the regulation of energy storage, as well as production, transmission and supply.

3. Regulatory Law

Module 3 covers regulatory and competition law in the EU and its Member States, with a particular focus on the liberalisation of energy markets. In addition, energy market regulation is compared with that of other jurisdictions who maintain close ties with the EU, such as Norway, Russia, Switzerland and the United States. The module will explore the core concepts of energy market liberalisation such as third-party access, price regulation and unbundling.

4. Technical Fundamentals and Related Legal Provisions for Electricity Generation

Module 4  focuses on the impact of law on the energy transition, beginning with an introduction to the technical and economic background of electricity generation, acquainting students with technologies such as carbon capture and cogeneration, including planning and permitting procedures, environmental law issues and legal tools to facilitate the development of renewable energy. In addition, the module will explore the impact of climate change and the law from an international and European perspective, covering aspects such as emissions trading and the impact of climate change agreements on the energy sector.

5. Legal Framework for Transmission and Distribution Networks (TSO & DSO)

Module 5 asssesses the specific regulation of energy networks and infrastructure development, particularly transmission and distribution networks. The impact of energy market liberalisation will be assessed, particularly the impact on energy networks, as well as current developments such as market coupling, sectoral integration and the legal issues in the development of energy production offshore.

6. Legal Framework for Energy Trading and Supply

Module 6 provides an insight to energy trade and supply, providing an insight into how the trade of different forms of energy occurs in markets and the formation of trade and supply contracts. In practical exercises, you will become acquainted with different types of energy products and explore how to negotiate and draft electricity and gas supply contracts. Finally, the module will assess the importance of geopolitics and international law in international energy markets and the supply of energy.

Lecturers

A unique aspect of the MBL Energy Law is the various lecturers who come from around the world to teach in the program. Our lecturers have diverse backgrounds, much like our students, and range from lawyers at law firms in Germany, to regulators at national and European regulatory authorities, to policymakers in the European Commission and professors of energy law at universities. Each lecturer offers their expertise to our students, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of their specialisation in the energy law field, as well as offering practical advice of their experiences in working in the sector.

To name a few:

Michael Albers is Consultant for Competition Policy Development and Law Enforcement. He was Hearing Officer in competition cases of the European Commission and has great experience in advising competition authorities in Europe and Asia on a wide range of competition issues.

Dirk Böhler is a lawyer specialised in energy and environmental law. As an in-house counsel at German gas transmission system operator (TSO) GRTgaz Deutschland, he advises on all matters subject to European and national energy regulation, including unbundling, capacity allocation and sector coupling. He is an expert for emission trading and handles relevant obligations under the European and national systems and he publishes on energy and environmental law issues in recognised law journals regularly.

Dirk Böhler is admitted to the Bar in Germany (Rechtsanwalt). He studied law at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität in Würzburg and holds a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) on Environmental Law and Policy from the University of Newcastle, UK. In 2014 he gained a doctorate degree (PhD) from his Alma Mater in Würzurg.

Christian Cleutinx has over 30 years experience in European energy policy, geopolitics and international relations with a special focus on Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia and the United States. He was successively Director at the DG for Energy until 2008 and Director General of the Euratom Supply Agency until 2011 at the European Commission. Besides lecturing at several universities he is currently Senior Associate Fellow at the Clingendael International Energy Programme in The Hague, Netherlands and Global associate at the Brussels Energy Club.

Dr. Christian Hampel built up the energy law team at the international firm Ernst & Young in 2014. He has a specialised practical experience in energy law, advicing energy companies inter alia in the field of renewables, network regulation, contractual law for corporate.

Peter Hohaus is highly experienced in energy policy issues and international affairs. Since 2001 he is working in the energy sector in different functions, currently as senior policy advisor for Uniper, one of Germany’s biggest energy companies.

Dr. Oliver Koch is Deputy Head of Unit in the Internal Market Unit of the Commission’s DG Energy. Before joining Directorate-General Energy, he worked for 10 years in DG Competition. Dr. Oliver Koch has dealt with a wide range of competition cases in the field of energy.

Prof. Dr. Torsten Körber has held since 2009 the chair for Civil Law, Competition Law, Insurance Law, Corporate Law and Regulatory Law at the University of Göttingen. He is an expert especially in competition and regulatory law with numerous publications being, inter alia, editor of the leading German Competition Law commentary and advisor to the Federal Network Agency.

Dr. Jörg Meinzenbach is a counsel at Hengeler Mueller. He regularly advises German and international clients in energy and competition law matters with a particular focus on transactional work and complex regulatory matters. Dr. Jörg Meinzenbach has published numerous articles on various topics of both energy and competition law.

Prof. Dr. Antonis Metaxas teaches EU law in the University of Athens as well as acts as visiting professor in various distinguished universities. He is regarded as leading professional and academic in Europe in his field by all independent international Legal Directories (Chambers, Legal 500).

Prof. Dr. Jochen Mohr holds since 2014 the chair for Civil Law, Antitrust Law, Energy Law and Labour Law at the Technische Universität Dresden. He has numerous publications in all fields of law mentioned. Since 2016 he is judge at the higher regional court (OLG) in Düsseldorf.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Müller-Kirchenbauer since 2015 holds the chair for the Management of Energy and Resources at Technical University Berlin. He has authored numerous works on energy “issues” but has also great practical experience advising companies and authorities in a wide range of energy matters such as energy management, network regulation, market monitoring.

Dr. Jan Peter Sasse is an expert in grid economy and energy regulation issues and has been working at the German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) since 2009. His work is focused on the incentive regulation of DSOs and TSOs in the gas and electricity sector as well as infrastructure development and network tariffs from a European perspective.

Tibor Scharf has been a Member of the European Commission’s Legal Service since 2002 and has dealt with more than 200 cases before the ECJ, the General Court, the WTO and the EFTA Court. His expertise is wide covering fields such as energy competition and state aid law, external relations and trade, finance and intellectual property matters.

Prof. Dr. Lydia Scholz is full time Professor for Economic and Business Law at Hochschule Bremen, City University of Applied Sciences. She has previously lectured at University of Warwick, UK, among other positions.

Ana Stanič is an English Solicitor specialising in energy, EU and international law. She regularly advises states, energy companies and international institutions on maritime boundary disputes, large infrastructure projects, EU energy regulatory issues including concerning state aid and competition law, commercial and investor-state arbitrations. She has appeared before the Court of Justice of the EU.

Advantages & Opportunities

TU Berlin

As part of Technische Universität Berlin  (TU Berlin), the MBL Energy Law offers students the unique opportunity of obtaining a legal specialisation in energy law in a multidisciplinary environment. With more than 30,000 students, the internationally renowned  TU Berlin  is one of the largest universities in Germany with a focus on technology and innovation. The TU Berlin is a member of the TU9 Association, an alliance of the nine leading technical universities in Germany. Encompassing a range of over 100 graduate and postgraduate programs, the TU Berlin uniquely links the natural and technical sciences with economics, social sciences and law.

Committed to the principles of excellence and quality, the TU Berlin offers outstanding performance in research and teaching and excellent skills for the students. Technical University of Berlin is consistently ranked among the top academic institutions in the world. Notable alumni include Carl Bosch, Gustav Hertz, and many other noble prize winners and entrepreneurs.

Course Structure

The MBL Energy Law is designed for working professionals and the course structure also caters to those who continue to work in part-time or full-time employment throughout the academic year. Lectures take place on Thursdays and Fridays (with rare exceptions) while additional Tutorials are offered on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Students who wish to continue working while participating in the program are especially welcome and our team do our utmost to accomodate those who wish to combine a busy work schedule with their master studies.

Accreditation

Part of sustainability is quality management. Quality should not be left to chance, but be the result of a continuous improvement process. The TU Berlin changed its quality focus from the quality assurance of individual study programs to the evaluation of the university as a system. The TU Berlin has designed its quality assurance procedures in such a way that the participating actors can develop themselves in a responsible manner and in dialogue with each other. System accreditation leads to the accreditation of all study programs offered by a university.
“The subject of system accreditation is the internal quality assurance system of a university in the field of study and teaching. The structures and processes relevant for teaching and studies are examined to ensure that they achieve the achievement of the qualification objectives and the high quality of the courses, whereby the requirements of the Conference of Ministers of Education (KMK) are the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG). and the criteria of the Accreditation Council apply.
A positive system accreditation certifies the university that its quality assurance system in the field of study and teaching is suitable for ensuring the achievement of the qualification objectives and the quality standards of their degree programs. Degree programs that are set up according to the specifications of the accredited system or have already been subject to internal quality assurance according to the specifications of the accredited system are thus accredited.” (Own translation after German Accreditation Council of 20/02/2013.)
Currently the final phase of the accreditation process has started and receiving the label of the system accreditation by the end of 2019 is possible. Please visit the webpage Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency ZEvA for more information.

Excursions

Regular excursions to relevant institutions and infrastructure operators are tightly built into the programme’s schedule. We believe hands-on experience strengthens the learning process and prepares students for their future employments Students will visit the largest electricity stock exchange in continental Europe, the EEX in Leipzig, the energy intensive undertaking AURUBIS in Hamburg, the photovoltaics manufacturer ALEO Solar in Prenzlau, the gas company Gasag in Berlin and the network operators Stromnetz Berlin and 50Hertz in Berlin.

Location

The EUREF-Campus on the historical site of Berlin’s old Gasometer in Berlin-Schöneberg offers unique and attractive conditions. Students as the future energy experts learn in close cooperation with leading enterprises and institutions located on the EUREF-Campus to become acquainted also with innovative projects in energy sector.

 Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the master program is 11,200 Euro (5,600 Euro per semester) plus the regular TU administration fees of currently 113.09 Euro per semester. The tuition fees cover all courses and materials. Since October 2023, the regular administration fees no longer include the semester ticket for using public transport in the Berlin city area (tariff zones ABC). Please check the regular administration fees

Fees can be paid by

Testimonials

European and International Energy Law (MBL)

European and International Energy Law MBL

The MBL in European and International Energy Law at the Euref Campus Berlin was a terrific opportunity to fully untangle the intricacies of the fast-paced changing energy sector.

The Master’s program combined a multidisciplinary approach (law, economics, and technical knowledge) together with various lecturers ranging from academia, public institutions and the private sector, which provided me with a solid and wide-ranging knowledge base of the energy industry.

I believe that this unique, empowering and inspiring experience kick-started my professional career in the energy sector as I was then hired for a traineeship at the European Commission Director-General for Energy.Adriano Capitanelli, (Italy), MBL (2016-17)

Prior to attending TU, I was working in an Oil & Gas Company in Ankara, Turkey. I decided to undertake MBL and choose to study here because of its unique curriculum with technical, economical and legal aspects of energy. The course offers not only theoretical knowledge but also practical information with its excursions. The lecturers have impressive academic and professional experiences. The classes are very interactive and relevant to what is happening globally in the energy industry.

Also, I have found a great chance to improve my German language skills, thanks to TU’s language school. I definitely recommend the MBL Programme and encourage people to apply for a place, too.Seher Cirak Ates (Turkey), MBL (2015-16)

The energy sector is a growing and complex area and the European and International Law MBL program at the TU Berlin strives to place energy law in a multidisciplinary and international context. Coming from a legal background, I have enjoyed developing my understanding of the economics of the energy sector. A further strength of the program is its practical focus with many of the lecturers being industry professionals and experts in their respective fields and we have had some interesting excursions to energy companies and energy-efficient power plants. There is a diverse mix of students from around the world with different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that the energy and renewable sector face.

The TU EUREF Campus is a great place to study with many different energy and renewable companies and start-ups situated here (and as an added bonus has some nice restaurants!).Kristen Ellerker (Australia), MBL (2015-16)

I chose the master course on European and International Energy Law offered by the Technische Universität Berlin because of its outstanding reputation, highly qualified lecturers, course preference compared to other universities, and proximity to my country, Spain.

I wanted to combine my interest on European and International Law with Energy Law, specifically renewable energy issues, and I feel that the course successfully merges the two. The course offers an extremely solid base on competition law, regulatory law and economic fundamentals. The general vibe and dynamic structure of the modules is really enjoyable since we are constantly debating and discussing different issues. I loved the International Regulatory Law classes in particular wherein lectures were delivered by professionals practicing in the field. Lecturers are able to teach you the theory and at the same time tell you about how it works in real life.

Looking back, teaching and constant supervision have been excellent so far.

Making this Master in Berlin definitely means outstanding networking opportunities that come with being in the financial, cultural and political center of Europe. My experience at the Technische Universität Berlin has prepared me to take on the challenge of establishing a career in international law.Jacobo Fraile (Spain), MBL (2015-16)

Wonderful experience during the Energy Law Master program! Challenging topics and interesting lecturers. Meeting people from all over the world! Since February 2019 I am working as a Junior Expert at Bulgaria’s Energy and Water Regulatory Commission and putting into practice most of the experience from the MBL program on European and International Energy Law.Velina Kozareva (Bulgaria), MBL (2017-18)

Before studying the Master in European and International Energy Law I was working in an Oil and Gas company and teaching Law in the same field at a University in Colombia. My motivation to do the Master was widening my expertise to other sources of energy as well as to study the midstream and the downstream market.

The master was far beyond my expectations! A mix between the most highly regarded academics and practitioners from the most important universities, institutions and firms, pictures the complete spectrum of the energy market focusing on competition law and regulation. Besides, Berlin has an amazing atmosphere and a rich cultural life that makes this experience really enjoyable. Tomás Restrepo (Colombia), MBL (2015-16)

The program helped me gain a deeper understanding regarding the impact the energy transition has on climate change. The modules about the economy, regulatory and competition law allowed me to learn how energy markets behave under certain circumstances, which has helped me understand the different conditions Latin American countries have. This knowledge has been very useful in my role in EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services division. The visit to different facilities and the contact to other international students made the experience complete.Laura María Salazar Kruse (Costa Rica), MBL 2016/2017

Building Sustainability(MBA)

Building Sustainability – Management Methods for Energy Efficiency MBA

The master’s in building sustainability program at TU Berlin was a great opportunity to work closely with the Germany industry in an academic setting. I loved how the program was designed to let students work in projects with external industry partners. Combined with great professors and teaching staff, the overall learning package let students take control of their learning and dive deep into their interest areas. The program also provided me the flexibility to work at CBRE GmbH throughout the study duration. Having worked in the German real estate sector for a few years now and looking back at the program, it was a great stepping-stone in my career.Manan (India)

I studied MBA building sustainability, which give me wide insights to the broad topic of energy transition in building sector from architecture to building facilities and real estate up to urban and regional planning. Having lecturers with different energy related backgrounds builds an ideal atmosphere for cross sectoral discussions in energy and sustainability fields in built environment. Locating in a dynamic environment of the Euref campus in one side, and high range of international students from the other side prepare a proper networking opportunity for the students. Personally innovation and technology management course supported me methodological in approaching my career goals in the area of innovation management and business development for the energy transition. Nastaran (Iran)

The Building Sustainability program opened my eyes to the different aspects that comprise what we call sustainability. As an architect, I found the perfect added value I was looking for. The master’s degree gives you the tools to technically support construction projects from an economic, social and environmental point of view.
The MBA provides you an international and interdisciplinary environment, which allows you to expand your personal and professional horizons. The master counts with experts in the different areas of the program and the coordination team will always be there to support you in any situation. I am currently working in the area of sustainability for an architectural and engineering company in Berlin and I believe that I owe this in large part to the Master’s program.Andrés (Mexico)

I have always been passionate about architecture and resource efficiency, how to help the world in the fight against climate change. There master in Building sustainability allowed me to learn from A-class experts, in what might be one the most innovative and inspiring campuses around the world, the EUREF campus.
The business background and real project assignments provided me with the experience and tools to take the knowledge to the real world and perform in an outstanding way. Studying in one of the most prestigious universities, also allowed me to start working from the very beginning in a fascinating company that is driving the change in the energy sector.
So far it has been the most enriching experience of my life and it went beyond all expectations.Jesica(Colombia)

Energy Management (MBA)

Energy Management MBA

The Master Program Energy Management at TU Berlin has been a truly fantastic 1 ½ year experience. The major strength of the MBA proposed at TU Berlin is the transverse knowledge proposed in the program. Technical issues, economical assessments, and regulatory aspects are all three core elements that are necessary to gain a deep understanding of energy topics in a globalized world and to build a valuable analysis for public and private energy projects. I particularly enjoyed studying these topics in an international class with professionals coming from all over the world with different backgrounds and points of view. Our differences challenged us on a daily basis and participated to enlarge our comprehension of the world. For all these reasons, I am pleased to enthusiastically recommend this program!Manish (India)

Now in this first semester of the Master Program in Energy Management at TU Berlin, I am thrilled and excited to meet and work with people from all around the world with diverse backgrounds in a very friendly and challenging environment. The campus truly has a buzz with many start-ups and established companies experimenting with the latest tech and ideas. The courses are great with excellent internationally recognized professors from academic as well as industrial backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoy the highly interactive sessions, and the supervisors put in a great effort at creating a relaxed environment for the students to get acquainted with all aspects of the subject. I am eagerly looking forward to the next semesters and can highly recommend this program!Xavier (France)

The MBA program Energy Management is very well structured and thought through. Professors and lecturers come from various energy backgrounds and are highly involved academically, politically and economically into Germany´s Energiewende. I can apply my acquired knowledge directly at my workplace but also actively engage in the large and inspiring energy scene in Berlin and Germany. Excursions give us insights regarding relevant market players and opportunities to connect with future employers. It is particularly inspiring to study with such an international student crowd since we can share and critically discuss our diverse knowledge and experiences in the energy field from many different regions in the world.Ulrike (Germany)

The broadness of its carefully selected content makes this program perfect for student’s career growth into global business leadership and policymaking in the energy sector. It is truly multicultural and provides additional opportunities through close collaboration with both transnational and startup energy companies. Technical University Berlin is a world-class scientific academic environment, allowing interdisciplinary initiatives, encouraging teamwork with experts’ supervision, offering frequent and relevant seminars and excursions to boost the practical experience. Students enjoy superb and individual support from both the academic and administrative staff. Oladipupo (Nigeria)

Since January 2018 I am working with Uniper and putting into practice most (if not all) the experience from the MBA program Energy Management.” Gonzalo (Colombia)

Sustainable Mobility Management (MBA)

Sustainable Mobility Management MBA

“Wirklich!!! This is a unique MBA fit for preparing expertise and talents to address current issues relating to efficient and environmentally sustainable mobility provision. If you are looking to be part of the mobility transformation across the globe, then Berlin is the right place to be and the Energy Masters program on Sustainable Mobility Management will be a great platform to realising this goal.” Samuel (Intake 2019)

“Excursions and visits to companies were very well organized, giving us the opportunity to be in contact with cutting-edge technology and excellent professionals. Moreover, studying together with colleagues from other countries and different backgrounds has been a really enriching experience.” Adarsh Premnath: „Bonn trip was like a brief introduction about what you can explore in the next 1,5 years. The best beginning for any program.” Victor (Intake 2019)

“Lecturers share their diverse backgrounds and different experiences to offer us an insight into the market trends and the impacts they have on the future of our world.” Abdulghani (Intake 2019)

“Very helpful and committed professionals, who make the dense; callous and bureaucratic side of German culture quite a lot lighter.”David (Intake 2019)

“Berlin is a city out of the ordinary ! The city vibes, diversity, and affordability has a lot to offer to students and caters for everybody’s taste. On top of that, the public transport network gets you everywhere, anytime !” Ali (Intake 2019)

“Having the opportunity to step in the bubble on the Euref campus works very inspirational. It’s a campus with the focuses on start-ups or spin-off from companies which are seeing the major trends coming up such as the energy transition in society, cybersecurity or the green deal of the EU commission.” Jacqueline (Intake 2018)

“Studying at the TU EUREF campus open my mind up to thinking in an innovative and entrepreneurial way about sustainable mobility solutions. The most valuable part of the program was the opportunity to make connections with like-minded people with extremely diverse backgrounds, interests and ideas all working towards a common goal of achieving sustainable mobility.” Sina (Intake 2018)

“This is a unique program blending business management and global technology trends in sustainable mobility domain. The course focuses on practical learning and there is also a student-led Mobility Club on the campus” Shubham (Intake 2018)

“Berlin gathers all mobility problematics of main cities around the world but also is a big lab to observe and learn how the private and public sector manage the future of mobility looking for sustainability in all modes” Andres (Intake 2018)

“EUREF in Berlin, Germany is a thrilling place for the future of mobility” Bassem (Intake 2017)

“The experiences from students from around the world helped me a lot to understand the challenges of the transition towards sustainable mobility in a global context.” Alexander Czeh (Intake 2017)

“If you’re looking to understand the future of mobility and play a role in shaping the transition towards better city living, then this international program is what you’re looking for.” Nabil (Intake 2017)

“A truly diverse student body – in background, nationality, and interests.” Karen (Intake 2017)

“The program puts contemporary mobility issues under spotlight through analysis of real life examples.” Amit (Intake 2017)

Student Manual

Download the
Student Manual
for more insights!

Alumni

 

Team

Prof. Dr. Dr. Dres. h.c. Franz Jürgen Säcker
Academic Director

Dr. Susanne Wende LL.M.
Academic Program Manager

Sandra Lubahn
Administrative Manager

Application

The application deadline is April 30th of each year for a start in October of the same year.