Volterra Fietta hosts its first Energy Breakfast Seminar

On Thursday 11 May, Volterra Fietta hosted its first Energy Breakfast Seminar in its London offices.  The seminar, held under Chatham House rules, was entitled “In pursuit of energy stability – the changing shape of investment protection” and two highly distinguished guest speakers, Professor Peter Cameron of the University of Dundee and Mr Peter Rees QC from 39 Essex Chambers, spoke on the topic.  Partner Robert Volterra chaired the seminar with partner Graham Coop acting as commentator.

Professor Cameron’s intervention focused on the use of stabilisation clauses in energy contracts and considered whether clarity has been achieved with regard to the interpretation of such clauses in international arbitration.

Mr Rees highlighted the increase in the tendency to allege corruption in international arbitration and remarked upon the impact of such allegations, the applicable standard for the burden of proof, and considered whether arbitral tribunals have a duty to investigate corruption proprio motu.

Mr Coop noted how stability and corruption are two sides of the same coin and, after several insightful comments based on his own experiences as counsel in energy cases, a discussion followed between the attendees.  The other participants in the seminar included industry members, practitioners, diplomats and academics.

The Firm is pleased to say that its objective of bringing together an intimate group of hand-picked energy experts in order to encourage a sincere and open discussion was a complete success.  Volterra Fietta is now looking forward to hosting two further Energy Breakfast Seminars to be held on 24 May and 8 June respectively.

The external speakers for the second Energy Breakfast Seminar include Professor Catherine Redgwell from Oxford University and Mr Patrick Hébréard from CEG Europe while the external speakers for the third Energy Breakfast Seminar include Dr Danae Azaria from University College London and Mr Tim Martin, an independent counsel, arbitrator and expert in energy cases.