On Demand Energy Insights

Join Troutman Pepper Locke Partners Charles Baker and Greg Len for a practical walkthrough of the IP issues shaping today’s oil and gas sector. Their discussion includes how to structure field trials and protect ownership, when to file patents after public disclosures, how to safeguard trade secrets amid employee mobility, and how digital tools such as AI and remote operations are transforming the patch. They also explore Houston’s momentum as a clean hydrogen hub and break down the nuts and bolts of enforcing patents at the ITC, along with transactional IP strategies that help energy innovators move faster with less risk.

Join Troutman Pepper Locke Partners Charles Baker and Greg Len as they unpack the real-world IP challenges facing oil and gas companies — from high-stakes fracking technology disputes to strategic use of inter partes review (IPR). Learn how companies have navigated patent and trade secret claims, what has changed at the Patent Office, and how timing and cost considerations shape litigation strategy. Gain practical takeaways on defending innovation, leveraging prior art, and choosing the right forum to resolve complex IP battles.

In the third installment of our Data Center Series, Carl Bivens and Ben Henry discuss how AI is supercharging data center demand in the U.S. and Europe while pushing development beyond major hubs into secondary and tertiary markets. They also talk about challenges in securing powered land as utilities clamp down on speculative requests and highlight the future of on-site power solutions and edge data centers.

Join Troutman Pepper Locke Partners Greg Len and Charles Baker for a concise, practitioner-focused conversation on how intellectual property issues play out across the oil and gas value chain. Drawing on real litigation experience — including a wellhead assembly dispute that sparked both defensive and offensive IP strategies — they explore where patent and trade secret conflicts most often arise (upstream) and how downstream operators prioritize brand protection.

Picking up where they left off in Episode 1, Carl Bivens and Ben Henry discuss in Episode 2 of our Data Center series how smart contracts and sharper risk allocation can curb data center development delays—from defining obligation standards to structuring liquidated damages, grace periods, and modern force. Carl and Ben also cover regional privacy requirements and IP ownership as key levers to future‑proof specs and delivery.

In Episode 1 of our Data Centers series, Carl Bivens and Ben Henry – who lead our data centers group – discuss their complementary international and domestic practices, the growing energy demands of data centers globally, and how the industry and markets are innovating to keep the lights on.

Join Troutman Pepper Locke’s Gerry Pels and Elizabeth Corey as they explore the proposed rulemakings in the EPA that aim to roll back the emissions and performance standards for electric generating units (EGUs), or power plants. Learn about the scope of the proposed repeals and other new rules, their legal and regulatory basis, and anticipated litigation in light of existing Supreme Court precedent.

Join Troutman Pepper Locke attorneys Jerry Higdon and Case Towslee as they detail the latest waste permitting rules from the Railroad Commission, effective July 1st. This insightful discussion explores the new registration and permitting requirements for Schedule A and Schedule B pits, the implications for construction and groundwater monitoring, and how these new rules affect due diligence, compliance, and transaction timelines in the upstream oil and gas sector. Learn what operators, buyers, and sellers need to know to navigate this changing landscape.

Join Bill Swanstrom and Jennie Simmons as they unpack the latest developments in midstream mergers and acquisitions, including deal activity trends, market drivers, the impact of private equity, and the evolving commercial aspects of transactions. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or new to midstream M&A, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on navigating today’s dynamic market.

Troutman Pepper Locke helps the energy sector transform regulatory and transactional challenges into opportunities — nationally ranked lawyers who power behind-the-meter innovation, utility-scale permitting, brownfield redevelopment, and the future of power in Texas and beyond.

Join Josh Kaplowitz and Morgan Gerard as they delve into key takeaways from the ACP Siting and Permitting Conference in Seattle. Discover emerging trends in renewable energy, including biodiversity goals, battery storage challenges, and the impact of federal and state policies. Gain insights into the importance of community engagement and the promising future of clean energy projects.

Join Brandon Marzo and Bill Swanstrom, partners at Troutman Pepper Locke, as they discuss the exciting merger of Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord. This conversation delves into the rich histories of both firms, their complementary practices in the energy sector, and the promising future of their combined capabilities. From traditional hydrocarbons to renewable energy and emerging technologies, discover how this merger positions the new firm as a one-stop shop for energy companies.

Join Troutman Pepper Locke Partners Karlie Webb and Ben Cowan as they delve into the complexities of the Inflation Reduction Act, focusing on the Brownfield Energy Community credits. This discussion covers the statutory definitions, IRS safe harbor provisions, and the challenges faced in qualifying sites for these valuable tax incentives. Gain insights into the intricate process of evaluating energy community eligibility and the collaborative efforts required to navigate these new legal landscapes.

With a team of more than 220 attorneys, we are committed to helping clients thrive in a landscape defined by uncertainty, evolving regulations, and dynamic change. Our dedicated state regulatory team brings unique depth to our clients’ toughest challenges and biggest opportunities, from high-stakes rate cases to public commission proceedings.

Join Steve Hewitson, Partner, and Jim Calvert, Principal at eMerge, as they explore the transformative role of technology in complex regulatory proceedings and litigation. This insightful discussion covers the benefits of streamlined processes and centralized data management, as well as the exciting developments involving AI. Learn how innovative solutions are building trust, enhancing efficiency, and fostering better outcomes.

Explore the complexities of tax equity transactions in the energy sector with attorneys Carl Bivens, Nick Guttman, and Kyle Kohler. Through real life case studies, learn about the challenges faced during due diligence, title, and survey issues, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Gain insights into how pragmatic solutions and thorough preparation can lead to successful outcomes in energy projects.

Join Troutman Pepper Locke energy attorneys Allison Pryor and Josh Combs as they explore how utilities, regulators, and stakeholders are working to balance unprecedented load growth, reliability, and affordability amidst the ongoing capacity crunch. This video in the series focuses specifically on affordability, energy efficiency, the role of natural gas, and key considerations for regulators and decision-makers.

Join attorneys Allison Pryor and Josh Combs as they explore how utilities, regulators, and stakeholders are working to balance unprecedented load growth, reliability, and affordability amidst the ongoing capacity crunch. The video highlights the importance of creative solutions, constructive collaboration, and strategic partnerships in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Join Partners Bill Belanger and Greg Len for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of intellectual property (IP) within the renewable energy sector. Discover the increasing trend of patent infringement litigation, the importance of a robust IP strategy, and real-world examples of how companies can protect their innovations. Learn about the risks and opportunities for businesses, and hear compelling stories of how strategic IP management can lead to successful business outcomes.

Dive into the complexities of clean hydrogen production and the associated tax credits with Partners Anne Loomis and Mindy McGrath. In this video, they explore the Inflation Reduction Act’s new production tax credit for clean hydrogen, the stringent requirements set by the IRS, and the potential impact on the industry. Learn about the three pillars of eligibility, the challenges faced by developers, and the future of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

In an era where privacy and security are paramount, understanding the range of potential vulnerabilities and risks faced by energy producers and EV manufacturers is crucial. Join Partners Jim Koenig and Chris Jones as they shed light on these concerns, discuss mitigation strategies, and explore opportunities with artificial intelligence (AI).

The rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market presents electric utilities, EV service providers, private developers, and other stakeholders with several challenges and opportunities. These complex, and often novel, regulatory and legislative issues require constructive collaboration and creative solutions to identify opportunities and maximize benefits. In this video, Partner Drew Wooldridge and Associate Josh Combs delve into the key issues shaping the market, and offer practical insights for navigating this dynamic ecosystem.

Join Partners Andrea Wortzel and Byron Kirkpatrick as they delve into the burgeoning world of Electric Vehicle (EV) plant development in the southeastern U.S. and beyond. In addition to exploring the factors contributing to the region’s explosive growth, they examine the wide range of permitting and environmental challenges that developers and operators face.

Energy and environmental regulations are often at odds with the speed of technological progress. From renewables to emerging technologies, we understand how to navigate this dynamic landscape. Our 220+ attorney team helps clients to achieve their goals to a more sustainable future.

Claims of ‘greenwashing’ – allegations that companies overstate the environmental benefits of renewable energy and other projects – continue to rise. Troutman Pepper Locke’s Andrea Wortzel, Melissa Horne, and Vaughn Morrison analyze the increase in greenwashing claims and related scrutiny by regulators and the plaintiffs’ bar, and highlight best practices for complying with regulations and accurately reporting environmental and other ESG performance.

While energy production gets a lot of attention, how that energy gets to end users is just as important. In this video, Brooks Smith and Brian Harms look at natural gas pipelines and other energy transmission infrastructure, including the importance of ensuring infrastructure can meet energy demands, the challenges of aging pipelines, renewable energy and transmission needs, siting and land use concerns, and more.

What is force majeure, and how might it impact an energy deal? In this video, Partners Brian Fineman and William Droze discuss key considerations — from risk allocation and assumptions to dispute resolution and reputation management.

Coal ash – the byproduct of two centuries of burning coal to generate power – continues to roil the U.S. energy sector. Troutman Pepper Locke’s Brian Harms and Brooks Smith discuss the dilemmas facing utilities and other energy sector companies in managing the environmental, regulatory, and financial risks presented by coal ash as the U.S. transitions to clean energy sources.

The landscape for utilities and their customers in the power allocation space is heavily regulated. Minimum load requirements, contested rights, and myriad other issues must be understood — and handled effectively — to achieve the desired results. In this video, Partner William Droze and Associate Kadeisha West examine the regulatory and circumstantial factors that play a role in customer choice, and whether utilities should compete for a load.

The capacity crunch brings with it a host of issues and tensions, particularly between the concepts of reliability and decarbonization in the short term. In part one of this three-part series, Partner Brian Harms and Associate Josh Combs discuss the practical considerations and current opportunities that utilities, developers, and other stakeholders should consider as the country transitions to stronger decarbonization goals while still keeping the lights on.

The IRA presents new and unique opportunities to utilities, and leveraging these economic benefits may be a game changer for the entire marketplace. In this video, Associates Josh Combs and Charlie Suessmith consider the landscape and how it may impact utilities.

Energy is one of the most highly regulated industry sectors in the United States. To succeed, you need counsel who are ahead of the curve on legislation as well as FERC and state regulatory policy and enforcement. Our 220+ attorney team lives and breathes energy regulation every day.

Recent rulemaking on cybersecurity by the FERC underscores the importance of managing grid stability and security. In this video, Associates Miles Kiger and Jennifer Panahi discuss FERC’s new rate incentives and their eligibility requirements for public and nonpublic utilities as well as transmission owners.

As RNG gains momentum, it is important to consider the factors that may impact a producer or investor’s decision to enter the market. In this video, Partner Daniel Archuleta and Associate Russell Kooistra explore the benefits, risks, and additional considerations for industry players as they look to incorporate RNG into their business models.

As expanded opportunities such as tax incentives continue to impact the landscape, it is important to understand the fundamentals – such as the players, their roles, and their relative risk profiles. In this video, Partner Marc Machlin and Associate Katherine O’Konski explore the current business and legal issues affecting distributed generation and transmission.

In this episode of our show, Hydrogen Industry’s Present and Future, Gregory Len and Daniel Archuleta, together with Wes Hansen from Ivys Energy Solutions, explore the current landscape for hydrogen, its uncertain pathway to growth, as well as key considerations stakeholders should understand about the future of the hydrogen market.

What is renewable natural gas, and what opportunities does it present? In this video, Partners Andrew Thurmond and Clayton De Arment explain the mechanics of making RNG, the various market participants and their monetization strategies, the key business agreements involved with bringing RNG to market, and considerations such as investment tax credits and environmental risks.

As the U.S. electricity sector continues to evolve, so too do regional electricity markets across the country. In this video, Partners Adrienne Thompson and Chris Jones provide a thorough overview of these market differences to help clients consider their investment and participation options.

From the genesis of the popular Battery + Storage Podcast to the current interconnection issues, Partners Amie Colby and Bill Derasmo discuss a wide range of leading-edge topics impacting battery and storage that will help stakeholders in the energy sector plan for what’s ahead.

The boost enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act has, to some extent, been counterbalanced by a range of transitional issues. In this video, Partners Brian Harms and Fred Wilson discuss these top-of-mind concerns, from interconnection and its impact on project viability to transmission and costly network upgrades.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) changed the game when it comes to battery storage and its qualifications for investment tax credits (ITC). Partners Christine Byrnes and Anne Loomis discuss the eligibility of energy storage for ITC, as well as the rules that apply to co-locating energy storage with other energy property or qualified facilities. Whether transferring tax credits or claiming adders, how can tax equity investors benefit this year?

The availability of transferable tax credits brings opportunities for an investor to reduce tax burden, while also facilitating investments in renewables. How can dealmakers best unlock the potential value that awaits, while also ensuring that risks are minimized?

Greater flexibility in deal structuring, and the ability to sell tax credits, are two of several new options for project sponsors and investors presented by the Inflation Reduction Act. In this video, Partners Anne Loomis and John Leonti offer insights into the various ways investors and sponsors can leverage these and other opportunities.

From supply chain management to the incentives presented by the Inflation Reduction Act, developers and manufacturers face a constellation of issues. In this video, Partners Dan Anziska and Vaughan Morrison explore the current state of the energy storage market, and offer strategies and predictions for 2024 and beyond.

The Inflation Reduction Act has ushered in a variety of new products, opportunities, and potential investors. Partners Vaughn Morrison and John Leonti discuss the opportunities and challenges that accompany an Investment Tax Credit for storage, including offtake strategies required to render standalone storage financeable by conventional tax equity investors and the pros and cons of pursuing the IRA’s new ITC transfer option in lieu of tax equity.

We help all industry participants – including independent power producers, banks, utilities, private equity funds, and large corporations in every power market across the U.S. Our 220+ lawyers understand what it takes to bring cutting-edge solutions to market, well ahead of the curve.