MORI & PARTNERSエネルギー・環境法務専門サイト

Legal Strategy for Energy Markets

Your Legal Partner in Energy and Environmental Matters – Supporting Your Sustainable Growth

The global transition toward renewable energy and sustainability is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Japan is no exception: solar, wind, hydrogen, and other renewable energy projects are expanding, while new regulatory frameworks on carbon neutrality, emissions trading, and ESG disclosure continue to evolve.

For foreign investors and energy companies seeking to operate in Japan, navigating this complex regulatory landscape requires careful preparation. Regulatory compliance is not optional—it is fundamental to the success of any project. For example, renewable energy developments are subject to licensing and compliance under the Electricity Business Act and the Act on Special Measures for Renewable Energy. At the same time, stricter environmental laws require companies to address issues such as emissions control, waste management, and water quality protection. Failure to anticipate these obligations may lead to legal risks, reputational damage, and even project suspension.

At Mori & Partners, our attorneys combine international transaction and dispute resolution expertise with deep knowledge of Japan’s regulatory framework. We have advised both domestic and international clients—including energy developers, investors, and multinational corporations—on a wide range of issues involving energy law, environmental regulation, and sustainability strategy.

We are committed to providing practical and strategic legal support to help your business achieve sustainable growth in Japan’s rapidly changing energy and environmental sectors.

The Firm

Practices

Power and Gas We provide comprehensive legal support for new entries and exits in the electricity and gas markets, the design of tariff structures, and the preparation and revision of standard terms and contracts. Our services also cover practical advice on responding to regulatory reforms and engaging with supervisory authorities, thereby enabling clients to maintain stable and sustainable business operations. Read more Renewable Energy and Power Generation Projects Our firm offers broad legal support across the full life cycle of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. From development planning, financing, and the preparation of EPC and O&M agreements to issues arising during the operational stage, we provide strategic guidance at every step. In addition to advising on acquisitions and sale of renewable energy facilities and energy-related companies, we also support clients in addressing obligations under Japan’s Act on Special Measures Concerning the Promotion of Renewable Electricity Use (“Renewable Energy Special Measures Act”), such as conducting local community briefings, and deliver specialized legal services tailored to regulatory frameworks. Read more Environmental Regulations We provide practical legal services on environmental regulations and permits, with close attention to the latest regulatory developments. Our support extends to key corporate priorities such as carbon neutrality, ESG initiatives, and sustainability, ensuring that clients can address environmental challenges that directly affect their business operations. We also assist in communications and negotiations with relevant government ministries and local authorities, including the preparation of regulatory reports and responses. Read more Energy Transactions Our firm advises on the structuring of diverse energy-related businesses, including electricity and gas operations, renewable energy projects, and regional utility initiatives. We handle the full spectrum of contractual matters throughout the project life cycle, from drafting and reviewing corporate PPAs and EPC agreements to O&M agreements and fuel procurement contracts, providing clients with comprehensive support for their business operations. Read more Litigation and International Arbitration in the Energy and Environmental Sectors Disputes in the energy and environmental sectors often involve large-scale, long-term investments and a wide range of stakeholders, making conflict an inherent risk in such projects. Our firm has extensive experience handling disputes related to energy transactions and contractual issues in the construction and operation of renewable energy facilities, through both litigation and international arbitration. We also address compliance issues arising under environmental regulations, offering clients a full range of dispute resolution services in this complex and highly regulated field. Read more

Practices

About Us

Trusted Legal Counsel for International Energy and Environmental Businesses

Operating an energy or environmental business in Japan requires navigating a complex legal and regulatory framework. From renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, to compliance with environmental regulations on emissions, waste management, and resource circulation, companies must address a wide range of requirements to ensure smooth and lawful operations. Securing the necessary permits, maintaining compliance with the Electricity Business Act and the Act on Special Measures for Renewable Energy, and adapting to evolving sustainability disclosure rules are all critical to project success.

At Mori & Partners, our attorneys provide strategic and practical legal support to international businesses entering or expanding in the Japanese energy and environmental markets. We have assisted clients with project development, joint ventures, contract negotiations, and regulatory filings, as well as resolving disputes through international arbitration and domestic litigation when necessary.

We are committed to offering timely, effective, and business-oriented solutions. Our goal is to help companies anticipate and mitigate legal risks while enabling them to focus on the successful execution of their projects. By combining local expertise with a global perspective, Mori & Partners delivers high-quality legal services to support your business operations and growth in Japan’s dynamic energy and environmental sector.

Mori & Partners

Roppongi Hills North Tower 16F
6-2-31 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0032 Japan
T +813-6831-9281　F +813-6800-5542

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