Working with regulators in the field of clean energy

Multinational corporations and innovative startups are transforming the clean energy economy. Technological advances in this area require both private investment and government incentives.

A critical part of producing clean energy is collaborating with regulatory agencies to refine guidelines with full stakeholder participation. Q Hydrogen is committed to working with local, state and federal regulators to ensure our renewable hydrogen plant in New Hampshire, the first of its kind in the world, meets all regulatory requirements.

Several strategies to optimize progress include:

1. Conduct regulatory research

Navigating a complex regulatory environment will involve dealing with an array of government agencies, each responsible for compliance. Clean energy companies must research all aspects of their business and applicable regulations. This allows leaders to make evidence-based decisions, develop policies, set realistic deadlines, and identify gaps between current practices and regulatory requirements.

2. Communication with industry peers and professional associations

Engaging with industry peers and professional associations helps leaders identify successes and uncover obstacles.

Trade associations regularly interact with regulators and understand compliance requirements and standards. Companies should subscribe to industry newsletters and regulatory alerts to stay informed of these interactions.

3. Team assignments, deadlines and traceable documents

When working with state and federal agencies, a clear understanding of all applicable regulatory requirements is essential for successful preparation, communication and execution. To avoid costly delays and legal issues, create a detailed compliance plan outlining how your organization will meet each regulatory requirement. This helps ensure that every team member stays informed about progress and next steps. Breaking down each regulatory requirement, the associated work, the sequence of tasks and allocated resources, as well as estimating the time and effort required for each task, will have a significant impact on the desired outcome.

4. Current laws and lobbying

Current laws and regulations change often at the state and federal levels. Many businesses invest in lobbying to have a say on the rules and regulations affecting their operations. A corporate lobbying strategy can allow policymakers and regulators to hear your concerns and opinions about upcoming legislation. It is important to involve regulators from the beginning and remain communicative throughout the information gathering and application processes.

Consulting with legal experts and regulatory consultants can provide additional advice tailored to your specific project and jurisdiction.

Additionally, several regulatory market information management systems (RIMS) help centralize, support and streamline the regulatory environment.

Building and maintaining a positive relationship with local communities requires collaboration and an understanding of sensitivities related to land use, wildlife protection, noise and aerial ordinances. Communicating how the company will address local concerns and discussing positive impacts on the local community, such as job creation, are integral to building trust.

The complexity of clean energy investments, technologies, production and transportation makes patience essential to navigating the challenging regulatory landscape. Following a clear and consistent process is essential to ensure project success.