Recent trends in energy disputes: a report on how the landscape is evolving

New data reveals how the energy disputes landscape is evolving

The energy sector is facing unprecedented change. From the transition to renewables and large-scale industry consolidation, to geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains, the factors driving energy disputes are becoming increasingly complex.

In collaboration with Solomonic, we’ve analysed energy-related claims issued in the courts of England and Wales between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2025, providing a unique data-led view of how energy disputes are developing and where future risks are likely to arise.  

The report combines High Court data with practical insights from our experienced energy disputes lawyers to identify emerging litigation trends and the implications for businesses across the energy supply chain. 

Key findings

Our analysis reveals a sector facing a rapidly evolving risk landscape. While many of the underlying legal issues remain familiar, the forces driving disputes are changing.

The report’s key findings include: 

• Energy disputes remain a significant feature of the court landscape
• Claims are often high value
• Contractual issues dominate
• The Commercial Court remains the preferred forum
• Cases are taking longer to resolve
• Environmental litigation is increasing
  
  

Looking ahead

As businesses respond to the competing demands of energy security, decarbonisation, regulatory compliance and commercial performance, new sources of legal risk are emerging across the sector. While traditional contractual and commercial disputes remain prevalent, organisations are also facing growing exposure to disputes arising from the energy transition, environmental obligations, market volatility and geopolitical developments. Against this backdrop, we expect both the volume and complexity of energy-related disputes to increase in the coming years, particularly as major projects advance and regulatory scrutiny intensifies.

Dispute activity is likely to be driven by:

• The energy transition and growth in renewable projects
• Offshore decommissioning obligations
• Industry mergers and consolidation
• Geopolitical instability and energy security concerns
• Expanding environmental and climate-related litigation
• Greater regulatory scrutiny

The report examines these issues in detail and considers what they mean for organisations operating across the energy sector. 

Click the button below to read our report and explore the data, understand the emerging litigation landscape and gain practical insight into the risks and opportunities shaping the future of energy disputes.

Latest News