Glossary
A designation applied to the largest digital firms under the UK digital markets regime, bringing tailored conduct requirements supervised by the CMA.
Data Protection and Digital Regulation
from Energy & Technology
The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 impose detailed obligations on how organisations collect, process, and transfer personal data. Lawyers advise on compliance frameworks, data processing agreements, and the rules governing international data transfers following Brexit. Beyond data protection, the Online Safety Act 2023 creates new duties for platforms to protect users from illegal and harmful content, with Ofcom as the regulator. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduces a new regulatory regime for firms with Strategic Market Status, giving the CMA enhanced powers to set conduct requirements for dominant digital platforms.
SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)
A legally separate entity created to isolate the financial risk of a specific project, so that the sponsor's other assets are not exposed if the project fails.
PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
A long-term contract between an energy generator and a buyer, fixing the price and volume of electricity to be supplied — essential for project bankability.
Net Zero
The target of balancing greenhouse gas emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere, legally binding in the UK by 2050.
Bankability
Whether a project's risk profile and contractual framework are acceptable to lenders for the purpose of providing project finance.
UK GDPR
The UK's own version of the EU General Data Protection Regulation, governing how organisations process personal data. It began as a straight copy but has genuinely diverged since the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 amended it.
RAB (Regulated Asset Base)
A funding model where investors earn a regulated return on capital deployed during construction, reducing risk and lowering the cost of finance for large infrastructure projects.
EPC Contract
An Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contract under which a single contractor takes responsibility for delivering a project to a fixed price, time, and specification.
Carbon Credit
A tradeable certificate representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide, used in compliance and voluntary carbon markets.