The Dutch IRBC Agreement For The Renewable Energy Sector

Last April, the International Responsible Business Conduct Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector (the Agreement) was concluded between the Dutch government and various sector parties. The Agreement is a private law agreement by which the signatories commit to perform supply chain due diligence in accordance with certain UN principles and OECD guidelines. Although becoming party to this 'multi-stakeholder instrument' is not mandatory, it may become increasingly relevant in future public and non-public tenders. Being party to the Agreement may already prove relevant in the upcoming tenders for the IJmuiden Ver sites. Furthermore, the self-designated "platform for cooperation and peer learning" may help the parties in preparing for and becoming compliant with the eventual 'hard law' on international responsible business conduct (IRBC). Parties such as Vattenfall, Shell, Eneco and various other (inter)national parties in the sector are already participating. This blog