International Standards for the Energy Sector
Tetra Tech helps energy clients comply with recognised frameworks that support access to funding and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Learn why, when and how to get support.
Compliance with international environmental and social (E&S) standards is needed to obtain funding from international financial institutions (IFIs). Many IFIs follow frameworks such as the Equator Principles and the World Bank Group (WBG)/ International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards. These frameworks are also considered best practice for responsible development in relation to environmental and social impacts.
It is important to recognise that international standards and frameworks can be broad in scope. This means that the quality of related assessments can affect an asset’s long-term sustainability, as well as its potential for financial viability.
Which energy projects need to apply international standards?
Projects in newer energy markets are more likely to seek external funding. These include renewables such as offshore wind and new technologies like carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS).
In more established markets, such as oil and gas and conventional energy, international frameworks can form the basis of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies.
Tetra Tech consultants in the UK, Australia, and U.S. are highly experienced in relevant assessments and support, with in-depth knowledge of the required standards. We advise finance companies, lenders, IFIs, public institutions, governments, and energy developers.
How is the international energy market evolving?
Renewables are seen as a way to support energy security and supply. Despite fluctuations in some regions, GWEC’s Global Offshore Wind Report 2025 predicts a 325 percent increase in installed offshore wind capacity by 2030 (from 8GW in 2024 to 34GW in 2030).
The oil and gas sector is also going through what the International Energy Agency (IEA) Oil 2025 summary calls a fundamental transformation as drivers of supply and demand change.
In both sectors, following international performance standards can help projects avoid risk. Compliance can help protect a project and avoid challenges later in the development process. Using international standards as a benchmark is also an opportunity to set the tone for development in the region, whether in an emerging or established market.
About us
Our teams are highly experienced in supporting projects in emerging renewables markets, including Australia, South Korea, Lithuania, Latvia, and the United States. Our projects include Star of the South, Australia’s first offshore wind development.
We bring considerable transferable experience from established energy markets, having worked on major projects such as Hornsea One, Two and Three. Each Hornsea project was the world’s largest proposed offshore wind farm at the time of consenting.
Our oil and gas experience spans more than 30 years and we have been active in offshore wind for more than 20 years. We also support infrastructure, ports and harbours, and new technologies such as floating offshore wind and CCS.
IFC and Equator Principles 4 Compliance Support for Energy Projects
Our energy specialists provide global experience and technical expertise across the asset life cycle, from pre-consent to consent compliance and throughout construction, management, and operation.
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
- Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA)
- Environmental surveys and survey programme design
- Environmental and social management plans (ESMP)
- Construction and operational environmental monitoring
- Lender due diligence for energy projects
- Multi-lingual support for stakeholder engagement and public consultation
