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Specialist certified neutrals for upstream, midstream, and downstream disputes — from PSA and JOA interpretation through LNG pricing, renewables contracts, and decommissioning liability. INDS™ governed. Appointed in 48 hours.
The most commercially
Energy disputes arise from some of the most technically and commercially complex contracts ever written. PSAs, JOAs, LNG sales and purchase agreements, PPA structures, and decommissioning frameworks generate disputes that require evaluators and neutrals who understand the industry from the inside, not from legal textbooks.
TheNeutrals.ORG™ Energy Bench certifies professionals with genuine upstream, midstream, and downstream expertise — petroleum engineers, energy lawyers, gas traders, and decommissioning specialists. Every engagement is INDS™ governed. Every neutral is COI-checked. Every appointment is confirmed in writing within 48 hours.
What our energy
Disputes over allowable cost recovery, profit oil allocation, and cost oil ring-fencing under Production Sharing Agreements — typically between IOCs and host government NOCs.
Joint operating agreement disputes on carried interest structures, default and forfeiture provisions, cash call obligations, and non-operator veto rights on major decisions.
Long-term LNG SPA price review clauses, indexation disputes, destination restrictions under competition law, and take-or-pay shortfall claims in changing market conditions.
Disputes over decommissioning cost allocation, historical liability between past and present field interest holders, security arrangements, and regulatory compliance obligations.
Grid connection agreement disputes, PPA pricing and curtailment, offshore wind development JV deadlocks, battery storage contracts, and carbon credit obligations under transition agreements.
FPSO lease and operate agreements, pipeline tariff disputes, processing facility access disputes, and gas transportation throughput obligations under long-term infrastructure contracts.
The right mechanism
Before any formal claim — the NER report gives NOCs, IOCs, project boards, and legal teams an objective expert view of merits, exposure, and realistic outcome. Used by energy GCs globally to make informed settlement and escalation decisions.
The preferred mechanism for energy disputes with a defined technical question — LNG price formula interpretation, reserves certification, decommissioning cost assessment, or allocation methodology under a PSA. Fast, authoritative, contractually binding.
INDS™-informed mediation for commercial energy disputes — particularly effective for NOC-IOC relationship disputes, gas pricing disagreements, and JV deadlocks where ongoing commercial relationships must be preserved alongside any resolution.
For major energy infrastructure and field development projects — a Standing Neutral or Dispute Review Board appointed at financial close, embedded throughout the project lifecycle to prevent disputes from escalating into formal proceedings.
Built for everyone
IOCs use the bench for PSA and JOA disputes with host governments, NOC partner disputes, and LNG price reviews — where technical expertise and true independence from both sides is essential.
NOCs use INE™ and Expert Determination to assess IOC claims independently before formal proceedings — getting an objective view of merit without the cost and exposure of full arbitration.
PPA disputes, grid connection disagreements, offshore wind JV deadlocks, and battery storage contract disputes — a growing and underserved segment that requires energy-fluent neutrals.
Project finance lenders use INE™ to assess disputes threatening project completion or loan security — providing independent expert intelligence without engaging as a party to proceedings.
Energy disputes require co-counsel and expert appointment — law firms use the bench for independent expert witness referral, neutral appointment, and co-referral without conflicts.
Governments use neutral evaluation and expert determination to assess IOC claims on cost recovery, field development, and decommissioning — maintaining independence throughout.
The people you'll be
Six reasons the best
Who qualifies for
Everything you need
Four spots left.
The form takes under 3 minutes. Non-binding. It starts a conversation. The Certification Board responds within 2 business days with next steps.
Applications take 15 minutes and are reviewed in 5–7 days. No payment is required to apply. The certification fee applies only after approval.