Government Promotion of Renewable Energy Technologies

Policy Approaches and Market Development in Germany, the United States, and Japan

verfasst von: Katrin Jordan-Korte

Verlag: Gabler

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

The expected growth of the world population to 9 or 10 billion towards the second half of the century and renewed economic growth after the current economic crisis will immensely increase the demand for energy. At the same time, the carbon dioxide emissions inherently linked to current fossil fuel use need to be reduced substantially over the century to “prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” As a consequence, there will be a tremendous need for the development and large-scale diffusion of a range of new technologies for conversion, storage, transport and efficient use of energy. Scenarios by the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggest an increase of 87% of electricity demand from 19,014 TWh in the year 2006 to 35,400 TWh in the year 2030.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

2. Government Intervention in Renewable Electricity Markets

Abstract

The energy sector is a fruitful case for a study of the costs and benefits of government market intervention since it has been regulated, deregulated and re-regulated for decades in almost all industrialized countries. The energy sector, as one of the most vital sectors of any economy, has been seen as a strategic area since at least the first oil price hikes in the 1970s. The reliance on oil and other forms of fossil fuels became especially obvious with the skyrocketing energy prices in the 1970 s after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut its production levels. With lower energy prices in the early 1980 s, concerns of energy shortages decreased but were supplemented by new challenges posed by first evidence of global warming and climate change.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

3. The Context of Renewable Energy Promotion

Abstract

To put the promotion of renewables into context, this chapter starts with a discussion of the three key drivers of an increased use of renewable energy technologies, showing why it is justified to argue that renewables will continue to gain in importance in the years and decades to come: (a) rising energy demand, (b) the limits of fossil fuels and (c) climate change. The current slump in global economic activity also led to a reduction in global demand and resulted in lower prices for fossil fuels. However, this does not alter the long-term trend of rising energy demand from developing as well as developed countries. It might still slow the transformation of the energy system, since lower fossil fuel prices also reduce the relative price-competitiveness of renewable energy sources.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

4. National Markets and Promotion Policies for Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

This chapter presents and analyzes government promotion of renewable energy technologies in Germany, Japan and the United States in the electricity sector. A whole range of instruments has been introduced to expand the use of renewable energy technologies in the past decades. Today however, two distinctively different designs prevail as the dominant instruments used: price-based systems and quantity-based systems. These instruments and their mechanisms have been illustrated in the previous chapter.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

5. International Markets for Renewable Energy Technologies and Export Promotion Policies

Abstract

This chapter analyzes international markets for renewable energy technologies and government promotion measures.In order to evaluate export promotion instruments, this chapter:

depicts and analyzes government promotion of renewable energy technology exports and
examines international trade flows and competitiveness of renewable energy technologies.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

6. Explaining Differences in the Renewable Energy Policy Approaches in Germany, the United States and Japan

Abstract

This chapter unravels which factors are most important in determining the development of a relatively comprehensive and strict renewable energy policy approach in Germany, a more market-based approach in the United States and the Japanese approach.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

7. Summary and Conclusion: Implications for Renewable Energy Instruments and Markets

Abstract

This research study presents the first systematic comparison of renewable energy instruments and markets in Germany, Japan and the United States. The aim of this study was to analyze government instruments used to promote renewable energy use in terms of national renewable energy market deployment, the development of renewable power generation costs (as a proxy for innovation) and international trading in renewable energy technologies. This study further asked why different approaches to promote renewable energies emerged in Germany, the United States and Japan.

Katrin Jordan-Korte

Backmatter

Titel: Government Promotion of Renewable Energy Technologies
verfasst von: Katrin Jordan-Korte
Verlag: Gabler
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-8349-6587-5
Print ISBN: 978-3-8349-2712-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-8349-6587-5