Renewable energy policy around the globe

Abstract

Renewable energy systems (RESs) have an inherent quality of achieving independence Vis a Vis useful energy harnessing for self or localized use. At larger scale the renewable energy system allows the power generation and distribution without a significant harm to the environment. Propagation and proliferation of RESs and the Renewable Energy Technology (RET), collectively demand an effective policy making infrastructure to be in place to ensure their penetration locally and globally. Renewable Energy Policies have a great impact on how readily these systems are adopted by the investors and market, how efficient these systems are which is dependent on the research and development (R&D) of RESs, how effectively the country or region copes with the scourge of environmental harm with the use of RESs. Renewable Energy Policies also have an impact on how costly these technologies are and how these technologies fiscally benefit common man, investors and industries. Efficiency enhancement, stability and intelligent management of grids integrated with RES are also renewable policy dependent. This paper thoroughly and critically examines the importance of renewable energy policy. not just at domestic or national level but also at global level. It discusses in detail the core ingredients of renewable energy policy which were adopted in the past, which are being adopted now and which should be adopted in future. This paper also discusses policy, business and financial models; importance of tariff formulation, incentives and subsidies and a few factors which may pose a risk to the development and adoption of RESs. At the end a few suggestions have also been made which, if adopted, would help promote the RESs proliferation across the globe at a rapid pace and would ensure energy security, sustainable development and environmental conservation.