The Rationale for Policies promoting Renewable Energy Sources and Policy Outcomes in two National Contexts

Essay , 2011 , 24 Pages , Grade: 1.7

Politics - General and Theories of International Politics

The variety of renewable energy sources range from wind, sunlight, biomass and geothermal heat to rain, tides and waves (hydropower). Notwithstanding their massive importance for EU energy consumption, some energy carriers such as biomass and hydro are seen to be ‘deadlocked’ (Del Río Gonzaléz 2008, p.2917), while the promotion of wind power among EU member states is well researched. Hence, the case here shall be made for solar energy, with special reference to the promotion of photovoltaic (PV) power systems due to their suspected potential for further energy transitions in Europe. Being the ‘fastest growing power-generation technology in the world’ (REN21 2010, p.19), corresponding policy outcomes on the Iberian Peninsula will be illustrated and assessed.

Rational policy-making aims at effective problem-solving strategies based on cost-benefit-calculations. Decisive is not which particular policy may in total terms maximize the outcome, but which one is optimal in relation to costs that accrue from this policy. The underlying question of rational choice theory thus is, why political decision-makers should prioritise a certain ‘path’ of policy-making over others. A rationale has thus always been assessed with regard to the effectiveness and efficiency towards a desired or intended political outcome. The Spanish and Portuguese National Renewable Energy Action Plans portray an adequate guideline for further analysis.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• I INTRODUCTION
• II THE RATIONALE FOR PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
• 'DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH': SUPPORTING ENERGY FROM RENEWABLES
• III PROMOTING SOLAR ENERGY ON THE IBERIAN PENINSULA:
• III.1 SPAIN: A PIONEERING ROLE IN SOLAR ENERGY
• III.1.1 THE SPANISH LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL LANDSCAPE
• III.1.2 SPANISH REFIT/FIT SUPPORT SCHEMES
• III.1.3 EVALUATION OF THE SPANISH POLICY OUTCOMES
• III.2 PORTUGAL: A POTENTIAL YET TO BE REALISED
• III.2.1 THE PORTUGUESE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL LANDSCAPE
• III.2.2 PORTUGUESE REFIT/FIT SUPPORT SCHEMES
• III.2.3 EVALUATION OF THE PORTUGUESE POLICY OUTCOMES
• IV CONCLUSION

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research paper aims to explore the rationale behind policies promoting renewable energy sources, specifically focusing on solar energy, and analyze their outcomes in two national contexts: Spain and Portugal. It delves into the social, economic, and environmental benefits of promoting renewable energy, while also considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each country's political landscape and energy mix. Key themes explored in this work include:

• The rationale for promoting renewable energy sources, considering economic, environmental, and social factors.
• The specific interests of Spain and Portugal in promoting renewable energy within their respective national contexts.
• The effectiveness and efficiency of Spanish and Portuguese political efforts in promoting renewable energy, focusing on their individual renewable energy feed-in tariff (REFIT/FIT) support schemes.
• The challenges and opportunities presented by each country's unique socio-political and economic landscape in promoting renewable energy.
• The role of solar energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) power systems, in the energy transition towards a sustainable future.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

I INTRODUCTION

This chapter sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources to address concerns such as unstable energy prices, energy security, and climate change. It introduces the concept of 'green electricity' and the potential of solar energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) power systems, for future energy transitions. The chapter also outlines the paper's structure and its focus on Spain and Portugal as case studies.

II THE RATIONALE FOR PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

This chapter explores the multifaceted rationale for promoting renewable energy sources, encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. It argues that the transition to renewable energy is not only beneficial for environmental sustainability but also holds economic and social advantages. The chapter emphasizes the importance of considering national socio-economic and techno-political contexts when evaluating the effectiveness of renewable energy promotion policies.

III PROMOTING SOLAR ENERGY ON THE IBERIAN PENINSULA:

This chapter delves into the specific case studies of Spain and Portugal, examining their individual legal frameworks, institutional landscapes, and policy outcomes in promoting solar energy. It focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of their respective REFIT/FIT support schemes, analyzing their socio-political and economic impacts.

III.1 SPAIN: A PIONEERING ROLE IN SOLAR ENERGY

This section analyzes the pioneering role Spain has played in promoting solar energy, examining the effectiveness of its policies in achieving its renewable energy goals. It assesses the Spanish legal framework, institutional landscape, REFIT/FIT support schemes, and the overall evaluation of policy outcomes.

III.2 PORTUGAL: A POTENTIAL YET TO BE REALISED

This section investigates Portugal's potential for solar energy development, exploring the reasons behind its lagging performance compared to Spain. It analyzes the Portuguese legal framework, institutional landscape, REFIT/FIT support schemes, and the evaluation of policy outcomes, highlighting challenges and opportunities.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this research paper include renewable energy sources (RES), solar energy, photovoltaic (PV) power systems, energy transition, green electricity, policy outcomes, REFIT/FIT support schemes, national contexts, Spain, Portugal, and socio-political and economic factors. The paper emphasizes the importance of rational policy-making based on cost-benefit-calculations to achieve effective problem-solving strategies for promoting renewable energy.

• College: University of Bath
• Grade: 1.7
• Author: Ron Böhler (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 24
• Catalog Number: V376548
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668540552
• ISBN (Book): 9783668540569
• Language: English
• Tags: rationale, policies, renewable, energy, sources, policy, outcomes, national, contexts