E-Book Overview
Reflecting its reliance on fossil fuels, the electric power industry produces the majority of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The need for a revolution in the industry becomes further apparent given that 'decarbonization' means an increasing electrification of other sectors of the economy?in particular, through a switch from gasoline to electric vehicles. Of the options for producing electric power without significant greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy is most attractive to policymakers, as it promises increased national self-reliance on energy supplies and the creation of new industries and jobs, without the safety and political concerns of nuclear power or the unproven technology of carbon capture and storage. Drawing on both economic theory and the experiences of the United States and EU member states, Harnessing Renewable Energy addresses the key questions surrounding renewable energy policies. How appropriate is the focus on renewable power as a primary tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions? If renewable energy is given specific support, what form should that support take? What are the implications for power markets if renewable generation is widely adopted? Thorough and well-evidenced, this book will be of interest to a broad range of policymakers, the electric power industry, and economists who study energy and environmental issues.
E-Book Content
HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY
in Electric Power Systems Theory, Practice, Policy
“This book is both timely and important. It is also highly educational. It can help us better understand the opportunities and challenges renewable energy creates and learn from the experience of others. In this way, we will all, whether in politics, business, education, or at home, be better equipped to make, with confidence, the vital decisions that will lead to the energy system we seek for the future—a system that is at once secure, sustainable, and economically robust.” —From the Foreword by GÜNTHER OETTINGER, European Union Energy Commissioner
“A comprehensive and timely review of the international experience in fostering the use of renewable energy sources in the electricity industry. Understanding the political, business, and technological drivers behind the clean energy revolution is important as many nations aim to enable low-carbon development paths that will bring economic prosperity to their citizens, while at the same time reducing human impacts on the environment.” —BLAS PÉREZ HENRÍQUEZ, executive director, Center for Environmental Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley
“This book should be devoured by thoughtful policymakers considering how renewables will fit into decarbonized electric systems. Bringing varied perspectives on this fundamental question, these scholars make a provocative and informative contribution to a topic of critical importance to governments around the world.” —SUE TIERNEY, managing principal, Analysis Group, Inc., USA
Energy / Economics / Climate
www.rffpress.org RFF Press strives to minimize its impact on the environment
Cover image: “Solar Panel” © Luis Pedrosa/istockphoto.com
BOAZ MOSELLE is a director and J ORGE PADILLA a managing director at LECG, an international consulting group focusing on “economic and financial analyses to provide objective opinions and advice regarding complex disputes and inform legislative, judicial, regulatory, and business decision makers.” R ICHARD SCHMALENSEE is dean emeritus and professor of economics and management at MIT's Sloan School of Management, and director of the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research.
Boaz Moselle Jorge Padilla Richard Schmalensee
Reflecting its reliance on fossil fuels, the electric power industry produces the majority of the worl