Brief on the issue of “disaggregated” Trade Renewable Certificates (TRCs) [also known as Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)]. Because there is both a TRC market and an emissions credit market, there emerges the possibility for confusion in the accounting of ultimate environmental benefit. TRCs that have had their discrete emisssions values separated and sold individually, the …

The question has been raised about the need for Green-e certification and verification in regions where tracking systems are in place. Is Green-e still relevant in an era when each unit of renewable energy is identified and tracked from generation to retirement? This document provides a discussion of the comparative functions of tracking systems and …

Text of a 2005 Chinese act proposing “to promote the development and utilization of renewable energy, increase energy supply, improve the energy structure, safeguard energy security, protect the environment, and realize the sustainable development of the economy and society.”

Explores the motivations behind establishing a local wind power industry, and the paths that different countries have taken to develop indigenous large wind turbine manufacturing industries within their borders. Includes a series of detailed country case studies showing how 12 different countries have sought successfully or unsuccessfully to encourage local wind turbine manufacturing. Identifies lessons …

Discusses a variety of tax incentives introduced as policy tools in 29 countries and 35 US states, offering lessons based on international experience with these tax incentive programs. Prepared for the Energy Foundation China Sustainable Energy Program.

Reviews the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) process and outlines lessons learned for incorporating renewable energy and specifically the voluntary renewable energy market into greenhouse cap-and-trade regimes. Draws conclusions about greenhouse gas reduction efforts in general and key elements in their success or failure.

The purpose of the report is to assess how to accelerate and expand the current CPUC Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and related programs to achieve the Governor’s goal of meeting 33 percent of statewide electric power supply with renewable energy by 2020. This report identifies what the CPUC can do within the scope of its …

The Regulator’s Handbook on Renewable Energy Programs & Tariffs is a reference guide for regulators involved in the design of renewable energy programs. Written with a specific focus on tariff setting, it suggests best practices for designing renewable energy programs and highlights success stories in a series of case studies. This Handbook is divided into …

Historical overview of the German 250 MW Wind Program, perhaps the most significant effort of any country to support the piloting and demonstration of new wind turbines and wind turbine designs. The paper also details the criteria used in the grant application process and in the quota system meant to benefit domestic manufacturers. Emphasis is …

The paper provides an overview of the key market demand and supply-side drivers for renewable electricity in each of the three North American countries. It then identifies regulatory mandates, voluntary purchases, self-supply and financial incentives as the most important drivers of a renewable electricity market in North America today. The paper also explores the opportunities …