Regulating Sustainable Economics

This chapter fills in the gap, presents an analysis of renewable energy policies in a set of countries, and assesses how renewable energy may assist in efforts towards reducing poverty and promoting human well-being. A comparative analysis of the emphasis given to renewable energy through policies in various countries is presented. Based on the findings from the study, some recommendations to address the differences seen in pursuing renewable energy technologies are made. Additionally, it illustrates the fact that the sample countries have been tackling renewable energy with different depths of policies and with varying levels of success, and the different nature of these policies suggests that future developments depend on a change in the current emphasis and level of priority afforded to renewable energy.

International Norms, Policy Transfers and Energy Transition: Implications for Taiwan’s Development

The development of renewable energy policies in Taiwan has been thoroughly discussed from political, economic, social, industrial and environmental perspectives. Energy policies, particularly those adopted by the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, have influenced both (1) the decision-making process of energy policies such as action plans, programs and (2) the transition to renewable energies. This paper argues that the transfer of global environmental and energy policies serves as the mechanism behind Taiwan’s efforts to expand renewable energy production. These global policies have so far been practiced by international organizations through agreements designed to combat climate change, achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), and reduce fossil fuel subsidies. This paper examines renewable energy policies and legislation in Taiwan through the lens of policy transfers, an area which has not been fully explored in previous research.

A Systematic Review on the Renewable Energy Development, Policies and Challenges in Nigeria with an International Perspective and Public Opinions

Due to the threat posed by fossil fuels to human existence; many countries around the world have turned attention to renewable sources for power generation to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and stop ozone layer depletion. This has increased the exploitation of various renewable energy sources which include: hydro, biomass, solar, geothermal and wind in many developed countries. However, most African countries seem not to have awakened to this new reality. This work presents a comprehensive review of available renewable energy capacity in Nigeria, the level of utilization of renewables in Nigeria in comparison to other countries, comparison of renewable energy scenarios among African countries, factors hindering the development of renewables in Nigeria, the country’s renewable energy policy and ways of improving its status in the country. A lot of peer-reviewed journal articles, and grey literatures were gathered from which the most suitable ones were selected for reviews. In addition, opinions of people across the country and beyond, regarding renewable energy status in Nigeria were sought through a questionnaire. It is found that Nigeria is greatly endowed with different renewable energy sources but the level of utilization has been very low due to a myriad of factors such as non-implementation of renewable energy policies, financial issues, unfavorable government policies and lack of adequate research. It is expected that the findings in this work will awaken policies makers in Nigeria to reshape her renewable energy policies and speed up its implementation as well as guide individuals wishing to invest in the nation’s vast renewable resources.

Renewable energy policy around the globe

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.

A Number of Policy Recommendations to Promote Legal Safeguards for Renewable Energy for Private Investment in Liberia

The development and implementation of renewable energy policies and regulations in Liberia are cardinal to develop the nascent electricity sector. Liberia had developed some of the priority policy and regulatory instruments in the electricity sector; however, supportive policies and regulations to minimize investment risks and create an enabling environment for all actors are indispensable to attain universal energy access. The research aims to provide policy and regulatory recommendations that will increase private sector participation in the electricity sector of Liberia through the deployment of renewable energy technologies. The recommendations examined a comprehensive review and analysis of the energy legislation in Liberia, renewable energy policies in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and data on renewable energy policies from countries in West Africa. It was explicit from the literature review that Liberia does not have policies and regulations for renewable power generation, transmission, and distribution, which are imperative for private sector participation. The establishment of the new renewable energy law and supportive policies such as policy and regulation on tariff setting, fiscal policy, financial policy, administrative and legal provisions, and technical standards are the recommendations of this research paper.