Feed-in Tariffs

A feed-in tariff is a renewable energy law that obliges energy suppliers to buy electricity produced from renewable resources at a fixed price, usually over a fixed period - even from householders. These legal guarantees ensure investment security, and the support of all viable renewable energy technologies. Supporters argue that the feed-in model, if implemented effectively around the world, would greatly assist the energy revolution that is so desperately required; through CO2 reduction, market creation and development, job creation and improved energy security. Feed-in Tariffs is a concise introduction to feed-in laws, examining the experience of countries that have implemented this model. The author argues that the policy should be implemented anywhere with a suitable national power grid infrastructure, and identifies variations on the policy for those areas without. Alternative models and support schemes are examined to provide policy makers with the information required to consider the implementation of feed-in tariffs, and to introduce the concept to renewable energy technology manufacturers, producers, investors and supporters. With a foreword by Hermann Scheer. Published with the World Future Council.

Miguel Mendonca is a writer and researcher for the World Future Council, working principally in the area of sustainability policies, and a freelance writer on sustainability issues. He is a visiting fellow at Bristol University, a research associate of the Schumacher Institute for Sustainable Systems and a consultant to Artists Project Earth.

Foreword * Executive Summary * Introduction * Part I: Renewable Energy: Barriers and Support Schemes * Barriers to Renewable Energy * Renewable Energy Support Schemes * Energy Efficiency: The Essential Partner of Renewables * Part II: Policies Around the World * Germany's Success * Spain's Success * Policies in the US * Policies in Japan * The Developing World (by Dan Bristow) * Part III: Implemention and the Future * Feed-in Tariff Design Options * General Lessons for Effective Implementation * Organizations Aiding Renewable Energy Deployment * The Future: Policy, Technology, Employment and Investment * Bibliography * Index