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How Regulatory Uncertainty Impedes the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In: Cross-Sector Leadership for the Green Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Jens Hamprecht

    (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)

  • David C. Sprengel

    (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)

  • Volker H. Hoffmann

    (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Solar energy is a promising energy source for the future. During the past few years, the installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity, a form of solar energy, has been increasing, especially in Germany and Spain. However, the contribution of solar power to total power production is still negligible. The barriers slowing this transition process are manifold, but to a large extent are related to current high prices of this technology. PV technology is still in an early stage, and the transition from central power production to distributed power production brings along transition costs. The cost disadvantage of PV technology is also influenced by subsidies for conventional, nonrenewable energy sources and a lack of internalization of external costs for those sources. Furthermore, the investment profile for PV is different than competing technologies (it has a higher initial cost, lower operating cost, and lower fuel price risk). Other barriers to diffusion of solar energy are related to path dependencies (e.g., market power of incumbent energy businesses) and cognitive factors (e.g., valuation methods that favor large-scale power plants).

Suggested Citation

  • Jens Hamprecht & David C. Sprengel & Volker H. Hoffmann, 2011. "How Regulatory Uncertainty Impedes the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Alfred Marcus & Paul Shrivastava & Sanjay Sharma & Stefano Pogutz (ed.), Cross-Sector Leadership for the Green Economy, chapter 0, pages 19-35, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-01589-1_2
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137015891_2
    as

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