Worldwatch Paper #169: Mainstreaming Renewable Energy in the 21st Century

May 2004
Janet L. Sawin
ISBN: 1-878071-73-4
76 pages

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Recent surges in gasoline prices and deepening instability in the Middle East are reminders that the world's heavy dependence on fossil fuels carries an array of hidden costs, including energy insecurity and damage to human health and the natural environment.

Fortunately, more and more nations are recognizing that they can address these problems by investing in renewable energy. Solar and wind power are the world's fastest growing energy sources, and investors are pouring billions of dollars into these industries every year. Around the world, a growing number of nations have recognized the economic, social, and environmental benefits of renewable energy, and are enacting tax incentives and other policy measures favorable to renewable technologies. In Germany, Japan, Spain, and a handful of other countries, clear government commitments to renewable energy and strong, effective policies have overcome barriers and created demand for these technologies, leading to dramatic growth in renewables industries and driving down costs.

If these countries stay the course and others continue to join the renewables bandwagon, they will end up not only with cleaner and more efficient energy systems, but will also reap economic rewards in the form of new industries and jobs.

Summary

Introduction

The Approaching Train Wreck--and How To Avoid It

Technology and Market Development

Two Success Stories: Germany and Japan

Policy Lessons From Around the World

Changing Government Approaches to Energy Policy

Unlocking Our Energy Future

Endnotes

Index

Figure 1: World Energy Use by Source, 2000

Figure 2: World Electricity Generation by Type, 2001

Figure 3: Average Annual Increase in Installed Capacity, 1993–2003

Figure 4: Cumulative Global Wind Capacity, 1990–2003

Figure 5: Cumulative Global Photovoltaic Production, 1990–2003

Figure 6: Wind Power Capacity Additions in Germany, Spain, and the United States, 1980–2003

Figure 7: Photovoltaic Capacity Additions in Japan, Germany, and the United States, 1993–2003

Table 1: Costs of Electricity With and Without External Costs

Table 2: Global Renewable Resource Base (Exajoules/year)

Table 3: Renewable Energy Targets and Recent Totals in Selected Countries/Regions

Sidebar 1: Examples of Advances in Wind Technology

Sidebar 2: The Solar Race

Sidebar 3: Public Benefit Funds and Bond Initiatives

Sidebar 4: Forging a New Energy Future