Re-boosting new investments in renewable energy worldwide! by Sophie Marquitan | Energy Watch Group

We analyse the shortcomings of the political framework for RE auctions and present recommendations for a change of course: Climate protection needs renewable energy!

The transition from feed-in tariffs to auctioning schemes has slowed down the expansion of renewable energy (RE) in Germany and numerous other countries. In a scientific study of renewable energy auctions worldwide, we will analyse the underlying political framework, identify 10 shortcomings, and give political recommendations for action. We will analyse the international impacts in numerous selected countries with special attention to Germany and the EU. The results of the study will be fed into the public debate, discussed with political decision-makers and should provide the basis for optimising legislation in Germany, the EU and many other countries in order to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy.

Energy generation from renewable sources is the most cost-effective option in many parts of the world today. The most widespread mechanism for promoting alternative energy supply is the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which is based on a legally fixed feed-in tariff as a remuneration mechanism. After coming into effect in 2000, it was adopted in over 100 jurisdictions worldwide. However, in recent years the fixed feed-in tariff for medium and large projects has been replaced by auctioning models in many countries. Although auctions in several countries (including many emerging and developing countries) have encouraged the expansion of renewable energy production by large corporations, it can be observed in many countries (e.g. Germany and India) that they are significantly slowing down the growth of renewable energy:

• Decline in wind power investment in Germany from 5.5 gigawatts to 1.0 gigawatt annual new investment
• Exclusion of community energy projects, focus on financially strong investors instead
• The hoped-for reduction in costs has not materialised

However, the public media and political debate fails to recognise this situation, which is why a scientific study is needed that compiles the effects of the transition to auctioning schemes on a global scale. The study will also identify policy recommendations that counteract these negative developments and bring the growth of renewable energies worldwide to a level that will enable the Paris climate goals to be achieved.

Working title: 

“10 Shortcomings of RE Auctions – and ways forward for the EU Policy Framework. Empirical observations from the growing experience with RE auctions worldwide.”

The study is carried out on behalf of the Energy Watch Group by the following scientific institutes:

• International Energy Transition GmbH (IET)
• IZES gGmbH
• Becker Büttner Held (BBH)

Please support us in this effort!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail or phone.

Email: marquitan@energywatchgroup.org

Phone: +49.30.609898815

The collected funding is used to finance the work of the scientists as well as the publication and presentation of the study to political decision-makers. 

Of the total amount of 50,000 €, 26,000 € have already been covered by foundations and private sponsors ahead of this campaign. 

• 35.000 € Analysis of the shortcomings of RE auctions 
• 8.000 € EU background analysis and recommendations for political action 
• 7.000 € Publication (including translation, layout and outreach to decision-makers) 

The report will be written in English and translated into German. 

In case the second funding target is not achieved, the study will be completed but can only be effectively disseminated once we have acquired additional funds for publication.

If the first funding target is not met, the completion of the study will have to be paused until we have acquired further funding.

Time is running out, as the political course will be set in autumn: the amendment of the EEG is pending in the German Bundestag, and the Green Deal at the European level. There will also be many legislative amendments outside the EU.

Help us to provide the essential scientific basis for it!

Potential additional donations will contribute to the daily work of the Energy Watch Group.

The energy sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 55% of total emissions. The transition to 100% renewable energy is therefore essential to combat climate change. The fundamental transformation of our global energy system requires a corresponding investment volume in renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power, hydro power, geothermal energy or biomass. These must be beared by various actors (business, state, private investors, but also community energy associations, etc.). In order to stimulate these investments and make sustainable financing possible, appropriate legally guaranteed remuneration mechanisms are needed. The analysis and the resulting recommendations for action is aimed at supporting political decision-makers in creating suitable political framework conditions to revive the expansion of renewable energy.

The Energy Watch Group Team

We fight for 100% renewable energy!

The Energy Watch Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit think-and-do tank based in Berlin. We are dedicated to accelerating political action towards renewable energy and climate protection through scientific analysis, policy advice and dialogue.

Vision

We envision a zero-emissions world where no more greenhouse gases are being emitted and the carbon content of the atmosphere is reduced to a climate-protecting level of 350ppm. This is the only way to keep the energy household of the earth in balance and preserve human civilization.

As the fossil energy sector is responsible for the main share of all greenhouse gases (55 %), the global energy system must be based on 100 % renewable energy sources in order to

• protect our climate, environment and health
• diminish social and economic inequality
• help all regions of the world to achieve energy independence
• promote economic development and prosperity for all
• contribute to peace and conflict resolution

A zero-emissions world also requires a complete global transformation towards organic farming, circular economy and species-appropriate animal husbandry. Ecosystem restoration is another key prerequisite to reduce carbon emissions.

Mission

We are committed to advancing political action for 100 % renewable energy and climate protection worldwide. To this end, we produce scientific analyses and studies, provide political advice to decision-makers and inform the public. Our global, non-partisan network of scientists and parliamentarians provides a strong voice for the transition to 100 % renewable energy.

Approach

Initiated by Hans-Josef Fell, then member of the German parliament, the Energy Watch Group was founded by a group of international parliamentarians and scientists in 2006. Since, we have been working to close the gap between scientific findings and the lack of political action. The Energy Watch Group works on connecting the political and scientific sphere via developing and providing policy solutions based on a solid scientific foundation and political experience. Only a holistic approach in combination with the political willingness will provide us with the needed solutions: stable, long-term and reliable policy frameworks adapted to regional conditions and environments.

The EWG’s work is based on three pillars:

• Scientific Analysis
• Policy Advice
• Dialogue & Public Outreach

An overview of all published studies and policy papers can be found at energywatchgroup.org/studies and energywatchgroup.org/policy-papers.

The Energy Watch Group is an independent organisation of the non-profit Global Eco Transition gGmbH. Our work is financed through donations and project grants. Our main donors are private individuals, foundations and companies.

the global transformation to 100% renewable energy is a prerequisite for effectively combating climate change!