This study looks at one of the emerging energy alternatives, solar energy.The gap between demand and supply of energy is huge, specially in developing countries like china and India.Most part of Europe is dependent on Russian gas for its winter supply of energy. Solar energy is one of the alternatives for energy in these countries, as fuel ( sunlight) is free and non polluting.
Here the focus is on three countries Germany, USA and India. The choice is based on the emergence of the different needs of these countries, which are in different stages of development of solar energy. This makes an interesting observance.
2. SolarâŠPVâŠ(5âŠMW)⊠48.09⊠45.68⊠43.40âŠ
AppendixâŠGovernmentâŠBâŠ
MajorâŠmarketâŠinfluencesâŠcountryâŠwiseâŠâŠ
Austria In 2000 a Solar Campaign started comparable to the 'Solar na klar- campaign
in Germany. Based on the German experience, a further growth and
development of the market is expected. Furthermore, the supply side of the
market is becoming increasingly professional.
Belgium Since 1999, the regional and Federal governments and the utility sector have
developed a number of positive initiatives. Ambitious goals are set and a
number of tools to accomplish these goals are given (more or less in line with
the ASTIG/DSMT-recommendations).
Denmark The Danish market has been stagnating for some years - mainly due to a
doubtful approach of utility suppliers - after a successful period in the mid-
nineties. New positive political initiatives are under development leading to a
possible new impulse through solar-friendly regulations and stimulants. The
supply has developed strongly, in particular specializing in large solar thermal
plants.
Finland The market is expected to increase gradually due to expected increase in
district heating applications.
France Positive effects are expected as a result of strong new incentive programs and
through more 'open market policy' in the coming years. Further market
'increase is expected in combination with favourable climate conditions and
stimulants through implementation of ASTIG/ DSMT recommendation
Germany There are strong indications that the present market growth figures will
continue. Both the political as well as the strong industrial environment ( almost
completely incorporated in the traditional heating industry ) are expected to
maintain a stable condition for further growth. The high public awareness
triggered by the 'Solar na klar!' campaign and positive job creation effects are
in them- selves positive arguments and a stimulated political motive.
Greece A new National campaign is expected as a result of (re)newed commitment of
the government with regard to stimulate the solar market. Publicity effects in
conjunction with the upcoming Olympic- games in favour of a further solar
market development. Furthermore stimulation is focussed on new application
areas like cooling and partial obligation for commercial buildings.
Italy The Italian market continues to show strong development in the North. It is
expected that this development will gradually move to more Southern Regions
already in 2001/2002. There remains uncertainty on the development of
incentive programmes.
The Strong political commitments for renewables in conjunction with various
Netherlands incentive programs and national solar campaign (starting 2001/2002) will be
the basis for further market growth. Like in Germany the supply-side is strongly
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3. integrated in the existing heating industry.
Portugal There remains a political uncertainty on the introduction of incentives
programs. In more general terms incentive programs are expected to be linked
to Southern European initiatives.
Spain Growth finally started in 1999 - especially very successful in Andalucia.
Incentive programs are developed further, including legislation and obligatory
measures (Barcelona and others). Supply side and infrastructure is still to be
developed (an open and harmonized market will generate extra stimulants)
therefor the growth rate is tempered - but Spain is expected to be one of the
fast developing markets in EU.
Sweden Market mainly focusing on large projects, incentive programs are considered
and slowly started.
Switzerland Unfortunately the 'Campaign for Renewable Energy' in 09.2000 failed but in
2002 a new initiative to facilitate/stimulate solar with positive results is
expected.
UK Still only very few concrete renewable initiatives (for heating) are considered.
In general energy efficiency and renewables are starting to come on the
political agenda.
Incentives,âŠwhichâŠstimulateâŠsolarâŠthermalâŠsystemsâŠinâŠ11âŠEuropeanâŠcountriesâŠ
Country Fiscal Measure Investment Regulation Organizational Others
Subsidy Measure
Austria - Increased At regional, - Self- - Favourable
investment energy construction financing,
allowance company groups (project
and local - Free or cheap financing,
level energy consult favourable
- Specific loans)
financing
schemes
Germany - Eco-bonus for At national, - Campaign - Favourable
sustainable building regional, - Specific loans
- Increased energy financing -
investment company schemes Solarthermie
allowance (eastern and local 2000
states) level
The - Favourable At national, - Energy - Campaign - Project
depreciation regional, performance - Long term subsidies
Netherlands - Tax deduction energy in building agreement - Solar city
- Green funds companies regulation - Specific award
- Energy tax and local financial
level - Exemption schemes
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4. from
- Energy building
saving fund permit
Switzerland - Tax At national, - Self- - Energy
exemption/reduction regional construction 2000
and local initiative - Solar
level - Central award
information
point
Denmark - Energy tax At national - Campaign - Solar
- C02 tax level - Danish Plan of Energy Plan
Special Action for Solar of Action
regulation Energy 1998-2000
in case - Energy 21
water
heater is
replaced
- Increased At national, - Agreement - Promotion and - Subsidy for
investment regional, in principle information bottom-up
Belgium allowance energy on campaign of initiatives
company exemption Flemish
- Tax exemption and local from authorities
(from advance levy level building
on immovables) permit
France - Tax reduction At national
- Reduced VAT level and
regional
level
Spain At regional - Obligation - Favourable
level in Barcelona financing
Portugal - Tax deduction At national - Favourable
- Reduced VAT level financing,
- Favourable (project
depreciation subsidy,
favourable
loans)
Sweden - Energy tax At national - RD&D
- CO2 tax and program
regional
level
United At local - Solar Clubs
Kingdom level project
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