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| author | Cynthia Nichole Montalvo |
| title | Renewable Energy Development in Germany and the United States |
| abstract |
Germany and the United States have each made efforts to increase renewable energy production. By comparison, Germany has made significantly more progress than the
United States. The types of policies implemented in each country, as well as historical, social, institutional and political circumstances best explain the differences
between Germany and the United States with respect to renewable energy production. In Germany, legislation was implemented through a top-down, regulatory approach. In
particular, Germany's feed-in tariff, which has been amended consistently, ensures that efforts to expand renewables will be sustained in the long term. Supplemental
research and development programs and financial incentives have also maintained Germany's growing trajectory. Furthermore, concern over nuclear power, external pressure
from the European Parliament and Council of the European Union and an influential red-green coalition contributed to the expansion of renewables in Germany. In the United
States, however, legislation was implemented through a multi-level, voluntary approach. Specifically, the implementation of Renewable Portfolio Standards at the state
level has contributed the most to increases in renewable energy production. Supplemental research and development programs and financial incentives have also helped.
Nevertheless, missed opportunities following the Gulf War, an unfavorable political climate and strong interest group influences have hindered efforts to increase
renewable energy production. |
| school | The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University |
| degree | B.A. (2016) |
| advisor | Philip Mundo |
| committee | Lisa Jordan
Jason Jordan
Neil Levi |
| full text | CNMontalvo.pdf |
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