Sustainable Energy Development: A Comparative Policy Analysis of the EU Member States

Description

This book investigates how the EU member states’ domestic energy policies have transformed in the last two decades as a consequence of horizontal and vertical integration forces. Integration is a dynamic process where member states adopt community rules, norms, and values, and meanwhile, learn from each other’s experiences. Today, Europe experiences an energy transition from fossil-fuels to cleaner sources of energy and European policy makers are committed to taking this significant step forward. Domestic structural change is, thus, observed in all member states‘ environmental and energy policies. This book presents an overview of the EU norms, legislation, and policy standards for renewable energies and analyses how member states transpose them into their domestic structure. The book also analyses the policy outcomes in the EU member states in a comparative perspective by using the most recent statistical data. This comparative analysis gives insight to investors and developers to decide on investment projects and/or manufacturing of renewable energy devices to these countries. It also provides a useful reference for policy makers, academics, students, and NGOs who need a quick overview of relevant national and EU legislation, policy standards, and policy outcomes. Foreword Contents About the Author List of Figures Chapter 1: Introduction The Challenge: Sustainable Energy Development Fossil Fuels in Europe’s Energy Structure Energy Transition Policy Outline of the Book References Chapter 2: Conceptual and Methodological Framework Introduction Energy Policy Formulation: Actors, Attitudes, and Actions Research Hypotheses Methodology References Chapter 3: Policy Formulation in European Union Development of the EU Environmental Policy Development of the EU Renewable Energy Policy Policy Norms and Objectives Policy Legislation Conclusion Chapter 4: Policy Formulation in Member States Introduction Czech Republic Policy Norms and Objectives Policy Legislation Energy Act Energy Management Act Act on Renewable Energy Sources Act on Public Budgets Germany Policy Norms and Objectives Policy Legislation Renewable Energy Sources Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) Renewable Energies Heat Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Wärmegesetz, EEWärmeG) Market Incentive Program (Marktanreizprogramm, MAP) Conclusion Chapter 5: Political and Public Perceptions Introduction Germany Political Perceptions Public Perceptions Czech Republic Political Perceptions Public Perceptions Expert Perceptions Conclusion Chapter 6: Policy Implementation Introduction Development Trajectory of the Renewable Energies in the EU Fulfilment of the 2020 Renewable Energy Targets in the EU Future Projections for the Renewable Energies in the EU References Chapter 7: Conclusion We Can Reshape Our Energy Systems Energy Transition Policy Research Outcomes Pathway to 2030 Contribution of This Book