This web conference is the first event in AltaTerra Research's Solar Money & Markets series.

Overview

A feed-in tariff (FIT) is a policy mechanism that simply pays renewable energy generators a fair price for their electricity. Feed-in tariffs are the world’s most successful policy mechanism for the rapid development of renewable energy. They have been most successful in Europe, but are becoming increasingly common in North America.

The tariff is a payment per kilowatt-hour for electricity generated by a renewable resource. Germany, Spain and a host of other countries have used feed-in tariffs to drive unprecedented wind and solar power market growth during the last several years. The price or tariff paid is based on the "cost of generation plus a reasonable profit”, the same principle used by regulatory commissions in establishing rates for electricity from conventional generators.

Despite their success elsewhere, feed-in tariffs were "unthinkable” in North America as recently as six years ago. Since 2007, however, more than a dozen U.S. states have introduced feed-in tariff legislation and other states have initiated or announced plans for feed-in tariff regulatory proceedings. And, feed-in tariffs continue to gain momentum throughout North America and in developing countries, such as China, India and Mongolia.

This web conference will walk through the latest developments in the rapidly evolving continental feed-in tariff debate and outline challenges and opportunities for the renewable energy industry.

Recent developments

The Gipe Report: Feed-in Tariff News

In a truly groundbreaking move for the English-speaking world, Britain's Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has released a full suite of renewable energy tariffs that go into effect in April.

Ontario implemented a modest feed-in tariff program in 2006. When the Canadian province decided to revamp the program, it moved swiftly. Ontario implemented its system of Advanced Renewable Tariffs, the most comprehensive in North America, in less than eight months, including public consultations and tariff price-setting.

France has introduced new feed-in tariffs for 2010. These include substantially higher geothermal, biomass, and building integrated solar PV tariffs than in 2009.

Learning outcomes

The primary objective will be to identify the current status and outlook for solar feed-in tariffs globally and in the U.S.

Questions to be answered What is a feed-in tariff? Which countries are implementing feed-in tariffs abroad and what have the results been? Which jurisdictions have implemented feed-in tariffs in North America—and which areas are considering them? How do various approaches compare to European and worldwide experience? What are some of the emerging issues and trends? What are the prices, and how might they affect utility ratepayers and the renewable energy industry? Key topics to be addressed How FITs work and what they can contribute to improve energy security, create new jobs, and address the growing risks of climate change The economic case Timeframe for adding renewables Worldwide wind and solar market Worldwide wind and solar capacity Historical context Review of common criticisms Feed-in tariffs by state, province and country Keys to success Feed-in tariff design Policy descriptions, implications and evaluation Pricing Yields Program costs and outcomes Remaining issues and challenges