Feed-in tariffs—laws that provide a premium rate (tariff) over a fixed period of time for each unit of electricity fed into the grid—are one of the most cost-effective policy tools for accelerating the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Despite their increasingly widespread use, the effectiveness of feed-in tariffs can be hampered by poor design and inadequate implementation.

This book, from authors who have spent years working on feed-in tariff design and advocacy, covers: an introduction to feed-in tariffs, how they work, and developments in key countries around the world (including in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America); an exploration of technical and social issues; an investigation of effective design, and other support schemes; a blueprint for campaigning for feed-in tariffs; and a compilation of further resources for those wishing to green their economy.

Written in a clear, practical style, this is a must-read for any policymakers, businesses, investors, campaigners, academics and anyone concerned with creating successful and sustainable energy policy.

Table of Contents:

Feed-in Tariffs: driver of the green economy
Master list of existing FIT laws
Developments in key countries
FIT design options
Calculation methods and costs
Bad tariff design
Technical issues
Barriers to renewable energy
Other support schemes
Campaigning on FITs