We have received a small document from Mr. Paul Gipe of Wind Works regarding Advanced Renewable Tariffs, the means by which Germany has achieved 14% renewable electricity generation.
Briefly, ARTs require utilities to connect and priority purchase from renewable energy sources at a published rate for a set period of time, with the rate covering depreciation, operating costs, and a sensible profit.
The complete actual document is below the fold.
Advanced Renewable Tariffs for North America
Electricity Feed Laws, Advanced Renewable Tariffs (ARTs)—or, more simply, Renewable Tariffs—are the world’s single most successful renewable energy policy. Renewable Tariffs have powered Germany and Spain to the forefront of renewable energy development.
Renewable Tariffs not only encourage rapid development of all forms of renewable energy, but also enable the development of distributed generation near the source of consumption, reducing the need for increased transmission. Advanced Renewable Tariffs are also more equitable than any renewable policy currently in use in North America and enable both rich and poor alike to take part in the renewable energy revolution sweeping the globe.
Movement for ARTs in North America
There is a small but growing grass-roots movement for Advanced Renewable Tariffs in North America. Currently Ontario (Canada’s most populous province) is implementing such a program, Washington State has begun an innovative production incentive, and activists in several states and provinces are proposing similar programs.
Background on ARTs and Feed Laws
There is an extensive collection of articles on the subject of Feed Laws and Renewable Tariffs at http://www.wind-works.org/... The page is divided into three parts: general topics, details on Ontario’s program, and specific country-by-country articles. In summary, the articles and reports support the claim that Advanced Renewable Tariffs have produced more rapid development of significant amounts of renewable energy in a more equitable fashion than any other public policy mechanism.
Call for Action
Advanced Renewable Tariffs should be at the top of the policy agenda in North America for addressing climate change--alongside massive cuts in consumption through conservation and improved efficiency.
If you would like to know more about the movement for Advanced Renewable Tariffs in North America, you should visit the Wind Works web site and mail Mr. Gipe. His address is prominently posted.
There is no time to lose.
(UDPATE #1
The contents of the body of this diary are the writings of Paul Gipe, not Stranded Wind. He is far wiser than we are in this area, so we intend to support his efforts.)