We examine the role of prosumage of solar electricity, i.e. PV self-generation combined with distributed storage, in the context of the low-carbon energy transformation. First, we devise a qualitative account of arguments in favor of and against prosumage. Second, we give an overview of prosumage in Germany. Prosumage will likely gain momentum as support payments…
Book Reviews
Aiming at a Low Carbon Society in Japan by 2050: Impact of the Fukushima Nuclear Accident and CO2 Reduction Target
Since the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, Japan has been struggling with its energy and environmental policy, without a clear picture of the future for nuclear power. The Government of Japan released its latest Strategic Energy Plan in April 2014, and announced its CO2 emissions target (24% reduction by 2030 compared to 2005 levels) and…
Wholesale and retail electricity markets in Japan: Results of market revitalization measures and prospects for the current reform
This study provides an overview of the current status of the wholesale and retail electricity markets in Japan, with a focus on the results of market revitalization policies, such as the thermal power bidding system, regular backup, and partial supply system. This study also offers a perspective on the future of the Electricity System Reform…
Electricity market reform in Japan after Fukushima
This study reviews the status, progress, and policy issues related to the reform of the Japanese electricity market undertaken in response to the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in March of 2011. The reform has three stages: (1) establishment of a neutral organization of network operation, (2) extension of retail competition to household…
The Effect of Community Reinvestment Funds on Local Acceptance of Unconventional Gas Development
A survey with an embedded experimental design is employed to determine whether local public support for an unconventional gas development (UGD) project is influenced by a policy that commits a portion of private revenues from UGD to the state or local government. The public opinion survey (N = 2,700) oversamples residents living in counties of…
Energy Transformation, Social Inclusion, and Economic Prosperity in Latin America: An Introduction
The Green Paradox, A Hotelling Cul de Sac
The green paradox is an effect by which an increasing tax per unit on oil production, aimed at tracking damages from CO2 emissions, induces an increase in world production and a decrease in price in the near term. The increase is a rational response in a Hotelling exhaustible-resource model. We simulate the decisions of a…
A Utility Approach to Accelerate Universal Electricity Access in Less Developed Countries: A Regulatory Proposal
We propose a high-level definition of a large-scale business model designed to accelerate electricity access and attract corporate investment in electrification in developing countries. The model is based on the findings of an investigation of the factors underlying the low level of electricity access in a large number of developing countries, and an examination of…
Is Natural Gas a Viable Option to Promote Electrification in Nigeria?
Gifted with vast reserves of oil and natural gas, Nigeria is a country with low level of electrification but a rapidly rising demand. This invites the question of whether domestic natural gas can be leveraged to facilitate full electrification in Nigeria. We contend that while in principle natural gas is a solution to the problem…