A renewable energy policy is one that emphasizes the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, water, and geothermal power. The government frequently sets energy policy at the national level, but smaller government entities, such as municipalities, can develop their own energy policies if they believe the government policy does not address their concerns or meet their needs. Energy policy, like other branches of government policy, necessitates input from a variety of people and can become extremely complex.
Energy policy is developed by governments to address the demand for energy within their borders, taking into account concerns about generation, storage, distribution, and consumption. Renewable energy policy takes into account not only the demand for electricity, but also long-term concerns about energy availability and the impact of energy generation on the environment. Many countries use their renewable energy policies to actively promote and incentivize energy companies and consumers to use renewable energy.
A renewable energy policy can include a variety of initiatives aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy and the development of alternative energy sources. Grants to renewable energy companies, laws requiring an increasing percentage of renewable energy generation at power plants, and incentive programs for individual consumers, such as grants for people who install solar panels on their homes, are examples of these measures. The policy aims to influence both the law and society in order to increase the use of renewable energy.
Individual countries can pursue renewable energy policy in a variety of ways. Concerns about reliance on foreign energy sources, national security issues, pollution, domestic industry, and environmental responsibility are among the issues that such policies can address. Renewable energy policy is frequently promoted as a means of ensuring that energy will be available to future generations, as well as a means of achieving energy independence for countries lacking oil deposits that could be used to produce fossil fuels.
The legislature, government agencies, and the executive branch of government can all formulate policy. A renewable energy policy typically includes input from alternative energy advocates who provide information about alternative energy sources and may actively lobby in favor of specific renewable energy sources. Legislators concerned about their constituents, environmentalists, and members of the energy-generating community are all examples of policymakers. People attempting to meet energy goals and targets should hope for policies that are practical and achievable, rather than unrealistic and frustrating.