Joyce McLaren

The Role of State Policy in Renewable Energy Development

State policies can support renewable energy development by driving markets, providing certainty in the investment market, and incorporating the external benefits of the technologies into cost/benefit calculations. Using statistical analyses and policy design best practices, this paper quantifies the impact of state-level policies on renewable energy development in order to better understand the role of policy on development and inform policy makers on the policy mechanisms that provide maximum benefit. The results include the identification of connections between state policies and renewable energy development, as well as a discussion placing state policy efforts in context with other factors that influence the development of renewable energy (e.g. federal policy, resource availability, technology cost, public acceptance).

Reaching 100% Renewable Energy: Lessons-Learned from Aspen, Colorado

Abstract In 2004, the city of Aspen, Colorado, adopted an ambitious goal to supply 100% of its electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015. After an initial good progress, significant barriers stopped them just short of their target. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory , in cooperation with municipal utility staff, led the city council through a staged decision-making process to clarify its priorities, identify the most desirable options, and take advantage of renewable energy opportunities. As a result, the city of Aspen became a 100% renewable electric city in 2015. This presentation lays out the process that was used to attain this remarkable goal, and explores how lessons-learned can be transferred and implemented in other locations.