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Does a small difference make a difference? Impact of feed-in tariff on renewable power generation in China

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  • Du, Yimeng
  • Takeuchi, Kenji

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of regionally differentiated feed-in tariffs (FIT) for the development of renewable energy in China. By using a spatial regression discontinuity design, we estimate the impacts of regionally differentiated FITs on the outcome indicators of wind and solar power generation, such as utilization rate, installed capacity, power generation, and hours of operation. Our findings show that FIT implementation plays an important role in promoting renewable energy development. A small difference in the tariff rate leads to statistically significant differences in outcome indicators among regions. Our results suggest that regionally differentiated FITs might help mitigate the overproduction of wind electricity in regions with abundant wind resources but low electricity demand. In addition, we conclude that enlarged tariff gap among regions can lead to greater impact on increasing installations of renewable power generation facilities in resource-poor regions.

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  • Du, Yimeng & Takeuchi, Kenji, 2020. "Does a small difference make a difference? Impact of feed-in tariff on renewable power generation in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:87:y:2020:i:c:s0140988320300499
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2020.104710
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mortha, Aline & Yajima, Naonari & Arimura, Toshi H., 2024. "Impact of the feed-in-tariff exemption on energy consumption in Japanese industrial plants," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    3. Yu, Chin-Hsien & Wu, Xiuqin & Lee, Wen-Chieh & Zhao, Jinsong, 2021. "Resource misallocation in the Chinese wind power industry: The role of feed-in tariff policy," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
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    6. Wu, Jiaqian & Chen, Yu & Yu, Lean & Li, Guohao & Li, Jingjing, 2023. "Has the evolution of renewable energy policies facilitated the construction of a new power system for China? A system dynamics analysis," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    7. Wang, Yadong & Mao, Jinqi & Chen, Fan & Wang, Delu, 2022. "Uncovering the dynamics and uncertainties of substituting coal power with renewable energy resources," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 669-686.
    8. Hu, Xing & Yu, Shiwei & Fang, Xu & Ovaere, Marten, 2023. "Which combinations of renewable energy policies work better? Insights from policy text synergies in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 127(PA).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Feed-in tariff; Renewable energy; Renewable curtailment; Spatial regression discontinuity design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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