Introduction
The article ‘Sustainable diffusion of Renewable energy technologies as an example of an Innovation-focused Policy’ by Tsoutsos and Stamboulis in 2005, discusses the new and emerging renewable energy technologies that are different from other policies on renewable sources of energy. The current renewable energy approach only focuses on the development of new technologies but fails to invest in the penetration of these technologies. An alternative strategy proposed in the article focuses not only on the innovation and development of renewable energy technologies but also on the penetration of renewable energy technologies. To enhance the penetration of renewable energy technologies, the article recommends the liberalization of the energy market, particularly the electricity sector. In addition, emphasis on environmental pressures caused by other forms of energy will promote policy change in favor of renewable energy technologies. The penetration of these technologies also relies on creating public awareness of the benefits of new energy technologies and their minimized impact on the environment. The new approach is particularly applicable in the Common Electricity Market to facilitate the penetration of renewable energy technologies alongside the existing technologies.
Background
The existing renewable energy technologies have not been adequate in facilitating the diffusion of renewable energy technologies partly because they focus on the energy system as a whole. In addition, the existing renewable energy policies fail to address the system restructuring and technology development as prerequisites to renewable energy diffusion. The author recommended a new approach that comprises building on previous technologies and taking into account social factors to promote penetration of renewable energy technologies.
Approaches
The article outlines the importance of an alternative policy that focuses on the interaction between technological developments, social, and organizational factors in promoting the diffusion of new energy technologies. To achieve sustainable diffusion of renewable technologies, the author suggests that technological factors such as new installation sites that incorporate the existing technologies have to be developed. In addition, new skills are important in the new technologies. Proper government regulatory policies will also promote the development and diffusion of these technologies (Dosi, 1982, p.47). Creating awareness will promote social acceptance of the new technologies and help dispel the uncertainties associated with renewable energy technologies among the public. To create demand for renewable technologies, emphasizing the value of renewable energy technologies and their environmentally friendly benefits is important. Overall, the author suggests the development of focused learning mechanisms involving new policy players and proper financing strategies to promote the penetration of renewable technologies.
The author concluded that the diffusion of renewable energy technologies is influenced by organizational, social, and economic factors. To enhance the penetration of these technologies decentralized production is important. Additionally, the regulatory and distribution policies of these technologies have to be reviewed. I agree with the author’s suggestions that can enhance the penetration of renewable energy technologies. However, the new strategies should also focus on the overall economic implications of decentralized new technology production units to the economy.
Conclusion
The article recommends a user-oriented approach as a way of encouraging the adoption of new renewable energy technologies which is helpful to me, as it has increased my understanding of the ways of enhancing the adoption of new renewable technologies that are not only cheap but also environmentally friendly. The article also cites improper policies as the reasons for the slow pace of adoption of the new technologies. This article has enhanced my understanding of the factors that derail the expansion of these technologies. However, I would recommend that the new technologies be used within the existing systems and structures instead of a complete overhaul of the existing structures.
Reference List
Dosi, G. (1982). Technological paradigms and technological trajectories: a Suggested interpretation of the determinants and directions of technical Change. Research Policy, 6(4), 145-147.
Tsoutsos, T., & Stamboulis, Y. (2005). The sustainable diffusion of renewable energy Technologies as an example of an innovation-focused policy. Technovation, 25(7), 753-761.