Back by popular demand, renewable energy policy expert Paul Gipe gives a status update and outlook on North American and global renewable energy feed-in tariff programs, and presents the findings from his latest report, "Grading North American Feed-in Tariffs."

Overview

Renewable energy feed-in tariffs (FiT) are arguably the world’s most successful policy mechanisms for stimulating the growth of renewable energy. In Europe, feed-in tariff programs have fueled unprecedented growth in the solar and wind industries--particularly in Germany, Spain, and Italy. After implementing a feed-in tariff program in 2007, Italy’s solar photovoltaics (PV) industry experienced a rapid increase in new installations, quickly surpassing the U.S. in new installations by the end of 2008, and in cumulative installations by the end of 2009. Feed-in tariffs continue to gain momentum around the world, in countries such as China and India—and now the U.S. and Canada.

In North America, more than a dozen U.S. and Canadian states have introduced feed-in tariff legislation, and other states have initiated or announced plans for feed-in tariff regulatory proceedings. Despite the increasing adoption of FiT programs across North America, not all FiT programs are equally effective at stimulating market growth. Limited program size, low project caps, and a lack of differentiation for different technologies threaten to limit the effectiveness of North American FiT programs.

In this online conference: renewable energy feed-in tariff expert, Paul Gipe, returns to give the findings from his latest report, "Grading North American Feed-in Tariffs," in which he grades North American feed-in tariff programs and compares them to the European FiT programs. Mr. Gipe will also give a status update and perspective on the future of North American and global renewable energy feed-in tariffs programs. He will review the latest in European FiT programs, including new successes and proposed solar rate cuts. This interactive online conference will feature 30-50 minutes dedicated to answering questions from participants.

In addition to your questions, Mr. Gipe will answer the following:

• What is the latest status and update on the feed-in tariff programs in Europe – including Italy, France, Spain – and around the globe?
• How have feed-in tariffs stimulated rapid renewable energy market growth in Europe?
• What is the current pace of renewable energy installations in countries that have implemented feed-in tariff programs?
• Which jurisdictions have implemented feed-in tariffs in North America—and which areas are considering them?
• What are the barriers and challenges to the adoption and implementation of feed-in tariff programs in the U.S.?
• How well do North American feed-in tariff programs compare to European programs?
  
• What North American feed-in tariff programs are the most effective at stimulating market growth?
• How do you create a sustainable program that stimulates long-growth?
  
• How can feed-in tariffs help the U.S. meet climate change goals, improve energy security, and create jobs?

• An Embarrassment of Riches
• Grading North American Feed-in Tariffs
• Ontario Power Authority Proposes Cut to FIT
• UC Berkeley Study Shows Benefits of FIT
• LABC Proposes Los Angeles Solar Feed-in Tariffs
• Slots for Oregon Solar Incentives Fill Quickly

Key Topics to be Addressed

• Grading of North American feed-in tariff programs
• Comparison of North American and European feed-in tariff programs
• The future of North American and global renewable energy feed-in tariff programs: status update and perspective
• Renewable energy market growth under feed-in tariff programs
• Pace of renewable energy installations under feed-in tariff programs
• Review of feed-in tariff programs in North America: in place and under development
  
• Barriers and challenges to adoption and implementation of feed-in tariff programs in the U.S.
• Effective program design for stimulating market growth
• The economic case for feed-in tariffs in the U.S.: meeting climate change goals, improving energy security, and creating jobs

• Renewable energy professionals and consultants
• Renewable energy project developers
• Regulatory and PR staffers
• Environmental organizations
• Financial and investment groups
• Legal staff and compliance officers
• Electric utility procurement, generation, and transmission personnel

Testimonials

A few examples of what participants found especially useful in AltaTerra’s earlier online conference with Paul Gipe on renewable energy feed-in tariffs—in their own words:

• "All of it! Great overview of FITs.”
• "Comparison of different programs….”
• "Ontario's situation and North American trends”
• "Most unexpected information: Concept of feed-in-tariffs in solar water heating”

Reference Materials

Each participant will receive a full copy of the presentation slides in PDF format.

For most online conferences, AltaTerra is also able to provide an online recording of the event. However, in some cases technical difficulties prevent us from providing an archive.


About the Presenter

Paul Gipe is an author, advocate, and renewable energy industry analyst. He has written extensively about renewable energy for both the popular and trade press. Mr. Gipe covers the latest feed-in tariff news in The Gipe Report and on his website www.wind-works.org. In 2004, Mr. Gipe launched a campaign to bring electricity feed laws back to North America. The campaign has grown into a continent-wide grassroots movement that has put renewable energy feed-in tariffs on the political agenda in Canada and the U.S.


Registration Fees

	Early-bird****	Regular
Non-member	$360	$440
Member*	$240	$330
Academic / Government / Nonprofit**	$144	$198
Student***	$72	$99

*Becoming a registered member of the AltaTerra Research Network is free, easy, and obligation-free. Simply click on "Register" in the upper right menu bar.
**You must be a full-time government or nonprofit employee, or a full-time, regular academic faculty member to register at this reduced rate. Proof of status may be requested and AltaTerra reserves the right to revoke registrations that do not qualify for reduced rates.
***You must be a full-time, regular academic student to register at this reduced rate. Proof of status may be requested and AltaTerra reserves the right to revoke registrations that do not qualify for reduced rates.
****Early-bird registration ends Thursday, July 29th.

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