Approaches to Alternative Energy Policy: A Comparison of the United States and Germany

Author

Martina Dzuna, Ursinus College

Submission Date

3-25-2011

Document Type

Paper

Department

Environmental Studies

Second Department

Modern Languages (German)

Adviser

Robin Clouser

Second Adviser

Patrick Hurley

Committee Member

Robin Clouser

Committee Member

Patrick Hurley

Committee Member

Rebecca Evans

Department Chair

Leah Joseph

Department Chair

Matthew Mizenko

External Reviewer

Robert Mason, Temple University

Distinguished Honors

This paper has met the requirements for Distinguished Honors.

Project Description

This paper will examine the types of alternative energies that are available at this point, focus on the formation of markets for alternative energy and discuss how new energy technology enters and then diffuses into the markets. Along with energy technology diffusion, this paper will examine how policy structures make technology diffusion possible and which types of policy are most effective. To answer this question, the report uses Germany and the United States as case studies. From the case studies, we will be able to draw some conclusions about what makes some policies more successful than others, and make recommendations on how best to structure effective alternative energy policy. The paper argues that to achieve growth in the alternative energy sector requires policies that work to create market opportunities for alternative energies and that by doing so such policies will create an energy system where alternative energies become established.

Recommended Citation

Dzuna, Martina, "Approaches to Alternative Energy Policy: A Comparison of the United States and Germany" (2011). Environment and Sustainability Honors Papers. 4.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/environment_hon/4