Approaches to model and accelerate the diffusion of renewable energy technologies Call for Contributions Publisher Protem: Ashgate, U.K. Editors: Peter Gunther, Senior Fellow, Connecticut Center for Analysis (CCEA), University of Connecticut, USA; Marcello Graziano, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Ecology, Scottish Association for Marine Science, UK; Fred V. Carstensen, Professor of Economics and Director-CCEA, Department of Finance, School of Business, University of Connecticut, USA. Growing concerns about global climate change and energy security are prompting reconsideration of how energy particularly electricity is generated, transmitted, and consumed within regions and across the globe. In recent years, scholars from multiple disciplines have deployed several approaches to understand which factors affect the diffusion of renewable energy technologies (RETs). Recent empirical works have been focused on the role of spatial-peer effects (Bollinger and Gillingham, 2013), the diffusion patterns of specific technology adopters (e.g. hybrids and electric vehicles, Gunther and Graziano, 2013), the profile of potential adopters (e.g. age, gender, incomes, marital status, Hjørthol, 2013) or the economic impact of selected technologies (Allan et al., 2014). Theoretical works have attempted to propose how renewables or low-carbon technologies diffuse and what are the major barriers and policies affecting their diffusion rates. The diffusion of RETs will have durable consequences, changing the social, ecological, political and cultural landscape of entire nations. These technologies, and the policies accompanying them, are not being developed in a vacuum, but, rather, within developed communities, established political systems, and a natural landscape already affected by climate change and increased demand for natural resources. Developing models for understanding and accelerating the development of RETs is therefore critical in order for RETs to diffuse in a socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sustainable policy framework. This book aims to collect and present multidisciplinary works on models, policies and approaches to expand our knowledge on RETs diffusion. Page 1
Papers presented recently at the American Association of Geographers meetings in Tampa explored the set of available policy leavers reflective of the capacity of alternative international distribution systems and forms of governance. Policy levers discussed included an emphasis on improved central heating systems and influences over consumer demand through both mass communications and influence over both product supply and consumer sentiment to enhance and accept the availability of energy efficient consumer products embodying minimal energy relative to less energy efficient products embodying larger amounts of energy. Examples of these contributions are, but are not limited to: Modelling RETs impacts through partial and Computable General Equilibrium models; Innovative use of socio-ecological models for planning the development of selected RETs; Stakeholders perception-analysis of RETs; General equilibrium systems utilizing dynamic Input/Output models (China) Currently our intent is to divide this book into the following parts: Part 1: Overview and Context This section will briefly introduce authors and the papers contained in the volume and illustrate how the papers are conceptually linked with each other as well as differences in methodological approaches among them linked to the political context of each paper. Part II: Partial Equilibrium and CGE Including Shorter and Long-Term Approaches to RETs [Peter Gunther] This section will host contributions dealing with macroeconomic approaches such as CGE models. Researches focusing on macro-models and economic policies analysis will be considered as well. Examples of contributions include, but are not limited to: Economic impact analysis of energy policies/technologies; Modelling the impact of consumers behavior and response to RETs diffusion; and Impact of RETs on electricity grids and the economy. Part III: Socio-ecological Models [Marcello Graziano] Page 2
This section will host contributions focusing on the use of qualitative and mixed-method approaches to evaluate the impacts of renewable energy resources. Examples of contribution include, but are not limited to: Analyses of RETs perception in different landscapes and policy implications; Uses of alternative, non-monetary models (e.g. Ecopath) to assess the socioecological impacts of RETs; uses of innovative participatory methodologies for conflict management in spaces shared by RETs and other activities; and Models and approaches to assess the ecological impact RET. Part IV: Organizational Approaches and Policy Designs [Fred Carstensen; Marcello Graziano] In this section we will host contributions focusing on approaches dealing with organizational and policy-related issues for supporting the diffusion of RETs. Examples include, but are not limited to: Nation-wide fiscal policy designs for supporting sustainable transition processes in the RETs sector; Identification of organizational challenges and solutions for integrating RETs in to the local, regional and national grids; Co-location of RETs and other economic activities; and Local policies to encourage consumers support towards RETs. Submission Information Authors are encouraged to contribute to one of the four parts outlined above. From those who present papers in Session 5571 of the AAG in Florida, we would appreciate you assurance of willingness to participate, a current copy of your paper, a brief summary and biographical paragraph and an up-to-date CV. (Please forward to either Peter Gunther <pgunther@bellnet.ca> or to Marcello Graziano marcello.graz@gmail.com. For those submitting supplemental papers, please contact the editor(s) for the particular part which most closely aligns with the focus of your article; Page 3
It will also be useful to receive, a brief summary and biographical paragraph and an up-to-date CV. (Please forward to either Peter Gunther <pgunther@bellnet.ca> or to Marcello Graziano marcello.graz@gmail.com. Submit the abstract to the editor(s). Each abstract should describe on 1-1.5 pages what is the intended content of the chapter; Authors are encouraged to format their article using the Ashgate template available at: http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=2900 Your article should be no more than 7,000 7,500 words; and Depending on the contributions received, the editors may suggest updating the chapters to make them more coherent or distinctive from each other. Chapter formatting will need to confirm to Ashgate guidelines: http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=2900 inclusive of the Gower Author Guidelines to Social Media http://www.ashgate.com/pdf/authors/gower-author-guidelines-to-social-media.pdf Dates: Submission of chapter outlines due: 1 October 2014 Notification of acceptance: 8 October 2014 Full chapter due: 8 November 2014 Editors Contact information: Peter E. Gunther pgunther@bellnet.ca Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis School of Business University of Connecticut Storrs (CT), 06269, USA Or (More frequently) 10 Armagh Way Nepean, ON, Canada K2J 4C3 1 (613) 823-0513 Marcello Graziano marcello.graziano@sams.as.uk Department of Ecology Scottish Association for Marine Science PA37 1QA Dunbeg, UNITED KINGDOM Fred V. Carstensen Page 4
fred.carstensen@uconn.edu Department of Finance School of Business University of Connecticut Storrs (CT), 06269, USA Literature Cited: Allan, G.J., Lecca, P., McGregor, P.G., Swales, J.K. (2014). The economic impacts of marine energy developments: A case study from Scotland. Marine Policy, 43: 122-131. Bollinger, B. and Gillingham, K. (2012). Peer Effects in the Diffusion of Solar Photovoltaic Panels. Marketing Science, 31(6): 900-912. Hjørthol, R. (2013). Attitudes, ownership and use of Electric Vehicles a review of literature. Oslo, Norway: Institute of Transport Economics. Gunther, P.E., Carstensen, F.V., Graziano, M. and Coghlan, J. (2013). Driving Smart Growth: Electric Vehicle Adoption and Off-Peak Electricity Rates. U.S. Association for Energy Economics Dialogue, Vol. 21(1). Page 5