『Abstract
This paper presents estimates of the extent of subsidisation
globally, via selected mechanisms, for a number of different electricity-generating
technologies. The technologies covered are coal-fired, nuclear,
wind, solar PV, concentrating solar, geothermal, biomass and hydroelectric
power. To the knowledge of the authors, this study provides the
most complete and comprehensive collation of energy subsidies
so far at a global level. Our series of information allows a comparison
of subsidies for electricity-generating technologies, based on
the respective states of development and deployment during different
time periods. To date, on average, hydropower receives the least
subsidies per unit of electricity it generates and geothermal
and nuclear power receive an equally low level of subsidies per
kWh generated. Amongst renewables, wind power has registered a
spectacular success story in reducing the need for subsidisation.
The same cannot be said for the two solar technologies, and for
biomass. Coal-fired power has the highest subsidisation level,
despite its high level of global deployment, which is mainly because
of external costs due to climate change impacts. Our study demonstrates
that accounting for subsidies under an agreed framework can be
important for informing future policy decision on subsidisation.
Keywords: Subsidies; Electricity generation』
1. Introduction
2. Concepts and methodology
2.1. Defining subsidies
2.1.1. Direct subsidies and rebates
2.1.1.1. Feed-in tariffs (FiTs)
2.1.1.2. Favourable tax treatment
2.1.1.3. Investment tax deduction
2.1.2. Externalities
2.2. Scope
2.3. Data sources and calculations
2.3.1. Electricity generation
2.3.2. Financial subsidies
2.3.3. Bottom-up calculations based on FiTs
2.3.4. R & D
2.3.5. Externalities
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Times series
3.2. Evolution of subsidies versus electricity output
4. Conclusion
Acknowledgement
References