The promotion of renewable energy sources: European experiences and steps forward

This study investigates the instruments used by governments in order to support renewable energy sources in the European Union. The findings of this study reveal that policy goals could be achieved by using a large variety of instruments and renewable energies could be better promoted if policy instruments are harmonized. The study was carried out by combining a wide variety of sources, such as strategies, reports, regulations, and European experiences in promoting renewable energy sources. The methodology and the results reported in this research may be used for designing new, harmonized policy instruments to support renewable energy sources in the European Union.