Exploration into the Barriers and Obstacles Constraining Diffusion and Adoption of Renewable Energy Solutions

Authors

  • Saskia Harkema Wittenborg University, Research Department
  • Florentin Popescu Department of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies
  • Mirjam Leloux Wittenborg University, Research Department

Keywords:

Sustainable Energy Sources, Innovation, Diffusion, Renewable Energy Solutions

Abstract

By 2020, intermittent renewable small scale energy sources (e.g. wind and solar energy) are expected to represent about 17% of the EU’s total electricity consumption. However, a straight forward implementation of renewable energy options is not easy, due to various barriers and obstacles. In this paper we describe the intermediate outcomes of a European Partnership under the name of GREAT (Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies), funded under the INTERREG IVB NWE Programme. GREAT aims to encourage communities and small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) to develop technological solutions for Smart Grid, Renewable Energy and Distributive Generation; research and develop policy issues for regulatory authorities and provide structured co-operation opportunities between SMEs and research institutes / technology developers. In this paper we explore what the main challenges are in relation to the diffusion and adoption process of renewable energy solutions and technologies in The Netherlands. Their target is that 14% of total electricity consumption is represented by renewable energy sources, while the share of renewables in final energy consumption was a mere 4.5% in 2013

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Published

2015-10-01

How to Cite

Harkema, S., Popescu, F., & Leloux, M. (2015). Exploration into the Barriers and Obstacles Constraining Diffusion and Adoption of Renewable Energy Solutions. International Journal of Economic Practices and Theories, 5(5), 534-541. Retrieved from http://ijept.eu/index.php/ijept/article/view/Exploration_into_the_Barriers_and_Obstacles_Constraining_Diffu

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 5 (2015): Special issue on Trends in Sustainable Business and Consumption

Section

Articles

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