Specifying An Efficient Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff

Farrell, Niall and Devine, Mel and Lee, William and Gleeson, James and Lyons, Seán (2013): Specifying An Efficient Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff.

Abstract

This paper derives efficient pricing formulae for renewable energy Feed-in Tariff (FiT) designs that incorporate exposure to uncertain market prices by using option pricing theory. Such FiT designs are presented as a means to delineate market price risk amongst investors and policymakers when designing renewable energy support schemes. Sequential game theory provides the theoretical framework through which we model the strategic interaction of policymakers and investors during policy formulation. This model is solved using option pricing theory when a FiT is comprised of market prices combined with a guaranteed element. This solution also allows for an analytical formulation of the policy cost of subsidisation. Partial derivatives characterise sensitivity of policy cost and investor remuneration to deviations in market conditions beyond those expected. Analytical derivations provide a set of tools which may guide more efficient FiT policy and investment decisions. Numerical simulations demonstrate application for a stylised Irish case study, with a scenario analysis providing further insight into the relative sensitivity of policy cost and investor remuneration under different market conditions.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Renewable Energy, Feed-in Tariff, Option Pricing, Renewable Energy Support Schemes �
• Subjects: G - Financial Economics > G1 - General Financial Markets > G13 - Contingent Pricing ; Futures Pricing; L - Industrial Organization > L9 - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities > L94 - Electric Utilities; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q4 - Energy; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q4 - Energy > Q48 - Government Policy; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics

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