Work package 1: Benefits of RE expansion

The term “Technological change” covers the phase of innovation on the one hand, in other words, applied research and development as well as the early commercial application of new technologies or processes. On the other hand, it also describes the phase of diffusion during which clear advances to a technology can be observed with regard to cost reductions and efficiency or quality improvements (“learning by doing”). 

In this project, an assessment is made of how promoting RE expansion influences the technological change of RE technologies. The primary question here is how to quantitatively estimate the influence of policy measures on technological change. The analysis focuses on innovation effects in the fields of photovoltaics, biofuels and wind energy by observing the dynamics in patent applications, public R&D spending and exports. In addition, the cost development of these technologies is presented for biofuels in detail including the learning effects.

• Breitschopf, Barbara (2016): Proceedings Paper IAEE 2016 Technology Costs
  
• Groba, Felix (2014): Dynamics of technological change (in German)

• Groba, Felix and Breitschopf, Barbara (2013): Impact of renewable energy policies and of the use of renewable innovation. A Literature Review. DIW Berlin Discussion Paper 1318.