U.S. OpenLabs - Policy and Program Analysis

Where can I find information about government programs and policies to incentivize clean energy development?

Analyzing the effectiveness of renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and programs is extremely important to ensure the successful deployment of clean energy technologies internationally. The US National Labs have been involved in a number of initiatives and published many reports analyzing clean energy policy and program best practices. While these analyses may not be directly applicable in all circumstances it is important that lessons learned are available to guide future action internationally. The resources below include program websites, publications and tools to inform policy decision-making.

Successful Programs

Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)

The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program seeks to facilitate the implementation of sound, cost-effective energy management and investment practices to promote energy security and environmental stewardship.

Save Energy Now

The U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now program partners with U.S. national laboratories to reduce industrial energy intensity by at least 25% over a period of 10 years. Many of the program's best practice resources, software and interactive tools could be useful for developing and implementing similar programs internationally.

Solar America Cities

The U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Cities program is a partnership with 25 major U.S. cities with the goal of accelerating the adoption of solar energy technologies.

NREL Technical Assistance Project (TAP)

The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Technical Assistance Project (TAP) provides state and local officials with short-term access to experts from U.S. national laboratories for assistance with EERE policies and programs.

ORNL Weatherization Program Evaluation

The U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Weatherization Program provides evaluations of weatherization programs domestically and internationally as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program.

Wind Powering America

The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Wind Powering America is a program committed to dramatically increasing the use of wind energy in the United States.

Policy Analysis

LBNL Renewable Energy Market and Policy Analysis

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Electricity Markets and Policy team conducts research on renewable energy policy, markets, costs, benefits, and performance. The website includes a list of downloadable publications and presentation slides.

NREL State Clean Energy Policies Analysis Project (SCEPA)

The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Best Practices: State Clean Energy Policies Analysis (SCEPA) project is a collaborative effort to better understand the environmental, economic, and energy security impacts of state policies using a uniform methodology.

Models

LBNL Policy Analysis Modeling System (PAMS)

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Policy Analysis Modeling System is a free Microsoft Excel-based computer model designed to help local policymakers assess the benefits of appliance standards and labeling. The website provides access to a downloadable version of the model and to user documentation.

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