Policy frameworks for scaling renewable energy in emerging economies

Title : Policy frameworks for scaling renewable energy in emerging economies

Abstract:

Policymakers in developing countries are working to ensure affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy access across all sectors of their economies. Feed-in tariff (FIT) policies have been instrumental in attracting independent power producers to invest in renewable energy generation in developed and some developing nations. However, the design and implementation of FIT frameworks are closely tied to national and local fiscal and socio-economic policies. Financial modeling of FIT, which accounts for local economic conditions and the national energy sector's status, can help develop policies that are practical, sustainable, and conducive to investment in renewable energy.  This paper presents a financial model for determining FIT rates using a solar farm in Malawi as a case study. The findings indicate that transitioning from a fixed price model to one that includes full or partial inflation adjustments—considering inflation volatility and macroeconomic risks in a fragile economy—can significantly enhance private sector investment in energy. Thus, the financial modeling of FIT can provide valuable insights for designing policies more aligned with local economic realities, ensuring their relevance, feasibility, and long-term sustainability.

Biography:

Irfan Khan received a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from Xi’an Shiyou University, China. He was appointed overseas sales manager and performed all his duties assiduously at Xi’an Aluoazi Trading Company. During his term of employment, he completed all his assigned tasks. He handled several tasks and rendered different responsibilities, including meeting sales targets, managing sales activities, and maintaining sales budgets simultaneously. He always found a creative way of dealing with sales activities, bringing out the best outcome for different sales projects. He also showed exceptional leadership qualities while managing the sales team designated under him. He was a hardworking person and became a source of inspiration for the sales team.