International renewable energy policy—between marginalization and initial approaches

This article undertakes an analysis of renewable energy policy at the international level. So far, such policy efforts have been carried out in a fragmented manner across various fields and without the benefit of any specific international agreements or organizations. In the two key policy areas of energy and climate, in which one would expect to find direct approaches at the international level, there have been only marginal efforts to promote renewable energy and with little direct impact—something which at first glance is rather remarkable. Initiated in the wake of the Second World Summit on Sustainable Development, in 2002 in Johannesburg, there exists for the first time a specific policy process – set in motion by the German government – which has led to some initial “soft” instruments and institutional forms; this multilateral process, which, although parallel and independent in its approach, is proceeding nonetheless in a consensual manner similar to the UN negotiations. At the same time, several countries have taken the lead to form an international organization for renewable energy; this is presently being developed. This article examines the various policy levels as well as the roles of the significant national and international actors on the basis of a multilevel governance approach.