ABSTRACT
A study was completed to examine the effectiveness of feed-in tariff (FIT) policy as a mechanism to encourage renewable energy (RE) development. Nine regions were selected with various time frames of RE policy development, demographics, and natural resources for comparison of RE success. Results are based on installed capacity and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. This aticle presents three main themes which successful FIT policy incorporates to encourage rapid RE uptake: 1. tariffs based on a reasonable rate of return, 2. government commitment to the policy, and 3. minimization of bureaucratic processes. This is demonstrated by comparing information from various regions around the world. Other observed benefits of RE installations include GHG mitigation compared to conventional electricity generation mechanisms such as coal.