Global Governance on Renewable Energy

Abstract

This chapter introduces the empirical part of the thesis, providing sound background information on transboundary policy-making on renewable energy. This context knowledge is crucial for the subsequent analysis of the ideas on global renewable energy governance advanced by the German and Brazilian governments, as it helps to understand how the ideas of both governments are embedded in the global policy context. As outlined in the introduction, a global governance perspective on renewable energy (and on energy in general) is rather new, both in policymaking and academic discussions. This chapter presents the state of art of these academic discussions. Although the thesis explicitly focuses on renewable energy, it is important to note that the promotion of renewable energy cannot be considered in isolation but must take the broader context of global energy governance into account as policy actions concerning the different energy sources are closely interrelated.