Renewable Technology Transfer to Developing Countries: One Size Does Not Fit All

Abstract

Developing countries are experiencing unprecedented levels of economic growth. As a result, they will be responsible for most of the future growth in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions.

The development, transfer and use of renewable energy technologies are promising ways towards low-carbon development in these countries. However, the UNFCCC processes have had a limited success in promoting them. This is mainly due to their disconnection with national enabling factors and to their homogeneous approach for all developing countries.

This paper addresses these pitfalls by analysing the differentiated performance of developing countries with regards to several indicators of enabling factors for technology transfer. Three quantitative analysis methodologies – principal component analysis, multiple regression analysis and cluster analysis – are used to identify the most important enabling factors of technology transfer and to create groups of developing countries according to their performance in these. Policy recommendations are then adapted to the specific needs of each of the defined groups.