U.S. agency to investigate foreign market for renewables

WASHINGTON, DC, US, 2004-08-18 (Refocus Weekly)

A U.S. agency will investigate barriers to the sale of renewable energy services into foreign markets.

The International Trade Commission will provide an overview of foreign and domestic markets for renewables, and examine trade and investment in those markets, including any barriers affecting trade and investment. It will also discuss existing regulatory practices that generate demand for renewable energy services.

The investigation was requested in July by the U.S. Trade Representative under the Tariff Act of 1930. The Trade Representative wants the Commission to study markets in both developed and developing nations, and to examine countries with which the U.S. has established (or is in the process of negotiating) free trade arrangements.

The investigation will present information on trade and market conditions for goods related to renewable energy services, which the study defines as wind, solar, biomass, tidal, geothermal and earth energy. It will also cover the sale of renewable energy, geological analysis, resource assessment and other services to evaluate or site a renewable energy facility, design and installation services for renewable energy equipment, operation and management of renewable energy projects, decommissioning and research services in renewables.

The USTR wants the report finished by October 2005, and to make the report publicly available in its entirety.

The first hearing of the investigation has been scheduled for April 19, and written statements will be accepted if the party supplies 15 copies of the comments.


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