20151130-IRENA-Quality_Infrastructure_for_Renewable_Energy_Technologies_Guidelines_for_Policy_Makers_56页_3mb

Quality Infrastructure for Renewable Energy Technologies: Guidelines for Policy Makers

1. Introduction

This report provides guidance for policy makers on developing and implementing quality infrastructure (QI) for small-scale renewable energy technologies, specifically solar water heaters (SWHs) and small wind turbines (SWTs). QI ensures that renewable energy technologies perform as expected, meet safety and durability standards, and foster efficient markets. The report draws from global expertise, surveys, and case studies to offer practical recommendations.

2. Benefits of Quality Infrastructure (QI)

QI offers multiple benefits across stakeholders and markets:

• Policy Makers: Nurtures emerging markets, attracts investment, and enables sound technology promotion.
• Manufacturers: Reduces trade barriers, improves product design, and enhances manufacturing quality.
• Practitioners: Improves wages, mobility, and job competitiveness.
• End-Users: Builds trust, enables informed product comparisons, and increases access to financial resources.

3. What is Quality Infrastructure (QI)?

QI is the institutional network and legal framework that includes:

• Standards and Technical Regulations: Define requirements for products and services.
• Metrology: Ensures accurate measurements and traceability.
• Testing, Certification, Inspections, and Accreditation: Verify compliance and quality.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Document processes and ensure consistency.

4. Guidance for Policy Makers

Policy makers should adopt an incremental approach to developing QI for renewable energy markets:

Key Stages and Recommendations:

1. Market Assessment: Conduct studies, develop national standards, and establish industry associations.
2. Market Introduction: Require certification for imports, fund practitioner training, and align standards with international norms.
3. Market Growth: Train certified practitioners, develop unaccredited test labs, and implement national standards.
4. Market Consolidation: Full implementation of QI with accredited testing and certification bodies.
5. Market Maturity: Mandate accreditation and integrate into global QI to support international trade.

Cross-Cutting Strategies:

• Prioritize practitioner training and certification.
• Share regional QI resources to reduce costs.
• Screen imports based on international standards.
• Align incentive policies with QI requirements to prevent market distortion.

5. Key Challenges and Solutions

• Cost: Start small with incremental investment; leverage regional networks.
• Early Technology Failures: Focus on practitioner training and rigorous installation protocols.
• Lack of Expertise: Use international standards as a bridge; strengthen policy maker knowledge.
• Inferior Imports: Certify imports against international standards before market entry.
• Subsidy Misalignment: Link incentives to certified products to ensure quality.

6. Conclusion

Quality infrastructure is essential for sustainable renewable energy deployment. By addressing challenges incrementally, policy makers can foster resilient markets, attract investment, and ensure technologies meet performance, safety, and reliability standards. International collaboration and harmonization further enhance the effectiveness of national QI systems.