Cross-Border Integration of Renewable Energy Systems - Experiences, Impacts, and Drivers

Renewable energy integration into grid systems and cross-border energy trade has been the focus of many scholars, researchers, and leaders in the energy, economics and sustainability fields as evidence, particularly in Europe and America, tend to show the economic, environmental, and social benefits from such energy market integration. Regions endowed with plenty of renewable energy resources such as The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and North-East Region (NER) of India – which aim to achieve more integrated markets, need to address the issue of renewable energy integration and cross border energy trade in a more explicit way as it could be a main driving force for sustainable development. This book provides analytical perspectives on drivers, constraints, opportunities and barriers, as well as measures that countries could take to address issues -- from institutional, financial, and human resources -- to realise the potential benefits from renewable energy trade, inter-grid connectivity and other market integration mechanisms. Given its rich natural resource base and strategic location, the NER has the potential to become a powerhouse in terms of energy, trade, and investment. The essays suggests ways for NER India and ASEAN to maximize the amount and value of renewable energy in its electricity system and its impact on cross-border energy trade. By examining successful international experiences from ASEAN, Australia, Europe, and North America as lessons learned, it identifies the necessary conditions - grid flexibility, policy, market and regulatory solutions for clean energy trade. The book adds to existing research on low carbon development as well as policy making by focusing on renewable energy integration across the borders, rather than at the national level while addressing power system flexibility challenges, solutions and priorities needed at national level. This detailed and timely volume will be of use to those working in the fields of Climate Change, Environment & the Global South, Environmental Politics, Environment & Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Politics & International Relations, and Energy Trade.