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Renewable energy technologies (RETs) are a key solution to help countries overcoming problems associated with energy insecurity, energy shortage, depletion of fossil fuels, increasing energy demand and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Research, development and innovation (R, D& I) have been fundamental for nations to own, adapt, deploy and diffuse RETs, and therefore, to capture the related social, economic and environmental benefits. This article uses patent data to evaluate the Brazilian outputs regarding R&D&I in wind energy, solar photovoltaic, hybrid and electric vehicles and biofuel areas. This investigation also includes a diagnosis of the diffusion of these technologies, as well as institutional and policy factors related to RETs in Brazil. The assessment shows that R, D& I efforts in most of the RETs areas are weak and the country would benefit from increased investment in the development of specific RETs, and also from technology transfer opportunities. Despite a huge potential to capture benefits related to enhancing non-conventional RETs in transportation and in the power sector, the lack of planning and investments to foster R, D&I tends to reduce energy affordability in the long run and would also lead to higher dependence on fossil fuels in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative analysis of energy governance regarding nonconventional renewable energy sources (NCRES) in Brazil and Germany. Brazil is a world leader in the use of conventional renewable energy sources, such as hydro power, while Germany has been achieving outstanding results in fostering NCRES. The focus is on two critical issues: the legal and regulatory framework and the institutions created to support the NCRES market development. The comparison shows that, despite the very different energy situations and policy drivers, valuables lessons can be extracted from the German experience. The main lesson for Brazil is to think NCRES as a strategic opportunity to rely less on fossil fuel and large hydroelectric power plants, to decentralize the electric power sector, to use the huge solar, biomass and wind power potential available in the country and to create a environment-friendly NCRES industry. To this end, three critical points were identified: (1) the legal and regulatory framework should be improved; (2) long-term energy planning taking into account social, economic and climate issues and; (3) the current institutions supporting NCRES in Brazil should be upgraded and/or new ones, such as more specific energy agencies, should be created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]