Renewable Energy Payments (REPs) Policies for the USA - Spring

Team Members: Fletcher Beaudoin, Ryan Black, Siobhan Burns,  Nathalie Chalmers (Manager), Elyse Hottel, Jessica McHugh, Lisa Nagy, Alejandro Gomez Palma , Jonna Robins, Julie Rowlett, Ellie Tang (Deputy Manager), Daniel Teitelbaum. 

This capstone project evaluates Renewable Energy Payments (REPs), commonly known as feed-in tariffs, as a policy mechanism to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in the United States. While widely adopted in Europe, REPs have gained limited traction in the U.S. despite their potential to stimulate investment and expand clean energy capacity. The team conducted a comparative analysis of international experiences and assessed the feasibility of implementing REP policies across diverse U.S. state contexts. The study examines key policy design elements, stakeholder perspectives, and existing regulatory frameworks shaping renewable energy development.

The report proposes a “Green Standard” framework to guide REP implementation in the United States, emphasizing the importance of clearly defined pricing structures, contract durations, and program limits. It also highlights the need for alignment with existing energy policies and infrastructure, as well as strong stakeholder engagement to ensure political and market viability. The analysis demonstrates that well-designed REPs can reduce investment risk, drive economic development, and support large-scale emissions reductions. By providing actionable recommendations tailored to the U.S. policy landscape, the report offers a strategic pathway for advancing renewable energy adoption through market-based incentives.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.