Our Process

LRI's Renewable Energy Database publications provide a wealth of information and analysis for assessing the renewable energy sector in a region, a country or for a specific technology.

At REdatabase we understand that the renewable energy sector is complex and evolving rapidly, and that reliable data is a prerequisite for sound decision-making. We understand too that raw data alone is sometimes confusing and that the real value of information is released when clear and understandable formats are used.

REdatabase employs a range of research methods to ensure that our clients and customers have access to the latest information in a useable and accessible format.

In addition to sourcing the most current and accurate data, REdatabase uses a series of opportunities and risks indices which provide an accurate means of appraising and comparing the renewable energy sectors in different countries. A typical example of one such set of indices used to analyse European countries is provided below:

Opportunities Indices

1. Government incentive opportunities (Rating /5)
   How attractive to investors and developers are the government's incentives for renewable electricity development?
   Primary support mechanism; Incentive duration; Bespoke support for emerging generating technologies.
   
   
2. Power market opportunities (Rating /5)
   How much demand is there or will there be for renewable electricity?
   Demand for increased renewable electricity capacity; Energy security and reliance on imported energy sources; Nuclear power industry.
   
   
3. Renewable electricity technology opportunities
   What types of renewable electricity technologies are already established and which are emerging in the market concerned?
   Established Technologies-onshore wind, small hydro, solid biomass combustion, landfill gas, sewage gas.
   Emerging Technologies-offshore wind, wave and tidal, solar PV, concentrated solar, advanced conversion forms of biomass, etc.
   
   

Risk Indices

1. Political will risk (Rating /5)
   How committed is the government in question to meeting its pledged targets on renewable energy and electricity and how stable is renewable electricity development on the political agenda?
   Political drivers (the need for expansion of renewable electricity capacity); Political change; Public opposition; Nuclear support
   
   
2. Grid connection risk (Rating /5)
   How serious is the problem of grid connection for renewable electricity installations?
   Non-discriminatory access; Availability and clarity; Costs; Investment in maintenance and improvement
   
   
3. Planning permission risk (Rating /5)
   How serious is the problem of securing planning permission for renewable electricity installations?
   Clarity; Time; Refusals; Improvement