The role of intellectual property rights in scaling offshore solar energy: implications from EU economics

The 2009 National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) required EU member states to introduce incentive mechanisms aimed at promoting IPR in offshore solar development. The primary objectives were to increase the proportion of offshore solar energy in the overall energy mix and to reduce environmental pollution. The study utilizes a heterogeneous timing difference-in-differences model, drawing on panel data from 27 EU countries covering the period from 1990 to 2023. This approach enables an assessment of how effective NREAP implementation has influenced offshore solar IPR and its subsequent impact on marine environments and ecosystems. Policy implementation in Western EU countries has had a notably positive effect on the advancement of offshore solar IPR and, as a result, on marine protection. In contrast, Central and Eastern EU states have experienced less pronounced benefits from similar policy measures. The validity of these findings is supported by a placebo test, confirming the robustness of the results. The study concludes by offering recommendations to enhance the competitiveness of offshore solar power projects across the EU. Strengthening IPR frameworks and ensuring consistent policy implementation are identified as key steps toward achieving broader adoption and improved environmental outcomes.

Text 127739.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) Official URL or Download Paper: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.151...

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