Solar Energy Policies in India and Thailand: Agenda Setting, Policy Formulation and Policy Implementation

Abstract

In this century, there have been significant new social movements focused on the minimisation of fossil fuel consumption to mitigate climate change at a global level. These have resulted in the making of public policies to support renewable energy (RE) production and deployment in many countries including India and Thailand. Both countries have had government organizations set up for RE policies in which solar energy policy is the major policy. Drawing from literature on solar energy policies in India and Thailand, this article discusses:   (1) agenda setting; (2) policy formulation; and (3) policy implementation of solar energy policies in India and Thailand. It highlights how private sector and local actors have played an important role in implementing these policies. The article concludes with future directions for solar energy policies in Thailand.