South-South trade in renewable energy: a trade flow analysis of selected environmental good
Renewable energy (RE) trade among developing countries is growing faster than global and north-south RE trade as developing countries, led by China, take advantage of decreasing manufacturing costs, increased investment, and the falling costs of renewables, says a new report released during the first United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed globally during 2013 was almost a quarter larger than in 2012. Whereas there was a further decline in growth in Europe, there was strong growth in China and several developing country markets. Developing countries collectively accounted for well above one-third of new capacity additions in 2013. The Green Economy report, South-South Trade in Renewable Energy: A Trade Flow Analysis of Selected Environmental Goods, produced by the UNEP, identifies key growth markets for the trade in environmental goods and services (EGS). The report focuses on the RE sector and maps the flow of trade of RE goods among developing countries. It also outlines how countries can accelerate more inclusive growth in South-South RE trade.