The role of regional determinants in the deployment of renewable energy in farms. The case of Spain

Abstract

We provide a multilevel logit model based on panel data which allows a capturing of the determinants of investment in their capacity for generating renewable energy in farms. As a novelty, we focus on regional determinants in order to assess the role of the regional dimension in making decisions by farmers about whether or not to invest in renewable energy generation. The relevance of this territorial/regional dimension acquires even greater significance in countries with a high degree of administrative decentralization, as is the case in Spain; where energy legislation gives a central role to regional governments in aspects related to the promotion of renewable energy sources. Multilevel analysis allows us to evaluate together both dimensions: Individual and regional. The results highlight the importance of the R & D investment carried out in regions, as well as the fact that there is an environment that favors the diffusion of renewable energies into the territory. Other variables, such as the level of agricultural income or regional energy intensity, do not seem to have significant relevance in the light of these results.