This study explores the degree to which per capita aggregate renewable energy production is converging across U.S. states. Specifically, we examine both relative (club) convergence and weak σ-convergence. The results reject overall convergence in per capita aggregate renewable energy production for the panel of U.S. states, but identifies two convergence clubs. The results also suggest that there is considerable heterogeneity in the number of convergence clubs for the different subcomponents of per capita renewable energy production and consumption (biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind). We examine the factors which are associated with the emergence of the convergence clubs at the aggregate level. In the case of per capita aggregate renewable energy production, the average marginal effects from the logit analysis indicate that neighboring states with renewable portfolio standards, mandatory green power options, maximum effective retail rate increase, and per capita CO2 emissions are associated with a higher likelihood of being in the convergence club with higher per capita renewable energy production. However, interconnection standards, having a public benefit fund, renewable energy certificates trading, compliance penalities, and per capita fossil fuel production are correlated with a lower likelihood of being in the convergence club with higher per capita renewable energy production. We also consider the factors correlated with convergence for the subcomponents of per capita renewable energy production and consumption, with the results suggesting considerable heterogeneity of the various factors at the subcomponent level.

中文翻译：

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美国各州的可再生能源生产：趋同还是发散？


本研究探讨了美国各州人均可再生能源总产量的趋同程度。具体来说，我们研究了相对 （club） 收敛和弱 σ 收敛。结果否定了美国各州小组的人均可再生能源总产量的总体趋同，但确定了两个趋同俱乐部。结果还表明，人均可再生能源生产和消费的不同子组成部分（生物质、地热、水电、太阳能和风能）的收敛俱乐部数量存在相当大的异质性。我们研究了与总体层面上趋同俱乐部的出现相关的因素。在人均可再生能源总产量的情况下，logit 分析的平均边际效应表明，具有可再生能源组合标准、强制性绿色电力选项、最大有效零售率增长和人均二氧化碳排放量的邻州与处于人均可再生能源产量较高的趋同俱乐部的可能性更高相关。然而，互连标准、拥有公共利益基金、可再生能源证书交易、合规处罚和人均化石燃料产量与进入人均可再生能源产量较高的趋同俱乐部的可能性较低相关。我们还考虑了与人均可再生能源生产和消费的子组成部分的收敛相关的因素，结果表明各种因素在子组成部分层面存在相当大的异质性。