Abstract
In this Century, Global Warming and the problem of energy shortage are one of the most challenging topics; therefore, green energies also received considerable attention. Green Energies mean that energies cause less or no pollution in the process of production and comsumption, such as natural gas, clean coal and renewable energies. In the narrow sense, green energies are renewable energies which can continuously regenerate after comsumption (e.g., wind and solar power). When the era of low-carbon arrives, many countires put effort into research and development on renewable energy generation. The advantages of renewable energies are environmentally friendly, replenished in a short period of time and not exhaustive; however, because of the high electricity generation costs, renewable energies are confronted with the difficulties in competing with coal-fired power generation and thermal power generation. In order to support renewable energy generation, some governments use subsidies and support measures which can add the incentives of the production and utilization of renewable energies. Except for the environment and energy independence, the governments actually also hope to develop green industries and economy in their countries. From the current international trade disputes we know that there are indeed conflicts between WTO regulations and the development of renewable energies. This thesis discusses the cases which are related to renewable energy support policies, the triggers of international trade disputes, and focuses on Ontario FIT scheme as well as the solar products disputes between U.S., China, Taiwan and India. These disputes are possibly against the subsidy regulations of the SCM Agreement. In addition, there are conflicts between domestic content request and principle of national treatment of GATT and TRIMs Agreement. To subsidy renewable energy industries can increase the marginal benefits of renewable energy products, and suppot renewable energy industries to pursue profits maximization; nevertheless, a new international trade battlefield also is created at the same time. This thesis researches and analyzes the background of the disputes, appeals, reports of the panels and the appellate body. I, as the author, ponder the possible influences of the disputes and potential solutions in existing regulations, and also discuss whether the subsidies on renewable energy industries shall be seen differently from the subsidies on other industries. If we agree that the subsidies on renewable energy industries are different, then the next question is how to separately deal with them. The purpose of the thesis is to contribute to the Taiwanese competent authorities and help them achieve the chase of low-carbon environment and economic benefits but at the same time avoid violating WTO related regulations.