This paper discusses structure, impact, costs, and efficiency of renewable energy supply in the eight largest advanced economies (the G-7 plus Spain), with focus on Germany. Renewables production costs are compared to benefits, defined as reductions in net carbon emissions; technological...

This paper fills a gap in the macroeconomic literature on renewable sources of energy. It offers a definition of green investment and analyzes the trends and determinants of this investment over the last decade for 35 advanced and emerging countries. We use a new multi-country historical dataset...

Fiscal instruments are potentially among the most effective, and cost-effective, options for addressing externalities related to poor air quality, urban road congestion, and greenhouse gases. This paper takes a case study, focused on Mauritius (a pioneer in the use of green taxes) to illustrate...

This paper calculates, for the top twenty emitting countries, how much pricing of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is in their own national interests due to domestic co-benefits (leaving aside the global climate benefits). On average, nationally efficient prices are substantial, $57.5 per ton of...

This paper reviews the Central African Republic’s three-year arrangement under the poverty reduction and growth facility. Concerns about the social impact of higher fuel prices have delayed implementation of an automatic pricing formula and caused serious fiscal losses. The new financing...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that Georgia’s economy has performed well over the last two years, and the fiscal turnaround has been impressive. Since the change in government in late 2003, Georgia has demonstrated strong fiscal performance and a renewed commitment to press...

This paper discusses the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s Second Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria and Rephasing of the Program. The 2007 fiscal deficit target increased modestly to 1 percent of GDP. Taxes were cut and budget...

This papers discusses Benin’s third review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement. The re-election of the President and the regained majority in Parliament have provided a window of opportunity for reforms. All performance criteria and most quantitative targets have been met, but...

Ireland’s strong policy implementation and market conditions have improved macroeconomic indicators to show positive signs. However, an uncertain medium-term outlook could hamper the prospects. Bank supported recovery through timely action on lingering financial sector issues has been...

This Article 2008 IV Consultation highlights that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy has been exhibiting robust growth, but imbalances have emerged. The current account deficit has widened and underlying inflation has picked up. Procyclical fiscal policy has added to these imbalances....