Energy Policy A Brief Review of Selected Countries

A national energy policy comprises a set of measures involving that country's laws, treaties and agency directives. The energy policy of a sovereign nation may include one or more of the following measures: • statement of national policy regarding energy planning, energy generation, transmission and usage • legislation on commercial energy activities (trading, transport, storage, etc.) • legislation affecting energy use, such as efficiency standards, emission standards • instructions for state owned energy sector assets and organizations • active participation in, co-ordination of and incentives for mineral fuels exploration and other energy-related research and development • fiscal policies related to energy products and services (taxes, exemptions, subsidies ... • Energy security and international policy measures such as: o international energy sector treaties and alliances, o general international trade agreements, o special relations with energy-rich countries, including military presence and/or domination.