All countries face entrenched interests when political leaders seek a significant policy change, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the quest to embrace renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.). Despite powerful domestic opposition, Peru recently passed its first policy for large-scale electricity production using renewable energy, Legislative Decree (LD) 1002, in 2008. What created this policy window despite vehement objection? This research finds that in order for Peru to pass its first major renewable energy policy, the confluence of increasing information, available technological solution, changing international political norms, and shifting international economic norms planted interest within the minds of domestic actors (political willingness). The opportunity came when a bilateral trade deal with the United States required rapid policy accommodations from Peru’s central government. This need for speed shifted legislative power from Peru’s Congress to a few hands within Peru’s Executive Branch, some of whom were renewable energy enthusiasts. Prepared domestic actors seized this opportunity to open a policy window. Understanding this policy-making process offers invaluable insights on those conditions most conducive for passing difficult but necessary laws, some of which could be transferable to other developing countries trying to contribute to the global effort on mitigating climate change. Theoretically, this dissertation draws on models of political decision-making and institutions to explain how local actors attain what they want. Globally, we are in an epic transition toward renewable energy use. This research aims to promote this necessary changeover within developing countries as quickly and seamlessly as possible.