Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat—which are renewable (naturally replenished). Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity/micro hydro, biomass and biofuels for transportation.  Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas; electricity generation, air and water heating /cooling, transportation and rural (off grid) energy services.

These resources offer sustainable alternatives to our dependency on fossil fuels as well as a means of reducing harmful greenhouse emissions and opportunities to reduce our reliance on imported fuels.

Renewable energy comes from energy resources that are continuously replenished through the cycles of nature. Unlike fossil fuels, their supply will never become exhausted. The main sources of renewable energy are:

• the sun (solar energy)
• the wind
• moving water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy)
• heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal energy)
• biomass (wood, waste, energy crops)