Renewable energy (sources) or RES capture their energy from existing flows of energy, from on-going natural processes, such as sunshine, wind, wave power , flowing water (hydropower), biological processes such as anaerobic digestion, and geothermal heat flow. The most common definition is that renewable energy is from an energy resource that is replaced by a natural process at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which that resource is being consumed. Renewable energy is a subset of sustainable energy.
Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and tidal power, ultimately derive from solar energy. Energy from biomass derives from plant material produced by photosynthesis using the power of the sun. Wind energy derives from winds, which are generated by the sun's uneven heating of the atmosphere. Hydropower depends on rain which again depends on sunlight's power to evaporate water.
Even fossil fuels, derive from solar energy, as fossil fuel originates from plant material. However, while theoretically renewable on a very long time-scale, fossil fuels are exploited at rates that may deplete these resources in the near future, and are therefore not considered renewable.
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Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology - Information on technologies and policies.
Meta Description: [ Solstice is the ARCHIVED Internet information service of the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST), and is your site for Sustainable Energy and Development Information. Visit our new home page: www.crest.org ]
Atlas of Renewable Energy - Geographical maps and other information about renewable energy generation all over the world. The atlas is in three languages: English, French and German.
Meta Description: [ Erneuerbare Energien / énergies renouvelables / renewable energies : Verlag, Consulting, Online-Shop für Info und Werbung / Éditeur, consultant, boutique en ligne pour informations et publicité / Publisher, consultant, online shop for information and public relation ]
Australian Renewable Energy - This site is published by the Australian Greenhouse Office to promote the use of renewable energy and develop the Australian Renewable Energy Industry.
Canmet Energy Technology Center - Information about Canadian government initiatives to investigate and promote renewable energy technologies.
Meta Description: [ Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, CANMET Energy Technology Centre/Gouvernement du Canada, Ressources naturelles Canada, Centre de la technologie de l'énergie de CANMET ]
Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies - News and information about clean power. CEERT campaigns cover a wide range of issues, such as sustainable electrical generation policies throughout the West, clean vehicles and energy efficiency and conservation.
China Renewable Energy Information Network - Network in new and renewable energy field. Information is available on solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, ocean, hydrogen and small hydro renewable energy resources. A Chinese version is also available.
CleanEnergy - Worldwide directory of clean and renewable energy related companies, products and news (biomass, photovoltaic, solar thermal, hydrogen, wind, geothermal, fuel cell). Languages: English, Deutsch.
Consortium for Advancing Renewable Energy Technologies - Partnership between minority universities dedicated to providing students with educational experiences in science through projects in renewable energy. includes program overview and research topics.
Meta Description: [ CARET is a partnership between minority universities, NASA, and OAI; dedicated to providing students with unique educational experiences in science through projects in renewable energy. This focus has created expertise in several areas of renewable energy; including numerous advanced research top... ]
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy - Information on U.S. state and federal tax incentives for solar electric and other renewables, alternative-fuels vehicles, and energy conservation. Searchable database.
Meta Description: [ The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. ]
De Montfort University: Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development - Research, consulting and teaching group of the De Montfort University, U.K. Includes teaching aspects and research activities.
Meta Description: [ De Montfort University (DMU) is an academic institution situated in Leicester and Bedford, UK. The DMU website contains information about DMU, listings of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, business and community services and details of our research. ]
DOE: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - Facility of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development and deployment.
Meta Description: [ The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the DOE's primary laboratory for renewable energyand energy efficiency research and development. ]
Energy and Semiconductor Research, University of Oldenburg, Deutschland - Carries out education and fundamental and applied research in Renewable Energy and Semiconductor Physics. Since 1980 the research activities have focus on conversion and utilisation of renewable energies, including wind energy, photovoltaics, solar energy systems, and energy meteorology. Deutsch, English.
Meta Description: [ The Energy and Semiconductor Research (EHF) Laboratory constitutes one of the main focus points of research in the Institute of Physics. In the EHF Laboratory research is performed on both fundamental semiconductor physics as well as topics in applied physics in the area of renewable energy. ]
Energy Ideas Clearinghouse - Offers content-rich databases for technical information on renewable energy regarding solar, biomass, geothermal, distributed generation, wind, hydro and other renewable resources.
Energy Production - Discusses the environmental factors and benefits of wind turbines and solar panels compared to solar cells.
European Renewable Energy Council - Council of the leading European renewable energy industry and research associations. Includes objectives, list of members, publications, projects catalogue, events overview and contact information.
Meta Description: [ Lobbying - European renewable energy leading industry and research associations. EREC - the European Renewable Energy Council - is an umbrella organisation of the leading European renewable energy industry and research associations active in the field of wind, small hydropower, solar thermal, pho... ]
Fossil Fuels, Renewables and Nuclear Power - About.com - An index to renewable energy information on the internet.
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association - Nonprofit organization promoting renewable technology in the US Great Lakes region. Includes educational and program information.
Green Energy News - Recent business and technology developments in clean, efficient and renewable energy for transportation, industry, government and home.
Meta Description: [ Recent business and technology developments in clean,
efficient and renewable energy for transportation, industry, government and home. ]
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Hawaii's Renewable Energy Resource Assessment - Assessment of Hawaii's resources (wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectric, OTEC, geothermal, wave) includes site and technology-specific costs and uses EPRI cost methodology to identify feasible renewable energy projects.
HCI Publications - Hydro information, water power magazines, hydropower newsletters, conferences, books, North American hydro market, business and regulatory news, plant management, sustainable and renewable energy.
Meta Description: [ HCI Publications: hydro information, water power magazines, hydropower newsletters, conferences, books, North American hydro market, business and regulatory news, plant management, sustainable and renewable energy. ]
Institute of Electrical Power Engineering - Renewable Energy Section - Renewable energy education using the Interactive Learning System for Renewable Energy (ILSE). Technical University of Berlin site in English.
Institute of Solar Technology - Greek scientific and educational organization offering conferences on renewable energy sources. Includes proceedings and schedules. [Greek, English]
Interstate Renewable Energy Council - U.S. non-profit organization committed to accelerating the sustainable utilization of renewable energy. Information about incentives and other programs to encourage use of solar and other renewable energy.
Montana Green Power - Information on solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy technologies and utility restructuring in Montana.
Meta Description: [ Montana Green Power is your source for information on renewable energy. Explore solar, wind and biomass, geothermal, and hydropower technologies in Montana. The latest news on renewable energy, planning and designing your own solar, wind and micro-hydro systems, classroom activities, news about u... ]
National Center For Renewable Energy (Norway) - research center at Agder University College on solar energy and terminal solar energy seasonal storage. Includes principles, documents and theses. [English, Norwegian]
Meta Description: [ Energiparken -- En test kraftstasjon i Grimstad for Solceller og termisk solfangere med varmepumper. , A test energy-plant in Grimstad Norway, with PV and termanal solar collectors and heat-pumps ]
New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century - Report by UK Dept. of Trade and Industry.
Meta Description: [ na ]
Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy - Independent non-governmental organization for promoting renewable energy applications in Denmark and throughout the world. Includes technological aspects, training and tour.
Meta Description: [ Vedvarende energi forskning og udvikling inden for vedvarende energi ]
Northwest Energy Solutions - Information and products for establishing renewable/alternative energy generation and utilization systems: solar lighting, solar electric, wood stoves, hydropower generators, and related.
Meta Description: [ In the ever changing world of renewable energy, Northwest Energy Storage provides state-of-the art products and systems design assistance based upon 15 years of experience. ]
Planetary Engineering Group Earth - Eclectic collection of information and advocacy materials related to solar power, other renewable energy sources, and concepts for reducing energy use.
Meta Description: [ The future of Your civilization can be bright. The know how to solve current environment problems and to advance to the age of solar energy is provided by PEGE. ]
Positive Power - News about renewable energy, survey, free email, search facility and web links. A UK based portal for renewable energies and environmental technology.
Meta Description: [ Building an online alternative energy community in the UK ]
REFOCUS - The international renewable energy magazine of the International Solar Energy Society.
Renewable Energies Unit - European Commission research organization conducting studies in support of EU policies on the introduction of renewable energies into the energy supply. Includes information on solar electricity and advanced electrical storage technology.
Meta Description: [ The IES homepage, supports European policies on the introduction of renewable energies into the energy supply by giving advice on relevant technological issues. ]
Renewable Energy - The Infinite Power of Texas - Site dedicated to educating Texans about the potential and the benefits of renewable energy. Contains information about renewable energy technologies, economics, and Texas projects.
Renewable Energy Access - A portal for renewable energy information. Search the renewable energy business directory, participate in a live products auction, get the latest solar energy news, look for a job in windpower or shop in our on-line store.
Meta Description: [ Renewable Energy Access is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source on renewable energy news, information, jobs, events, products, and more. ]
Renewable Energy Europe - EuroRex - Commercial, investment, export, country and technology information with up-to-date news on sustainable and alternative energy developments in Europe and the rest of the world. Some info is free, other material requires paid subscription.
Meta Description: [ Renewable Energy in Europe - Get up to speed in no time on what is what in the Euoropean Renewable Energy scene with a FREE trial subscription to the EuroREX Newsletter. ]
Renewable Energy in California - California Energy Commission's information site for Californians who now have the power to choose a renewable electricity provider as the state deregulates the electricity industry.
Meta Description: [ This is the main page for California's Renewable Energy Programs ]
Renewable Energy Information - Resource for publications, basic references, organizations and businesses, research institutes related to renewable energy markets, policies and investments in developing countries.
Meta Description: [ Renewable Energy Information on Markets, Policy, Investment, and Future Pathways ]
Renewable Energy World - Magazine. Site has selected articles, abstracts and links to other renewable energy information sources.
Meta Description: [ Earthscan - The World's Leading Publisher on Environmentally Sustainable Development - Environmental Books - Earthscan Publications ]
Renewable Resource Data Center - Provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps. An extensive dictionary of renewable energy related terms is also provided.
Meta Description: [ The Renewable Resource Data Center Web
(RReDC) site provides publications, data, and maps on biomass,
geothermal, solar radiation, and wind resources in the United States. ]
Renewables East - Promotes the use of renewable energy in the east of England. Includes technical aspects, facts and data.
Renewables for Sustainable Village Power (RSVP) - The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Renewables for Sustainable Village Power Program provides information to assist in the implementation of renewable energy solutions for rural electrification.
Meta Description: [ The Renewables for Sustainable Village Power Web site provides information to assist in the implementation of renewable energy solutions for rural electrification. ]
Renewables Fuel Page - A site by the Energy Information Administration of DOE. Provides information on renewable fuels in the farm of data, charts and tables.
Meta Description: [ Data on renewable and alternative fuels ]
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Renewables in India - Information on the renewable energy sector in India, including present status and future potential of various technologies.
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Sandia National Laboratories - Renewable Energy Technologies - Information about research to develop commercially viable energy technologies based on solar, wind, and geothermal resources that become significant domestic and international energy supplies, with a primary focus on the utility sector.
Meta Description: [ Programs: Nonproliferation and Materials Control ]
Sandia's Photovoltaic Systems Project - Details on focused research and systems development integrated with the needs of manufacturers and users of systems and components. Features technical guide and overview of projects.
Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment (SWERA) - Solar and wind energy resources data survey and assessment for utilization in energy planning and private sector projects. Includes insights, documents, technical and statistical with satellite images. [Spanish, Portuguese, English]
Meta Description: [ Solar and wind energy resources data survey and assessment for utilization in energy planning and private sector projects in Latin America and Caribbean countries. Available in english and portuguese. ]
Solar Energy International - Teaches the practical use of renewable energy technologies, including electricity from sun, wind and water.
Meta Description: [ Solar Energy International offers hands-on workshops in solar, wind and water power and natural building technologies in 11 locations. ]
Solar Today Magazine - Bi-monthly magazine that covers all renewable energy technologies, including photovoltaics, passive solar and other climate-responsive building, and wind power.
Meta Description: [ solar today is a bi-monthly magazine that covers all solar technologies, from photovoltaics to climate-responsive building to wind power ]
Solarfuture - Organization with purpose of promoting renewable energies and sustainable development. Includes mission overview and insights about different energy sources.
Meta Description: [ solarfuture, solar future, renewable energy ]
Solutions for the Environment - Interactive, multimedia information resource tools covering all areas of renewable energy technologies. Some information content is available free on website.
Meta Description: [ Interactive, multimedia information resource tools covering all areas of renewable energy technologies, sustainable development and pollution control. ]
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State Energy Alternatives - Information on U.S. state renewable energy resources, state electricity sectors, renewable energy technologies, and state policy options for renewable energy.
Sustainable Technologies Programme - Research initiative by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. Conducts innovative and policy-relevant research on the social and economic processes that shape, foster or inhibit more sustainable technologies.
The Source for Renewable Energy - A comprehensive guide to over 2800 renewable energy related businesses and organizations around the world.
Meta Description: [ The Source for Renewable Energy is a comprehensive online buyer's guide and business directory to more than 11,000 renewable energy businesses worldwide. ]
U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - U.S. Department of Energy web site for information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
Meta Description: [ The U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site provides information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. ]
Wikipedia: Renewable Energy - Free encyclopedia article covering renewable energy technology aspects and applications.
Wind From The Sun - Information about a new technology using the sun's energy to generate wind power.
Meta Description: [ a new way to generate electrical power from the sun is under development. In this hybrid system, heat from the sun is used to generate wind power. ]
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