Renewable energy is simply gathering energy from a resource which is inexaustable. This basically means the sun, whether it be fuel crops, harvesting the wind and waves or direct solar generation. Geothermal energy and energy from waste are often included in a definition of renewable energy. Why is renewable energy necessary ? Growing and sustained concern about pollution, resource depletion, and global warming (caused basically by CO2 emmissions) have meant that the world knows it needs to consider renewable energy as the only means of generation that can avoid or reverse these problems. Every kilowatt hour of electricity generated from renewables rather than coal reserves saves a kilogram of CO2 emmissions. The amount of solar energy absorbed by the earth in one year is 15-20 times greater than all the energy contained in all the worlds recoverable hydrocarbons.

"Appropriate Technology" means technologies which are appropriate to the communities and locations in which they impact (are used), for example , a bicycle used for the carriage of goods, is an appropriate technology for areas where other transport systems are not possible (economy and infrastructure) or neccessary (pace of life, slowwww down, it's not the destination but the journey itself), as with everything it's a question of degrees, a bicycle with trailer or quad vehile may be more effective than two wheels. In mountainous areas a vehicle may need more than muscle power to be effective, etc.

"Sustainable development" means the development of technologies (and methodologies) which result in ways of living that can be sustained over time without polluting or depleting resources.

"Energy efficiency" is using the minimum amount of energy to do a given task, for instance good insulation means less fuel used to heat a building.

energy efficient fridges and lights.

contact list for organisations dealing with renewable energy-

wind

BWEA, British Wind Energy Association, 4, Hamilton pl, London, W1 0BQ, Professional body for wind energy.

solar

UKISES, International Solar Energy Society, Kings college, Atkins Building South, Camden Hill rd, W8 7AH, (0171) 938 2919

STA, Solar Trade Association, Brackenhurst, Greenham Common South, Newbury, RG15 8HH, (01635) 46561

General,

the below provide an excellent selection of books.

CAT, centre for alternative technology, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ, (01654) 702400

NATTA, Network for Alternative Technology and Technology Assessment, Energy and Environment Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, Open University, Walton hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, (0908) 653197

REEB, Renewable Energy Enquiries Beuro, Energy Technology Support Unit, bldg 156, Harwall Laboratory, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RA, (0235) 432 450