Renewable Energy Jobs Guide - What is renewable energy?

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy, or clean of even green energy as it is sometimes called is naturally replenished energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat — which are renewable. Renewable energy technologies (also sometimes referred to as cleantech) include solar power, wind energy, hydro, wave, tidal, biomass and biofuels.

Climate change concerns coupled with high oil prices, peak oil and increasing government support around the world are driving increasing renewable energy legislation, incentives and commercialisation.

Low Carbon Economy

Political leaders around the world have recognised the need to shift towards a 'low carbon economy' based on sustainable and reduced energy use, stimulating economic growth and creating millions of 'green collar jobs' across the globe.

Carbon Emissions

European Union leaders reached an agreement in principle in March 2007 that 20 percent of their nations' energy should be produced from renewable fuels by 2020, as part of the EU drive to cut emissions of carbon dioxide.

In the United States President Obama has committed to ensuring that 10 percent of all electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.

In their first 'Carbon Budget' delivered in 2009, the UK increased their carbon reduction target to 34% by 2020.

What sorts of companies operate within renewable energy?

There are a huge number of growing businesses at every stage of the renewable energy supply chain including those involved in the exploration and development of alternative energy sources, businesses involved in the generation of renewable energy and those developing and implementing technologies related to energy delivery & infrastructure as well as consumption and increased energy efficiency.

What sorts of jobs exist within the renewable energy sector?

For information on the types of jobs people do within the sector please view our A-Z of renewable energy jobs.

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