The foreseeable depletion of the world's oil and gas reserves is a growing concern for the global economy, and the effects of the greenhouse phenomenon and the pollution emitted from carbon-based fuels have critical environmental implications. These issues have led to a search for renewable and cleaner sources of energy, such as solar, wind, and tidal. Some developed countries have already studied and started implementing technologies to harvest these alternative energy sources. Still, most countries, especially the developing ones, are far behind in the process but nevertheless eagerly trying to catch up.

In a developing country, renewable energies mean more than just clean, alternative energy sources. They can provide a quicker path to development of the country and a better standard of living of its people. Electrification in rural areas that are unreachable by a grid can be made possible and affordable. Improvements in standards of education, communication, and healthcare typically then follow the availability of reliable power. Moreover, the use of alternative energy sources can help alleviate severe pollution problems in developing countries that result from dirty energy sources.

 

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