Contribution of renewable energy sources to the environmental impacts and economic benefits for sustainable development

Renewable energy sources (RES) have significant potential to contribute to the economic, social and environmental energy sustainability. They improve access to energy for most of the population, they also reduce emissions of local and global pollutants and they may create local socioeconomic development opportunities. The inevitable increase in population and the economic development that must occur in many countries have implications for the environment. This is because energy generation processes are harmful and therefore pollutes the ecosystem. Energy is considered to be a key player in the generation of wealth and hence a significant component in economic development. It is central to sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts. It has positive effect on all aspects of development; social, economic, and environmental. This makes energy resources extremely significant for every country in the world. In this paper, renewable energy sources, their economic benefits for sustainable development, environmental impact including global warming, advantages and disadvantages and strategies for optimum exploitation for sustainable development are highlighted.