They are practically inexhaustible sources of energy (sun, wind, rivers, organic matter, etc.) and contribute to reducing the dependence on depletable conventional energy resources, such as oil, natural gas, coal, etc.
Their exploitation/utilisation is widely accepted by the general public, due to their environment- and human-friendly nature.
They constitute (together with energy conservation) the most ecologically sound solution for the effective reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and the combating of the greenhouse effect. In addition, by replacing energy generation plants which use conventional fuel resources, they lead to a reduction in the emissions of other pollutants as well, such as sulphur oxides which cause acid rain, nitrogen oxides which cause photochemical smog, airborne particulates, etc.
They are domestic sources of energy and contribute to strengthening the energy independence and security of supply at the national level.
They are geographically dispersed, leading to the decentralisation of the energy system, making it possible for energy needs to be met at the regional and local level, thus relieving the pressure on infrastructure systems (electricity grids, roads, etc.) and reducing the losses from energy transmission.
They provide opportunities for the rational use of energy sources, because they cover a wide range of users’ energy needs (i.e. solar energy for low temperature heat, wind energy for electricity production, etc.).
They usually have low operating costs, which are not influenced by fluctuations in the international markets and especially in the prices of conventional fuels (crude oil, natural gas, coal).
RES installations are usually designed to meet the specific energy needs of users/consumers, both at the large or at the small scale, and they have relatively short materialisation times, thus allowing quick response of energy supply to energy demand.
RES investments create a significant number of new jobs, especially at the local level.
In many cases, they can become a catalyst for the regeneration of economically and socially depressed areas and a focal point for local development, through the promotion of relevant investments (for example, greenhouses using geothermal energy, district heating of local communities and towns via hot water/steam produced by the energy exploitation of agricultural and forestry biomas, etc.).
