Most countries in Asia-Pacific have abundant renewable resources which have not yet been tapped. Many countries are now aiming to make greater use of renewable energy sources - including biomass and biogas, hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal and wave technologies. All are key elements of sustainable and low-carbon development, but more importantly, many can also provide affordable and clean energy services to the rural poor.

For remote rural communities, renewable energy has been used successfully to bring significant changes to the poor. However, with the fuel, food and financial crises, many countries are turning towards building a strong renewable energy industry to improve their energy security and reduce carbon emissions while creating green jobs. Through south-south-north cooperation there is a great opportunity to enhance the use of renewable energy and shift from fossil fuels, while enhancing poverty reduction and economic growth.