What is Renewable energy in developing countries?
Most developing countries have good [[renewable energy]] resources, including [[solar energy]], [[wind power]], [[geothermal energy]], and [[biomass]]. These can help developing countries reduce their dependence on oil and [[natural gas]]. Investments in renewables can be less expensive than fossil fuel energy systems.<ref name=mdg>[http://www.worldwatch.org/system/files/ren21-1.pdf Energy for Development: The Potential Role of Renewable Energy in Meeting the Millennium Development Goals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412101023/http://www.worldwatch.org/system/files/ren21-1.pdf |date=2019-04-12 }} pp. 7-9.</ref> ==Importance of renewables== Renewable energy can be particularly suitable for developing countries. In rural and remote areas, transmission and distribution of energy generated from [[fossil fuels]] can be difficult and expensive. Producing renewable energy locally can offer a viable alternative.<ref name=aus>[http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pdf/renewable_energy.pdf Power for the People] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330120425/http://www.ausaid.gov.au/publications/pdf/renewable_energy.pdf |date=2012-03-30 }} p. 3.</ref> Interest in renewable energies has increased in recent years due to environmental concerns about [[global warming]] and [[air pollution]], reduced costs of renewable energy technologies, and improved efficiency and reliability.<ref name=aus/> ==Poverty reduction== Renewable energy projects in many developing countries contribute to [[poverty alleviation]] by providing the energy needed for creating businesses and employment. Renewable energy technologies can also make indirect contributions to alleviating poverty by providing energy for cooking, space heating, and lighting.<ref name=mdg/> ==Education== Renewable energy can also contribute to education, by providing electricity to schools. Renewable energy for [[Solar cooking|cooking]] and heating can reduce the time that children, spend out of school collecting fuel.<ref>{{cite web |url=ht