This paper explores the eco-political critique of renewable energy. It first identifies the non-government organisations (NGOs) and non-fossil fuel actors who are contesting state and corporate shaping of future energy supply and form, and highlights their issues and concerns. This leads to an examination of key issues including: defining 'renewable', defining 'sustainability', the trend to and the implications of corporate control, considerations of social equity, localising contexts, and optimal environmental outcomes. In conclusion, we posit that the renewable energy industry needs to seek a better transformational pathway to the future than currently offered. This would embrace a sustainable energy system of the future that encompasses technological, social, political and cultural diversity situated in a conserver society. Renewable energy can then perhaps fulfill its potential as a powerful transformational tool for sociocultural change that achieves its promise of 'clean and green' energy.
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