This paper examines the status of and prospects for renewable energy technologies. Wind energy is taken as an example of the negative myths which impede renewable energy developments. The paper then emphasizes the great diversity in renewables: different technologies are at very different stages of development, and are suited to different countries, locations and applications. Further technology development is very important, but nevertheless it is argued that the prospects for obtaining large-scale renewable supplies are good, especially in the industrialised countries. Sufficient evidence exists for renewables to be taken much more seriously in energy scenarios and policy developments.
