Techniques for harvesting solar energy, wind energy, and even the tidal movements of the ocean have been around for decades, but the importance of improving their efficiency and increasing their availability is growing rapidly. As oil companies sink more resources into dangerous practices like hydraulic fracturing and prospecting in extreme environments at the Earth’s poles, more and more people are looking for a way out of their own oil dependency. Photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are growing more sophisticated as the pace of research ramps up, but these energy sources are still much more expensive for an individual or household to implement, so convincing people to switch is difficult. These sites have the latest data on renewable energy technologies, availability, and the environmental impact of using a renewable source instead of rapidly dwindling supplies of combustible fossil fuels.

The term “renewable” energy is contextually dependent, and understanding the efficiency gains and the cost-benefit equations surrounding solar, wind, and other power sources commonly considered renewable is important. These sites offer cutting edge news and nuanced discussion of many types of energy sources and how they compare to oil and to each other.

International Energy Agency Twenty-eight member countries belong to IEA, an autonomous organization that works to ensure reliable, clean, and affordable energy for those members. Founded during the 1973-1984 oil crisis, this organization now employees 260 professionals across the globe who are engaged in this organization’s mission.

Clean Energy States Alliance CESA is a national nonprofit organization that works toward the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. CESA provides a platform for leaders to create a low-carbon energy economy through strategy and policy, and for its stakeholders to promote clean energy technologies.

Renewable Living Blog This southwest U.K. company is committed to helping residents reduce carbon emissions through offerings of products and services such as biomass wood pellets, wood boilers, solar thermal and hot water accumulation. Their blog provides information on how to use these products.

Clean Energy Resource Teams Blog CERT is a Minnesota initiative that provides a venue for this state’s cities to advance the adoption of renewable energy projects through education, networking, and action. CERTs provide measurable impacts through seed grants, campaigns, and programs.

The Daily Energy Report The Daily Energy Report provides viewers with the opportunity to get daily scoops on energy news, events, key players, and the industry in general. The focus is on the types of energy that we consumer and how we consume it so changes can be made to conserve.

Aleklett’s Energy Mix This blog, written in Swedish and translated into English by Michael Lardelli from the University of Adelaide, is focused on peak oil and global energy systems. You, too, can examine oil prices and determine where the world stands as far as renewable resources and non-renewable tradition energies.

Green Tech Media You can learn more about emerging green and clean technologies as renewable energy becomes an increasingly viable energy sector through this updated blog. Greentech Media provides news, information about projects, and research into all alternative energy sources.

AeroVironment, Inc. Very few renewable and alternative energy sites talk about human energy sources. This company takes a refreshing look at human power, power cycling and test systems, unmanned aircraft, and electric vehicle solutions that have helped their customers succeed.

Green Fuels Green Fuels is the longest-established manufacturer of biodiesel production equipment in the world. Take a look at their site to learn more about green fuels, processors, case studies, and news about this industry.

The CarbonNeutral Company Limited The CarbonNeutral Company is one of the world’s leading carbon reduction companies. Visit their site to learn more about how they help other companies reduce their carbon footprints through quality assurance programs from their offices in New York and London.

Your Energy Blog This blog is sponsored by BidURenergy, Inc., a North American energy supply consulting firm. The sole objective of this company is to bring the lowest electric and natural gas rates to customers, and their mission is reflected in the news at this blog site.

Third Wave Power Third Wave Power delivers renewable power solutions that serve portable energy requirements in rural and urban areas. Their main product at the moment is an amazing portable solar charger that charges in less than six hours and provides enough power to charge mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and other small devices.

Recycled Energy Blog When energy that’s normally wasted is turned into clean electricity and heat, then you have recycled energy. This company, RED, helps companies save money and cut pollution with their solutions for recycled energy – and their blog talks about their processes and their customers.

CleanTech Blog This blog, which has been around since 2005, was one of the first blogs that focused on clean tech energy, products, and companies. They continue their mission today with kudos from entities such as the London Times, WSJ, and Blogger.com.

The Green Economy Post The Green Economy Post is a portal that provides readers with information about green businesses, careers, industry news and commentary. The focus is to cover how issues like the environment, sustainability, and green business impact the U.S. economy.

New Energy and Fuel This site is for homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills and learn about emerging energy resources. Be amused and get informed at this blog’s perspective on some of the news and tips for saving money — they engage their readers regularly.

Do the Math If you’re a math geek, you’ll love this site where the author uses physics and estimation to assess energy growth and options. Tom Murphy, and astrophysicist, is the author who brings ballpark estimations to articles that provide useful understanding of the energy sector.

Colorado Renewable Energy Society CRES is a Colorado nonprofit membership organization that is leading the state and its residents to a viable renewable energy economy. Their goal has been advanced an energy efficient and renewable energy economy through education, policy, and economic development.

New Energy Corporation Inc. New Energy Corporation, Inc., develops and manufactures in-stream power generation products. In-stream power generation is an exciting emerging sector of renewable power generation, converting river water and tides into electricity.

GVEP International New Energy Corporation, Inc., develops and manufactures in-stream power generation products. In-stream power generation is an exciting emerging sector of renewable power generation, converting river water and tides into electricity.

Energy Boom Join the EnergyBoom community and provide your insight into energy technologies. If you don’t want to contribute, you can still comment on the constantly updated news stories about clean and renewable energy, mainly solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal, transportation, emerging technologies, and policies.

MicroEmpowering Microempowering empowers organizations, institutions, and entrepreneurs with financial support and management and technological support to create fiscally and environmentally sustainable projects. This organization is focused at the grassroots level, and helps bridge the gaps in traditional financing and donor-based support.

About-Alternative-Energy.com About-Alternative-Energy has news from every angle of the renewable energy conversation, from green careers to alt-energy investing.

The International Geothermal Association The International Geothermal Association is a global nonprofit dedicated to promoting the discovery of new geothermal resources and ways to harness them to meet humanity’s growing energy needs.

Southern Methodist University’s Geothermal Laboratory Southern Methodist University’s Geothermal Laboratory researches new ways of tapping geothermal resources as a clean replacement for oil and gas consumption. The lab hosts a regular conference on geothermal energy and has received millions of dollars in federal grants to continue it’s line of research.

The Cost of Energy Lou Grinzo is a self-described geek who has blogged about energy and the environment since 2003. His focus is on all energy forms, including emerging technologies as well as fossil fuels. Readers also can find great graphs, public policy information, and thoughts about economics and business.

David Strahan, Energy Writer David Strahan is the author of the book, The Last Oil Shock, a Survival Guide to the Imminent Extinction of Petroleum Man. His well-written and engaging blog focuses on oil depletion, business, and energy.

Energy Trends Blog You might want to support this new well-written blog about energy trends in U.S. energy generation and consumption. Topics include traditional energy as well as pros and controversies about new energy sources.

Resilience As a concept, Resilience is a complex concept with roots in systems theory. In reality, Resilience is a network of action-oriented groups and an information clearinghouse that centers on complex energy and environmental issues. Use the site as a community library and cafe to learn about your own community’s resilience.

Alternative Energy HQ Kevin Rockwell has a lot of interests, but his passion lies in how the world can improve its approach to energy, and how consumers can change how they use that energy. So far, the focus is on solar and clean energy concepts and actions.

Energy Refuge You can learn a lot about alternative energy trends and environmental news from a dedicated team of bloggers at this site. Energy Refuge has been online since 2006, providing news and tips that they hope their readers take to heart.

Alternative Energy Stocks A great group of financial analysts, attorneys, and portfolio managers contribute to this site, which offers research into alternative, renewable, and clean tech companies. As an investor, you may find this site a premier resource for emerging technologies.

Alternative Energy Newswire If you’re looking for more news and analyses on solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuels among other alternative energy sources, turn to this newswire. The site also carries convenient green directory and job sections.

Alternative Energy This site is under ProCon’s umbrella. ProCon is a nonprofit charity that seeks to provide resources for readers to think critically and to educate without bias. The issues on this particular section of ProCon’s site are focused on questions about the viability of alternative energies.

Environmental Energy Technologies Division Berkely Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division is all about researching energy systems for sustainable economic and environmental development. They analyze, research, and develop energy tech that reduces adverse energy-related environmental impacts.

360Chestnut 360 Chestnut makes it easy to understand new and renewable energies, and they help their readers by educating them about home improvements that can reduce energy bills. They also supply information about contractors, how to profit from tax credits and rebates, and a shop that provides what you might need to improve your housing environment.

BioEnergy Consult This international organization that works at local levels to actively engaged in the promotion, financing, development, and implementation of biomass energy. BioEnergy Consult’s website explains their projects and encourages participation and learning.

Biofuelwatch Even if an alternate fuel source might seem benign, some aspects of that industry may actually be harmful. Biofuelwatch, based in the U.K. and in the U.S., works with partners to expose and oppose any damaging aspect of bioenergy on human rights and the environment.

Alternate Power This site serves as a clearinghouse for everything you’d want to know about alternative power. You can search the site for information about building, business, environment, gadgets, and transportation as well as learn about alternate power sources.

Alternative Energy eTrack This interactive desktop tool provides executives and analysts with information about renewable and clean technologies. Various databases within this tool cover key industry developments with transaction details and covers company profiles as well as offering analysis and alerts.

DeSmogBlog Endorsed by TIME Magazine, this site seeks to provide accurate and fact-based information about global warming campaigns. Led by Jim Hoggan, founder of one of Canada’s leading public relation firms, the research and writing on this site finds the often fine line between public relations and propaganda and exposes it to their readers.

Harvesting Clean Energy Blog The nonprofit organization, Climate Solutions, provides this blog about rural economic development throughout the northeast U.S. through clean energy development. On this site, the organization promotes success stories, news, and an “Ask a Pro” section that supports their efforts.

Alternative Energy News You can learn more about renewable energy technologies through the news provided at this site. Alternative Energy also has a green jobs and directory sections to help readers stay in touch with this growing sector.

Clean Energy Solutions Center Blog The Clean Energy Solutions Center offers free clean energy best practices, data, and analysis tools to leaders who can benefit from their materials. The focus is on policy assistance, which is also the focus of their insightful blog.

Clean Break Tyler Hamilton is no stranger to the media, and he showcases his writing and researching skills at this blog, which focuses on the clean energy market. If you’re seeking trends, news, and innovations in this field, you might want to bookmark this site.

Clean Techies This site covers key industry trends, relevant career services, and industry-specific resources such as jobs and events. Based in San Francisco, three entrepreneurs founded CleanTechies in 2008…since then, many impressive industry experts have contributed to this site.

Green Patent Blog Count on a patent and trademark attorney to bring insightful information about intellectual property issues in clean technologies to light. Eric Lane at McKenna Long & Aldridge in San Diego offers his knowledge freely at this site.

Scaling Green If you find yourself stymied by some of the barriers to new technologies, visit this online forum. Scaling Green helps people to knock down those barriers so they can use renewable energy sources more freely in efforts to build a strong and more secure green economy in America.

Clean Technica Visit one of the most popular clean tech sites on the web today, and learn about their highly touted clean energy news and commentary. The focus here is on solar and wind power, but they also comment on other energy sources such as geothermal, hydro, nuclear, and transportation resources.

Fresh Energy Fresh Energy has, for twenty years, transformed economic and environmental ideas into energy policy. Today, their efforts are concentrated in retiring coal plants, regulating carbon pollution, transportation and land-use improvements, growing transmission for renewable energy, and increasing clean energy efficiently.

Clean Tech Open Cleantech Open seeks to find, fund, and foster entrepreneurs who have big ideas about improving environmental and economic challenges. Their networking platform creates a valuable resource for growing the cleantech industry nationwide.

The Oil Drum When BP created the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, The Oil Drum was the go-to site for images, video, and information about that disaster. But, oil is just one subject on this site, which also includes valuable insights into coal and other peak energy systems.

Eco Green Energy This interesting site is run by a bus driver in Iceland who touts their use of geothermal energy and who wishes for more renewable energy resources. He invites guests to write articles for this blog about eco-energy topics like solar, wind, and transportation.

Council on Foreign Relations Energy, Security, and Climate Michael A. Levi, Blake Cayton, and Daniel P. Ahn write articles for this blog about energy, security, and climate change policy challenges. This blog is under the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonprofit independent membership organization, think tank, and publisher.

American New Energy ANE provides clients with a variety of innovative energy supply procurement and programs geared toward achieving sustainable cost savings. Their news and updates are available through Facebook and Twitter as well as at this site.

New Energy Cities The New Energy Cities program catalyzes communities to take charge of their energy future, geared toward developing cleaner renewable systems that generate significant local economic impact in the northwest U.S. This organization provides leadership, finance, and tools for public engagement in this vital process.

New Energy Movement New Energy Movement is a grassroots public charity dedicated to studying and promoting clean and sustainable energy sources. Their focus is to encourage public debate and action on how best to accelerate a move away from fossil fuels and nuclear power to other renewable energy sources.

Energy Central If you have a job in the electric power industry, you might want to tap into the resources provided by Energy Central. By focusing on one industry, they can supply energy professionals with the best information, products and services relevant to this industry.

American Council on Renewable Energy Blog ACORE is a nonprofit member organization dedicated to building a safe and economically secure America through clean and renewable energy. Their platform is educational with a rich focus on tech, finance, and policy.

The Energy Collective This independent and moderated community of professionals seeks debate on innovative energy and climate change. Although supported by Siemens AG, this company does not participate in the conversation or in topic selection processes. Siemens does contribute to editorial content, and that material always is fully disclosed.

Antares Group Incorporated Blog Antares Group maintains a wide range of technical and analytical capabilities in electric power, cogeneration, and transportation technologies. Their blog reflects their expertise in these industries.

Renewable Energy Blog The Renewablee Energy blog is an active site focused on green products, renewable energy sources and prices, and investments in renewable energy. Their news covers projects and companies the world over, bringing insights into innovative new technologies.

Energy Hack Danish freelance-journalist Hans Henrik Lichtenberg maintains this site and blog about renewable energy resources. He’s focused on his own home energy projects and share what he learns, but he has gathered other contributors along the way who also share their individual approaches to consumer energy changes.

Build It Solar Do you have a hankering to build your own solar energy projects? If so, this site is perfect for you — it’s a DIY site on how to get started in various projects with references, experiments, and more for any adventurous solar advocate.

Cox Conserves Cox Enterprise serves as an example of a company that advocates sustainable energy programs in business as well as in living daily life. Their goal is to reduce their carbon footprint by 20 percent, and they share their projects and progress through this blog and site.

Home Energy Magazine Home Energy magazine shares practical information on home energy efficiency, performance, comfort, and affordability. Through a systems engineering approach, this magazine’s editorial content comes directly from individuals who research and employ innovative design, building, and remodeling practices and products.

Energetica International Select your location across the world and learn more about green, alternative, or renewable energy news, projects, events, and interviews. This is a comprehensive site that provides all the clean energy news you’ll need to understand this clean energy movement.

Environmental Research Web News about clean energy is one resource — learning about environmental research and its technologies is another. Get in on the beginning phases of alternative energy resources and innovative ideas with this site that focuses on science, policy, and renewable energy performance.

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency DSIRE is an easy-to-use source of information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency. This is a North Carolina Solar Center and Interstate Renewable Energy Council project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Home Power Within the past quarter century, solar, wind, and hydroelectric technologies have advanced to reach on-grid energy companies, making these renewable energy sources reachable to the average person. This magazine, launched in 1987, has followed the progress of this process and continues to impart the most comprehensive information about clean residential energy available today.

Conserve Energy Future Rinkesh Kukreja lives in Delhi, and he’s just as concerned as any other world citizen about dependence on foreign energy sources, its impact on economies, and threats to national security. You can learn more about topics such as geothermal energy, recycling, and fossil fuels through Rinkesh’s blog.

Clean Energy Works Oregon Blog CEWO is nonprofit program that can serve as an example of how a statewide member organization can support homeowners to take direct action on reducing energy waste. The blog and site provides information on how to create energy-conserving homes out of energy-wasting homes.

Arizona Solar Center AzSC is focused on enhancing the use of renewable energy and educating state residents on solar tech developments. This nonprofit organization also supports commerce and industry in their development of sustainable technologies throughout Arizona.

SeaO2 SeaO2 provides links to online resources about all types of renewable energy, from algae based biofuels to solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, and any other non-fossil-fuel energy source you can think of.

Green Motion Green Motion builds environmentally friendly catamarans that reduce fossil fuel consumption using electric motors and efficiency maximizing propulsion technologies. This South Africa based boatmaker builds eco-friendly craft without sacrificing luxury or performance.