The Energy Technology Options Conference opened with a presentation from Professor Thomas Johansson on the prospects for renewable energy in a global context. It was based upon a study commissioned by the United Nations Solar Energy Group for Environment and Development, which he chairs. This study has since been published in a large book entitled Renewable Energy: Sources for Fuels and Electricity; it contains reports by specialists on a long list of renewable technologies (see Table of Contents at the end of this paper). The present paper consists of excerpts from Chapter 1 of that book, reprinted here with permission of the publishers. (The book may be obtained from Island Press, Box 7, Dept. UN, Covelo, Coliforna, USA 95428, or by telephone: In the US 1-800-828-1302; From outside the US 707 983 6432; FAX 707 983 6414. ISBN 1-55963-139-2 (hardcover, US$85), ISBN 1-55963-138-4 (paperback, US$45).)