Why we are here

The Renewable Energy Association was established in 2001 to represent British renewable energy producers and promote the use of sustainable energy in the UK. The REA was called the Renewable Power Association until October 2005.

What the Association covers

Our membership is active across the whole spectrum of renewables: electric power, heat and biofuels.

We represent a wide variety of organisations, including generators, project developers, fuel and power suppliers, equipment producers and service providers. Members range in size from major multinationals to sole traders. Our membership topped 500 in early 2007, making us by far the largest renewable energy industry association in the UK.

To join the REA

Go to the joining instructions in the members section or press 'Join/Register' above.

What the REA does for business

The REA’s main objective is to secure the best legislative and regulatory framework for expanding renewable energy production in the UK. We undertake policy development and provide input to government departments, agencies, regulators, NGOs and others. Other services include:

• Conferences, Seminars & Workshops

• Public affairs and industry PR

• Publications and newsletters

• Information on technical, legal, commercial and environmental matters

• Training courses and career opportunities

• Member networking

We also host the annual British Renewable Energy Awards

What we do for consumers

The Association sponsors the Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme, which sets standards for the provision of renewable and other on-site energy production for non-industrial customers. The Renewable Energy Assurance Listed mark is a symbol that consumers can look to for quality of products and services.The REA also provides a public enquiry service to connect consumers to system suppliers.

What we do for local authorities

New performance indicators for local authorities focus on carbon emissions, both through council activities and on a per capita basis.  Renewable Energy plays a key role in delivering targets on carbon emissions.  Well-informed Councils can  take first mover advantage of new economic arrangements such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment. 

Services we offer that are specifically helpful to local authorities include:

• Access to advice across a wide range of renewable technologies and services, e.g on-site renewables, anaerobic digestion and large scale wind developments
• Advice on how renewables can have a direct impact on council's key performance indicators, particularly NI 186 NI 187 and NI 188
• Free advertising of tenders for renewable energy products and services to a wide range of companies ensuring Local Authorities can achieve best value in procurement
• Reputational benefits - renewables are a highly visual statement of a Council's environmental credentials.  REA advises on how to pursue this in a meaningful way
• Regular updated information on the developments within the industry.  The newsletter is delivered weekly to named contacts across the council by email
• Lobbying directly with government officials on areas of concern to Local Authorities on issues related to renewable energy - including, planning, housing, waste management, energy procurement and transport fuels
• Membership of the REA's Local Authority Contact Group, which meets 3 times a year to inform and involve members with our work programme.  We also input into the LGA environment policy group

How we focus on individual sectors

The REA deals with broad renewables policies, but also covers sector-specific issues. We have set up a number of what we call Sector Groups, some looking at individual technologies, others focussed on sub-sectors of the industry. The Association and the Sector Groups work in collaboration with other trade associations and NGOs. For further information on our Resource Groups, please visit the relevant section of our website.

Association structure and resources

A Board, elected by the membership and the Sector Groups, directs the Association’s activities. A full-time executive team handles operational, policy, and communication issues, based at our conveniently located office in central London. We also retain a number of specialist advisors with industrial expertise in individual sectors, to support the activities of the Sector Groups and policy development in general.

The REA is a not for profit company limited by guarantee, registering. Articles of Association can be provided on request. The REA is funded from member contributions with other income established from services and consultancy.

REA Membership

We welcome new members and offer a variety of membership grades. Membership entitles companies to:

• Policy and strategy development

• Regular technology & sector meetings

• Yearbook and website directory listings

• Access to policy & sector experts

• Networking opportunities

• Website - where members can maintain their own entry

• Discounts on REA & other conferences

• Industry statistics and information

• Regular e-newsletter

and the credibility that comes with belonging to the leading renewables industry body

REA members who provide systems to public and non-industrial consumers are required to join the Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme.

Contact details

Address: 17 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AR

We are now on the 5th floor.

Phone:     (020) 7925 3570

Fax:           (020) 7925 2715

Emails:     innnn@r-e-a.net   where i is the person's first initial and nnnn is their surname