Current approaches to energy are unsustainable and non-renewable. Implementing sustainable energy strategies is one of the most important levers humankind has for creating a sustainable world. Future energy policies should put more emphasis on developing the potential of energy sources, which should form the foundation of future global energy structure. The FAG, in support of the Sustainable Rural Environment and Energy Network (SREN), is developing a concept for the optimisation, evaluation and implementation of integrated renewable energy sources for rural communities.