This paper presents a multi-agent (MAS) solution to energy management in a distributed hybrid renewable energy generation system. An introduction and analysis of the system, including its constituents, characteristics and excitation mechanism are presented first. Then, validation of the MAS solution demonstrates its feasibility in meeting all the requirements of the system. Five kinds of agents are proposed to present the Energy Management System. Each agent is built as a three layered architecture. A macro MAS is also presented in detail with a framework containing its overall optimisation function based on JADE (Java Agent Development). Discussion about the agents' behaviours and a scenario case study on the MAS and its testing process are included in the paper. It indicates that the MAS is a suitable solution for the energy management of the distributed hybrid renewable energy generation system. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.