Progress in renewable energy despite its costs is explained on the argument that renewable energy generates high grade outputs that compensates for the costs. The use and production of renewable energy diversify resource-wise and location-wise to enable such high grade outputs. Five cases illustrate various regional approaches. An investment program in one of the regions shows a high potential social benefit of renewable energy use. Regional policy instruments in additional to the (inter-)national instruments are presented. Action-oriented research in support of the regional initiatives in renewable energy is advocated.