Introduction. The article examines the problems of developing renewable energy sources in the context of Russia’s transition to a “green” economy. Theoretical analysis. The authors consider the terminological and logical issues of the correlation of the term of “renewable energy sources” with other categories (clean energy, “green” energy), the place of this category in the system of world environmental concepts (sustainable development). Attention is drawn to certain environmental consequences of the use of wind turbines and solar panels, and proposals are made for the development of neighborhood law. Results. The study allows the authors to conclude that the most important advantages of renewable energy sources are ensuring energy and environmental security, stability and diversification of energy sources used, solving a number of social problems (including reducing unemployment, fighting poverty, providing remote rural settlements with electricity), the development of science and technology, that enhances the transition to the standards of the VI technological order, the solution of energy efficiency issues, improving the quality of environmental and energy education and instruction of citizens. Taking into account that the EU countries, China and the USA will significantly reduce the use of traditional types of energy and dependence on oil and gas by 2050 due to renewable energy sources, it is necessary to prevent Russia from lagging behind these world trends, to take measures to develop renewable energy sources in our country, and think over options for using the released oil and gas export facilities for the development of industry.