The aim of this article is to identify the determinants affecting the growth of renewable energy source utilisation in rural areas in the context of sustainable development. The research covered the economic circumstances and changes in law relating to the RES (renewable energy sources) Act of 2018, which resulted from EU’s energy policy ensuring favourable conditions for RES development and financial support for RE producers. Four sources of renewable energy relevant to rural farm and non-farm households are the focus of this article: wood biomass, biogas, biodiesel and solar energy. The discussion illustrates the role of rural households in the supply and use of RE consistent with the principle of sustainable development, describes rural residents’ favourable attitudes towards financing RE projects from public funds, and the potential for creating local jobs in the RE sector, among others.