Concerns about fossil fuel consumption increase daily because of the limited nature of the reserves and its impact on the environment. Research and Development studies suggest an optimistic future for the use of renewable energy sources. To create such a bright future, however, renewable energy education must be quickly and efficiently spread to future generations. The current study explores Turkish university students' levels of awareness regarding renewable energy sources. For this purpose, a questionnaire was given to students in Turkish universities. The questionnaire comprised questions that address students' personal and demographic characteristics levels of awareness levels regarding renewable energy sources. The data obtained from the questionnaire were evaluated using the SPSS program. Finally, actions that should be taken to increase university students' awareness levels are described. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.