The utilisation of renewable energy sources is, alongside measures to improve energy efficiency, the central pillar of sustainable energy systems. The Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) sets incentives for the dissemination of low-emission technologies and practices in developing countries and should therefore be able to help to overcome some of the barriers that impede the increased use of renewable energy sources in developing countries. This study therefore aimed to undertake an in-depth examination of the contribution the CDM can make to the dissemination of renewable energy technology (RET) and identify areas for improvement. This question was examined on the basis of two country studies on Egypt and Thailand.