Renewable Energy
Renewable energy pertains to power generated by a renewable source. When the energy is generated, the resource is not depleted or used up. The resources naturally replenished, and can either be managed so that they last forever, or their supply is so enormous humans can never meaningfully deplete them.
Unlike fossil fuels, most renewable energy sources do not release carbon dioxide and other air pollutants as by-products into the atmosphere. As the amount of fossil fuel resources on Earth decreases, it is increasingly important to find and utilize alternative fuels.
Examples of renewable resources include:
- wind power
- solar power
- biofuels
- hydro-electric power (HEP)
- geothermal energy
- tidal power
- wave energy
How much renewable energy do we use in the United States?
Americans used renewable energy sources—water (hydroelectric), geothermal, wind, sun (solar), and biomass—to meet about 7% of our total energy needs in 2008.
