The Definition of Renewable Energy

Understanding Green Energy: The Definition of Renewable Energy

When people start talking about the advantage of renewable energy or how solar energy is used, I'm hopeful for the future of our planet.

Then issues like cost and effectiveness are brought up. My happy green bubble starts deflating with each new question.

How efficient is solar energy? What about wind energy? Will a "green" industrial revolution really bring a wave of solar and wind energy jobs? If so, what are we waiting for?

These are all some of the big questions in the world of green energy.

Welcome to a basic lesson about renewable energy sources. Our goal is to keep it simple, starting with the definition of renewable energy.

What is Renewable Energy?

What is the Advantage of Renewable Energy?

If we use the sun to heat our solar panels, it will still continue to shine. However, a non renewable energy source like oil will diminish over time. Renewable energy can be used in large scale environments, such as power plants. It can also be used on the roof of a residential home.

What is the Most Common Type of Renewable Energy?

Solar
Most renewable energy comes from the sun. Solar energy is produced from the constant heat and light provided by the sun. Among other things, solar energy is used for heating and lighting homes and buildings, generating electricity, and heating hot water.

For more information, see one of our articles on Solar Energy:

What are Other Examples of Renewable Energy?

Wind
Naturally produced by the Earth's climate and geography, wind energy is pollution and radioactive-free. In the past, wind machines were primarily used in mechanical ways, such as to pump water. Modern wind turbines can generate electricity, providing energy for both residential and commercial buildings.

Water
Similar to the winds, the Earth naturally produces flowing waters. Water energy, or hydropower, was used in the past to operate mechanical equipment. As water flows, modern turbines convert energy
into electricity.

Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on the planet. Hydrogen itself is a simple element, but it doesn't occur naturally as a gas. It is always combined with another element. Oxygen, for example, is combined with hydrogen to make water. Once separated, hydrogen can be converted into electricity or burned as fuel.

Biomass
Biomass is the organic matter that makes up plants and trees. Sunlight is absorbed during photosynthesis. Some of the sunlight remains inside plants and trees. This form of energy is biomass. Biomass can be used to produce heat, electricity and transportation fuels.

Heat
Geothermal energy is heat from deep within the earth. Decaying materials produce energy that can be extracted and used to produce heat and electricity. For more information, see Explaining Geothermal Energy and
How Does Geothermal Energy Work.