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Renewable Energy Definition

Renewable energy comes from sources that can be easily replenished. For example, sunlight is used to generate power with little pollution.

View Lesson on Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Ethanol is made from plants like corn, a renewable resource.
  • Algae produce high-energy oils for bio-diesel, a renewable fuel.
  • Electric cars can be powered by electricity from renewable sources like wind turbines.

Why Do We Need To Know About Renewable Energy

Learning about renewable energy helps us see why it’s important for our future. For example, in Brazil, they make fuel from sugar beets, which helps cars run without using oil. Also, places with a lot of wind use windmills to make electricity, which can create new jobs for people building and taking care of them.

Electric cars, like those Tesla makes, and fuel made from algae, show us that there are many different jobs in renewable energy. This field isn’t just good for the planet; it also offers cool jobs in making cars, working with plants, managing water power, and helping businesses be more green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do different types of fuels create different types of energy?
All types of fuels can be burned for energy. Burning coal, oil and natural gas produces heat, which is then converted to other energy forms, like electricity.
Are energy sources unlimited?
Some energy sources are more limited than others. Coal, oil and natural gas are used a lot right now but they could run out in only a few generations. Renewable sources like wind, sunlight, biomass, geothermal, and water power can be easily renewed and are almost unlimited!
Why are renewable energy sources important for Earth’s future?
If we are still dependent on non-renewable energy sources when they run out, we will not have enough energy to meet our needs.
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