Renewable sources are things that can be replaced at a rate equal to or faster than human consumption of the resource. Most of the energy humans use is nonrenewable and derived from limited resources. Continued use of nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels, will cause them to eventually run out. Scientists are searching for ways to better tap into renewable sources of energy and fuel that are sustainable and more earth-friendly.
The Sun
Sunlight is a renewable source of energy known as solar energy. Solar energy refers to the creation of electricity from sunlight. It is renewable because people receive energy from the sun, every day, and it is the energy that supports life on Earth. People use only a small amount of the energy the sun provides. New technology is being developed to enable more use of renewable solar energy so that nonrenewable sources can be conserved.
Heat Within the Earth
Geothermal power is energy from deep inside the Earth. It is derived from radioactive decay stored within the planet and accessed by humans as steam or hot water. Geothermal energy is used around the world to heat homes from wells, geysers, volcanoes and hot water springs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Water
Hydropower is renewable energy derived from flowing water. The Hoover Dam is a giant dam that harnesses energy from the falling water into electricity for millions of people, according to the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company. Other small dams generate electricity for just a few households. Because the amount of water on Earth stays constant, water is a renewable source of energy.
Wind
Wind power is a renewable source of energy but is as unpredictable as the weather because it is not constantly windy. Windmills and turbines generate energy created by the wind but are more useful in parts of the world where it is windy and there are no obstacles, such as mountains or forests, blocking the wind. Other Power points out that wind power is a good complement to solar power because when the sun is not out, such as during a storm, it is usually windier.
Biomass
Biomass is a product of energy stored in plants and animals. It is renewable because there is always plant and animal waste such as manure and garbage, and trees and animals can be reproduced. People get energy to live through eating plants and animals. People also get energy through burning wood, a plant. Some forms of biomass, such as wood, are sometimes considered semi-renewable. This is because it takes a long time to grow a tree and if you use up wood faster than you plant and grow trees, you can potentially run out of wood. Also, while animals can reproduce, they can also become endangered or extinct and thus nonrenewable.
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