Renewable Energy Explained

You see and hear this term all over the place, but what does it really mean? What is renewable energy and what makes it a green energy option? Read our quick explanation below, and be prepared to impress your friends with your new knowledge. 

Renewable energy comes from resources which are continually replenished, such as the wind or the sun. Generally, renewable energy has a much lower carbon footprint than traditional methods of energy production, such as the burning of fossil fuels. Energy from fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas, come from finite sources that will eventually run out. Collection and burning of fossil fuels also releases harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Renewable energy resources and significant opportunities for energy efficiency exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources, which are concentrated in a limited number of countries.

What are the different forms of renewable energy? Solar power and wind power are two of the most popular forms of renewable energy available on the market today. However, there are other renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, bioenergy, hydrogen conversion, ocean energy and geothermal energy.