Renewable Sources of Energy
Energy sources that are replenished naturally on a human timescale, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
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What counts as renewable?
Renewable sources of energy are replenished by natural processes relatively quickly: sunlight arrives every day, winds are driven by atmospheric circulation, and rivers are part of the water cycle. They can, in principle, supply energy for a very long time if used sustainably.
✔ Key takeaway: Solar, wind, and hydro are examples of renewable energy sources; they are replenished naturally.
Advantages and limitations
Renewable sources typically have low greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but they can be intermittent (e.g. solar and wind) and location dependent. Systems must be designed to handle variability and integrate with storage or backup sources.
✔ Key takeaway: Renewable energy reduces emissions but can be variable; energy storage and grids help smooth supply.
Link to simulator: Use the renewable sources simulator to compare power output and carbon footprint for solar, wind, and hydro.
💭 Think about this:
Why are solar and wind called intermittent sources, and how can we deal with that?