Renewable Energy Resources

Renewable energy resources are sources of energy which do not run out. Using renewable energy resources to generate electricity is an alternative to using fossil fuels. They also tend to be less harmful to the environment compared to non-renewable energy resources.

Examples of Renewable Energy Sources

Below are examples of renewable energy resources:

Wind Energy

Many wind turbines are used in this process. When the wind turbines rotate, the generator inside also turns, which generates electricity.

Solar Energy

Energy from the sun is used to generate electricity.

Geothermal Energy

Thermal energy is stored deep within the Earth. It can be used for heating or to generate electricity.

Hydroelectric Energy

Uses the natural flow of moving water, due to gravity, to turn a turbine. This generates electricity.

Wave Energy

The energy from the wind can be converted to waves. Many small wave-powered turbines are put up, which tend to be located near the coast. The wave turns the turbines, which generates electricity.

Tidal Energy

The gravitational pull from the Sun and Moon produces tides in the sea, which can generate electricity.

Comparing Renewable Energy Sources

Below is a table showing the positives and negatives of these sources:

Renewable energy sourceAdvantagesDisadvantages
WindNo pollutionNoisy and it spoils the view
SolarNo pollutionInitial costs are high
GeothermalLittle damage to the environmentNot many suitable locations
HydroelectricReliableInitial costs are high
WaveNo pollutionInitial costs are high
TidalNo pollutionInitial costs are high

Recently, people have been trying to use more renewable energy resources, as burning fossil fuels is damaging to the environment.