What is it?
Renewable energy is a type of fuel that comes from an endless, replenishable source, or renews faster than we can use them. Unlike fossil fuels, this type of fuel emits little to no greenhouse gases making it safe for the environment.
Earth Science Relevance
Renewable energy relies mostly on Earth's cycle and systems. Earth Science explains how this kind of system works and helps us locate where to acquire and harness these fuel sources easily.
Primary Renewable Fuels
Click on a fuel source to view its full stats
Types of Renewable Energy
And their relevance with Earth Science
Solar Energy
- Energy from the sun’s radiation
- Used for electricity, heating, and lighting
- • Abundant source
- • Low maintenance
- • Weather dependent
- • High initial cost
Earth Science Link: Depends on Earth’s orbit, tilt, and atmosphere
Wind Energy
- Energy from moving air masses
- Turned into electricity using turbines
- • Cost-effective
- • Creates jobs
- • Threat to birds
- • Noise/Visual impact
Earth Science Link: Caused by uneven heating and Earth’s rotation
Hydropower
- Energy from flowing or falling water
- Generated by dams, rivers, or tides
- • Highly reliable
- • High capacity
- • Changes habitats
- • Drought risk
Earth Science Link: Powered by the water cycle and river systems
Geothermal Energy
- Heat energy from deep inside the Earth
- Used for electricity and heating
- • Always available
- • Small footprint
- • Location specific
- • High drilling cost
Earth Science Link: Linked to plate tectonics and volcanic activity
Biomass Energy
- Energy from organic matter (plants, wood, waste)
- Released through burning or conversion
- • Uses waste
- • Carbon neutral-ish
- • Emits some smog
- • Takes up land/water
Earth Science Link: Relies on carbon and nutrient cycles
Ocean Energy
- Energy from tides, waves, or temp differences
- • Highly predictable
- • Dense energy source
- • Tech is expensive
- • Marine disruption
Earth Science Link: Driven by gravity, wind, and ocean currents