Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy

Energy sources power our homes, businesses, and vehicles. Some energy sources are renewable — they replenish naturally and will not run out. Others are nonrenewable — they exist in limited amounts and take millions of years to form, so once used they cannot be replaced quickly.

Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar energy — comes from sunlight; captured by solar panels to power homes and businesses.
• Wind energy — wind turns turbines to generate electricity; used in wind farms.
• Hydroelectric energy — flowing water turns turbines; used in dams to produce electricity.
• Geothermal energy — heat from deep inside the Earth; used to heat buildings in volcanic regions.
• Biomass — energy from organic materials (wood, crops); burned or converted to biofuel.

Nonrenewable Energy Sources

• Coal — formed from ancient plants over millions of years; burned in power stations.
• Oil (petroleum) — refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for cars, trucks, and planes.
• Natural gas — burned for heating, cooking, and generating electricity.
• Nuclear energy — releases energy from uranium atoms; produces large amounts of electricity.