Renewable energy: pronounced re-new-a-ble en-er-gy
It's any natural resource that can replace itself
quickly and dependably. It's an energy source that can never ever be used up
It can also be called by its synonyms, alternative energy or green energy
But what we really want to know is which resources are renewable, and why?
Solar power converts sunlight into electricity
The sun has been emitting light energy for billions of years
And it will continue to naturally replenish that energy for an estimated 7 billion years
For this reason, solar is considered a renewable energy source
Geysers were sold from water being super heated from magma at the earth's core
the earths core constantly produces thermal heat energy
whatever thermal energy we transform into electricity,
won't put a dent in the core's temperature
That heat is continually replaced
This is why geothermal power is derived from a renewable energy source
Wind power turns motion energy into electricity
Windy areas make for great windmill farms where motion energy is harvested from a continuous breeze
next time you see a windmill, look a little closer
to see a naturally replenishing, renewable energy resource
Fossil fuels: fuels that were formed deep within the earth
from plant and animal remains that are millions of years old
This material can be burned once and only once for energy
You may also know it by its synonyms: nonrenewable resources or unsustainable energy
The three major fossil fuels we use as energy sources
are coal, natural gas, and oil
So I ask you, are fossil fuels renewable or nonrenewable energy sources?
Well, lets find out
Fuels made from fossils like coal are limited
Once it's mined and burned for energy, it's gone
Unless the dinosaur age happens again coal will not be replaced
So it's nonrenewable
Natural gas and oil, also fossil fuels, are nonrenewable
There's only limited amounts of fossil fuels
once they are pulled from the earth and burned for energy
they're gone
That's why they are nonrenewable energy sources
Alright, time to review
Energy harvested from wind
is replaced quickly and naturally
Is this a renewable resource?
You betcha
This pump extracts oil, a fossil fuel that's burned for energy and cannot be replaced
Is it a renewable resource?
No way
Look at this energy resource group, is it renewable?
Why yes
Yes it is
What about this group?
Is it renewable?
Not even close
I think I'm done here