Renewable Energy Learning Path

Definition of renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy harnessed from natural phenomena that occur continuously and are replenished on a human timescale. The International Energy Agency describes it as energy derived from natural processes that are replenished faster than they are consumed. Commonly recognized renewable sources include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass. Renewable energy is often used to replace conventional fuels across multiple areas, including electricity generation, hot water and space heating, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services. While renewable energy generally produces much fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels, it is not identical to “low-carbon energy,” because some renewables (for example, certain forms of biomass burning) can still be carbon-intensive, and some non-renewables (such as nuclear power) can have very low operational emissions.

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Role in addressing climate change

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