Renewable energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. The five main types are solar (photovoltaic and thermal), wind (onshore and offshore), hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. Renewables produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. The US renewable share of electricity generation has grown from 10% in 2010 to over 22% today, driven by falling costs of wind and solar, federal tax credits, and state renewable portfolio standards.
Renewable Energy
Electricity generated from naturally replenishing sources: wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.
Related Terms
Solar Energy
Electricity generated from sunlight using photovoltaic panels or concentrated solar power systems.
Wind Energy
Electricity generated by wind turbines that convert kinetic energy from wind into electrical power.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
A state policy requiring utilities to source a specified percentage of electricity from renewable sources.