renewable energy

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images, Videos & Interactives

Geothermal power station

energy resources

The transition to renewable energy explained by Phil the Fixer

View to learn about renewable energy, its types, and also how the coronavirus pandemic has changed energy consumption and production patterns

United States: 17.1% renewable energy breakdown (2017)

Harnessing wave power: The Pelamis generator

For Students

Combination shot of Grinnell Glacier taken from the summit of Mount Gould, Glacier National Park, Montana in the years 1938, 1981, 1998 and 2006.

Pop Quiz: 18 Things to Know About Global Warming

Geothermal power station

alternative energy summary

Discover

All Saints Day. All Souls Day. Candles in cemetery in Poland on All Saints Day, November 1. All Souls Day, November 2. Christian church, All Hallows, Solemnity of All Saints, Feast of All Saints, purgatory, Roman Catholic church

7 Unique Burial Rituals Across the World

Space race (1957-1969) infographic between United States (U.S.) and Russia. America, Soviet Union, U.S.S.R., space exploration

Timeline of the Space Race, 1957–69

Flags of the countries of the world (flagpoles).

How Many Countries Are There in the World?

Agnes with a lamb near her feet. St. Agnes (Saint Agnes) design drawing for stained glass window by J&R Lamb Studios, ink, mount size 10.5 x 14.5 in.

Roman Catholic Saints

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy. Giant amphitheatre built in Rome under the Flavian emperors. (ancient architecture; architectural ruins)

New Seven Wonders of the World

Chinese pictograph, calligraphy tablet of Huang Tingjian, a famous calligrapher in Ancient Song Dynasty. The background of Chinese cultural elements.

The World’s 5 Most Commonly Used Writing Systems

Illustration for Demystified "How Dangerous is Quicksand"

How Deadly Is Quicksand?

renewable energy: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

Shanghai Auto Show Offers Glimpse of a Future Without Fossil Fuels • Apr. 24, 2025, 1:26 AM ET (Bloomberg.com)

Millions invested in big batteries amid net zero transition • Apr. 23, 2025, 4:32 AM ET (ABC News (Australia))

Climate and environment updates: Surging AI needs could drive eco-friendly energy gains, report says • Apr. 17, 2025, 11:25 AM ET (ABC News (U.S.))

Renewables provided record 32% of global electricity in 2024, Ember says • Apr. 9, 2025, 5:13 AM ET (Reuters)

Tariffs Are Likely to Hit U.S. Renewable Energy • Apr. 3, 2025, 6:27 AM ET (New York Times)

Facts

Also Known As	alternative energy

Photos and Videos

Geothermal power station

energy resources

The transition to renewable energy explained by Phil the Fixer

View to learn about renewable energy, its types, and also how the coronavirus pandemic has changed energy consumption and production patterns

Harnessing wave power: The Pelamis generator

See All Videos, Images and Interactives →

Topics

geothermal energy biofuel solar energy wind power biogas hydroelectric power tidal power solar power waterpower zero-energy building radiation combustion carbon sequestration free energy electric power conservation of energy potential energy kinetic energy mechanical energy hydraulic power

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

history of technology: Alternatives to fossil fuels

Key People

Daniel G. Nocera

American inorganic chemist

T. Boone Pickens

T. Boone Pickens

American businessman

Quiz

Combination shot of Grinnell Glacier taken from the summit of Mount Gould, Glacier National Park, Montana in the years 1938, 1981, 1998 and 2006.

Pop Quiz: 18 Things to Know About Global Warming

Electric power lines against sunset (grid, power, wires, electrical, electricity)

Energy & Fossil Fuels