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

Groups of depositors in front of the closed American Union Bank, New York City. April 26, 1932. Great Depression run on bank crowd

Causes of the Great Depression

Small, white rat (genus Rattus) on a glass table. (rodent, laboratory, experiment)

Cruel and Unusual Punishments: 15 Types of Torture

Illustration for Demystified "How Dangerous is Quicksand"

How Deadly Is Quicksand?

Titanic infographic. The 30th anniversary of its discovery is September 1, 2015. SPOTLIGHT VERSION.

Timeline of the Titanic’s Final Hours

illustration of the walking titanosaurus, Patagotitan mayorum

Titanosaurs: 8 of the World's Biggest Dinosaurs

Easter Procession of Maria Santisima del Sacromonte in Granada, Spain. This statue is known as Virgen de los Gitanos or The Virgin of the Gypsies.

What is Holy Week?

Hemp (Cannabis sativa).

9 Mind-Altering Plants

renewable energy: Facts & Related Content

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

News •

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)

China, Chile energy chiefs meet to talk renewables, electricity • Mar. 31, 2025, 10:31 PM ET (Reuters)

Global renewable power capacity falls short of targets despite record growth last year, says IRENA • Mar. 25, 2025, 11:29 PM ET (Reuters)

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 electric power free energy 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