Renewable energy is power that comes from natural sources that are constantly replenished, like sunlight, wind, geothermal and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, these resources do not contribute to pollution and climate change. They also offer a range of additional benefits for people and communities.
Solar power, for example, is a source of electricity that’s growing quickly and can provide us with clean, abundant energy in the form of direct sunlight or heat, or by using electricity to capture and store solar energy in batteries. Wind power is another common source of renewable energy that can be generated on land and in the ocean, and it’s also becoming increasingly popular for home and business use. It’s a great option for cutting energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The energy sector accounts for a quarter of US heat-trapping emissions, and shifting to renewables can help reduce these emissions. The use of renewables can also lower emissions in other sectors by electrifying transportation or heating, for instance.
In addition to lowering emissions, renewables can bring financial savings and improve resilience and security of supply. They’re less prone to price spikes or disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts, and they’re often sourced locally, which means they’re less vulnerable to sudden supply shortages. Many renewable projects are modular and distributed, meaning they can be easily shut down or brought back online faster than traditional generators. They can also operate for decades and are relatively inexpensive to maintain and replace.