| What is Renewable Energy? |
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Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy from any source that can be maintained in a constant supply over time. In contrast, the supply of fossil energy sources such as oil, natural gas or coal is limited.
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There are five principal renewable sources of energy: flowing water, biomass, wind, the sun and heat from within the earth.
Heat, electricity and vehicle fuel are the main forms of energy that people use every day. All renewable energy sources be used to produce electricity. Solar energy and geothermal energy can supply both electricity and heat. Biomass is unique because it can supply all three forms of useful energy.
- In 2001, renewable energy supplied about 6 percent of all energy consumed in the United States. Hydropower and biomass energy accounted for 92 percent of all renewable energy consumed in 2001 (see chart). About 11 percent of all electricity used in the country was generated from renewable sources.
- Uses for Renewable Sources of Energy
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Heat |
Electricity |
Vehicle Fuel
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| Water Power |
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yes
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| Biomass Energy |
yes
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yes
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yes
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| Wind Power |
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yes |
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| Solar Energy |
yes |
yes |
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| Geothermal Energy |
yes |
yes |
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Sun
The sun is a constant natural source of heat and light. Sunlight can be converted to electricity. Solar energy is energy that comes directly from the sun.
More information on solar energy
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Biomass
"Biomass" describes, in one word, all plants, trees and organic matter on the earth. Biomass is a source of renewable energy because the natural process of photosynthesis constantly produces new organic matter in the growth of trees and plants. Photosynthesis stores the sun's energy in organic matter. That energy is released when biomass is used to make heat, electricity or liquid fuels.
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More information on biomass energy
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Wind
The wind blows because of natural conditions of climate and geography. Historically, wind power was used to supply mechanical energy, for example to pump water, grind grain or sail a boat. Today, wind power is primarily a source of electricity.
More information on wind energy
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Water
Like the wind, flowing water is a product of the earth's climate and geography. Snowmelt and runoff from precipitation at higher elevations flow toward sea level in streams and rivers. In an earlier era, water wheels used the power of flowing water to turn grinding stones and to run mechanical equipment. Modern hydro-turbines use water power to generate electricity.
Earth
Heat from deep within the earth is called "geothermal energy." In some locations, geothermal energy is close enough to the surface that, by drilling a well to reach the heat source, the energy can be extracted and used for heating buildings and other purposes. Where the temperatures are hot enough, geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity.
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Renewable Energy
Generation of Electricity from Renewable Sources
Estimating the Cost of Generating Electricity
Recent Renewable Power Projects
Using Renewable Power in Oregon
Solar Energy Technology
Biomass Energy Technology
Oregon Energy Glossary
Wind Energy Information for Landowners
Micro Hydroelectric Systems
Ground-source Heat Pumps
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