The sun, wind, water, and plants are examples of naturally occurring, practically limitless sources of renewable energy. Any energy source that is considered “renewable” must be replaced often (during the typical human lifespan) and naturally. It cannot be used up or depleted.
Furthermore, clean or green energy are not the same as renewable energy. Despite the fact that many renewable energy sources are so, the term “clean energy” only refers to a power source’s effects on the environment. This is why nuclear energy is sometimes regarded as clean (but not green).
Green energy is actually a subset of renewables, representing the most environmentally beneficial resources. This includes:
- Solar energy
- Biogas energy
- Wind energy
- Low-impact hydropower
- Biomass energy
- Geothermal energy