2.3 Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy produced from sources that do not deplete or can be replenished within a human’s life time. The most common examples include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydro power. This is in contrast to non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.

Most renewable energy is derived directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight can be captured directly using solar technologies. The sun's heat drives  winds, whose energy is captured with turbines. Plants also rely on the sun to grow and their stored energy can be utilized for bioenergy. 

Not all renewable energy sources rely on the sun. For example, geothermal energy utilizes the Earth’s internal heat, tidal energy relies on the gravitational pull of the moon, andhydropower relies on the flow of water.

(Source : https://www.studentenergy.org/topics/renewable-energy (Links to an external site.))

Recommended courses :

• Future Learn - Elements of Renewable Energy (Links to an external site.)
  "Learn how sustainable energy from Greek elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water - can replace fossil fuels and nuclear power." 
• Duration : 4 weeks, 3 hours pw
• Free
• Does not require any previous experience
• The course must be followed during a given period

• ALISON - Renewable Energy Sources (Links to an external site.)
  "This free online course is intended to introduce students to the whole area of energy sustainability, climate change and renewable energy technologies."
• Duration : 4-5 Hours
• Free
• Beginner level
• No video or audio 

Recommended articles or reports :

• UNEP - Green Energy Choices; Summary for Policy Makers (Links to an external site.)
  The Benefits, Risks and Trade-Offs of Low-Carbon Technologies for Electricity Production, and to the extent possible, mitigate negative impacts on the climate, environmental and human health. A very good summary of green energy!