Renewable Energy
Energy generated from natural sources that replenish faster than they are consumed, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. Renewables produced 30% of global electricity in 2024 and are the fastest-growing energy source worldwide.
Renewable energy has undergone a dramatic cost revolution. Solar power costs have dropped 89% since 2010, and wind power costs have dropped 70%. In most parts of the world, new renewable energy is now cheaper than new fossil fuel power plants. In 2024, renewables accounted for 30% of global electricity generation, up from just 20% in 2010.
Types of Renewable Energy
Solar photovoltaic converts sunlight directly to electricity and is the fastest-growing renewable source. Wind energy uses turbines to convert wind kinetic energy. Hydroelectric harnesses flowing water and is the largest renewable source globally. Geothermal taps heat from the Earth's interior. Biomass converts organic materials to energy. Each has different advantages depending on geography and climate.
The Storage Challenge
The main challenge for renewables is intermittency, since the sun doesn't always shine and the wind doesn't always blow. Battery storage technology has advanced rapidly, with costs falling 97% since 1991 for lithium-ion batteries. Grid-scale storage projects are proliferating. By 2030, global battery storage capacity is projected to reach 1,500 GWh, enough to power millions of homes during peak demand.
What You Can Do
Switch to a green electricity provider if available in your area. Install rooftop solar panels (costs have dropped to where payback periods are 6-10 years in most regions). Support community solar projects if you can't install panels. Advocate for renewable energy policies in your city and state. Every kilowatt-hour of renewable electricity prevents about 0.4 kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere compared to coal power.
Related Terms
Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily CO2) generated by human actions, measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. It includes direct emissions from driving and heating, and indirect emissions from the production of goods and services you consume.
Net Zero
The state where the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted is balanced by the total amount removed from the atmosphere. Unlike carbon neutral, net zero typically requires deep emission reductions (90%+) before offsets are used for remaining emissions.
Sustainability
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability, often represented as three interconnected pillars.