There are many renewable energy sources available to humans. Renewable means that there is no known limit to the supply. The challenge is to develop the technology into an efficient, cost-effective solution for producing enough energy to meet human needs.
Here are a few examples:
- Hydroelectric — The mechanical energy of moving water – surging waves or flowing rivers – can be converted to electricity by specially designed turbine generators.
- Wind — Wind generators convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy.
- Geothermal — Deep in Earth’s crust, hot rocks hold temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius. By pumping water to and from the rocks, steam is produced, which operates steam turbines. The turbines spin generators, producing electrical energy.
- Solar — Special solar cells convert the Sun’s radiant energy into electricity. Also, the Sun’s rays can be reflected and focused to heat water, which operates steam turbine generators.