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Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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MNN.COM › ECO-GLOSSARY

Renewable Energy News

Wind turbines and solar cells beset

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is a blanket term for natural energy sources that are virtually inexhaustible. There are several forms of renewable energy that can be harnessed as sources of power — solar energy, wind energy, biomass, hydropower, hydrogen fuel, geothermal energy and ocean/tidal energy. Solar energy is channeled using photovoltaic cells. Wind, hydro and geothermal energy are converted into electricity through turbines specific to each type of energy. Hydrogen fuel and biofuels are directly supplied into a fuel cell or combustion engine.

Renewable energy has numerous benefits over nonrenewable sources such as fossil fuels. All renewable energy is clean energy, and thus does not harm life, pollute water or air or contribute to climate change. Being a natural extension of the planet, renewable energy will never be depleted. And as renewable energy is not supplied by power or oil companies, the only expenses one incurs by using it are the installation costs of turbines/cells.

Since renewable energy can be harnessed anywhere, utilizing it would decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Moreover, developing the renewable energy industry in the US has the potential to create many jobs and stimulate the economy. Renewable energy awareness, usage and technological advancements are increasing with time.  (Photo: Shutterstock)

Articles about Renewable Energy

  • MIT researchers develop world's most accurate solar potential software for rooftops

    Thu, Jun 06 2013 at 3:41 PM

    The Mapdwell project at MIT combines Google Maps, solar power data and some smart algorithms to calculate the costs and benefits of installing solar panels.

  • Solar plane completes longest leg of historic flight

    Thu, May 23 2013 at 11:00 AM

    The sun-powered plane Solar Impulse demonstrates the vast potential for renewable energy after successfully setting the distance record for solar aviation.

  • Scientists hack photosynthesis for electricity

    Wed, May 15 2013 at 1:42 PM

    A new study outlines how humans can harvest electricity directly from plants.

  • Sebastopol is second Californian city requiring solar on new homes

    Mon, May 13 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Following in the Republican-led footsteps of Lancaster, the super-liberal town of Sebastopol becomes the second city in California requiring all newly built homes to be photovoltaic-ready.

  • Let's get physical: JF Kit House is powered by exercise

    Thu, May 02 2013 at 3:48 PM

    In homage to aerobics goddess Jane Fonda, a people-powered micro-home is erected atop a rooftop in Brussels. And while the fitness-fueled abode has since been disassembled, the burn lives on.

  • Norway: A recycling-happy nation in dire need of trash

    Wed, May 01 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Sweden isn't the only nation in the throes of a serious trash deficit. As it turns out, Norway is also desperately seeking rubbish to burn in its cogeneration plants. Perhaps the U.S. could lend a helping hand?

  • The saddest little video of smokestacks collapsing that you'll ever see

    Mon, Apr 29 2013 at 4:38 PM

    Your heart may break as you watch anthropomorphic cooling towers and smokestacks tumble to the ground.

  • The interview bonanza: Joel Makower, Gary Hirshberg, Seth Godin, and more

    Sun, Apr 28 2013 at 10:20 PM

    Check out this compilation of the interviews I've conducted here on MNN over the years and read the thoughts of scientists, rock stars, CEOs, activists, and other cool people doing good things in the world.

  • Baxter Brewing: The story of how to build and grow a truly sustainable craft brewery

    Fri, Apr 26 2013 at 10:48 AM

    Watch how this small, but fast-growing, Maine brewery is rolling sustainability into their operational DNA.

  • A walk in the Bjarke: Architect unveils green roof-topped mini-city

    Wed, Apr 24 2013 at 5:00 PM

    A team led by Bjarke Ingels Group is named the winner in a bid to design a massive mixed-use development outside of Paris. Naturally, ski runs, renewable energy and a monster of a green roof-cum-park are all involved.

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