Renewable energy is energy generated from natural sources that are continuously replenished. Examples include sunlight, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydropower. Unlike fossil fuels, these resources are sustainable, making them the only truly sustainable options available for our energy needs.
Renewables generate more energy than they consume, with fewer negative environmental impacts. Unlike oil, coal and gas, they do not produce greenhouse gases or other harmful air pollution, and they use far less water. The benefits of renewables extend beyond energy production, including local job creation and ownership and opportunities for education and community involvement. Many countries are implementing renewable energy strategies, with targets and incentives at the national/provincial, regional, and local levels to increase their use of sustainable power, heat and transportation fuels.
Solar and wind technologies, for example, require no fuel-delivery infrastructure like pipelines or railcars. They can also be installed more rapidly than fossil fuel plants. Solar and wind projects typically have a useful lifespan of decades, and can be repurposed for other uses after their life cycle is complete.
Amid growing concerns about climate change, nations are focusing on renewable energy to meet their energy needs. The good news is that renewables have already replaced fossil fuels in generating electricity, with a significant share of the world’s energy supply (up to 30% in 2023). However, we must accelerate efforts to grow the use of renewables for heating and transport fuels, which collectively account for three-quarters of the global energy consumption.