Renewable energy is energy that comes from a source that naturally replenishes itself, meaning that it goes on and on. Some examples of renewable energy include solar (energy from the sun), hydropower (energy from water), biomass (energy from burning wood or any type of plant), geothermal (heat energy from the earth), and methane (energy from organic material).

Renewable energy offers important advantages. It helps the environment by reducing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions that are produced from burning fossil fuels.

Vast amounts of renewable energy can help supply the world’s growing demand for energy sources that generate electricity, create heat and power transportation. Renewable energy also contributes to our economic security because it can be gathered within the U.S. or even state boundaries.

Renewable sources of energy aren’t available all day, every day. For instance, solar electricity can’t be generated at night or when it is cloudy outside. Technology is advancing to capture and store renewable energy for longer periods of time as a solution. Hydrogen has the greatest potential among technologies for seasonal energy storage in the future, according to an analysis conducted by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).