Energy Sources Energy sources are of two types: nonrenewable and renewable. Energy sources are of two types: nonrenewable and renewable. Energy sources are considered nonrenewable if they cannot be replenished (made again) in a short period of time. Energy sources are considered nonrenewable if they cannot be replenished (made again) in a short period of time. On the other hand, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can be replenished naturally. On the other hand, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can be replenished naturally.

Non-renewable Energy Crude Oil Crude Oil Natural Gas Natural Gas Coal Coal Uranium Uranium

Renewable Energy Renewable energy sources including biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar provide 8% of the energy used in the United States. Most renewable energy goes to producing electricity.

Biomass Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals (microorganisms). Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals (microorganisms). Biomass contains stored energy from the sun.

Hydropower (Water) Most hydropower is produced at large facilities built by the Federal Government, such as the Grand Coulee Dam. The West has most of the largest dams, but there are numerous smaller facilities operating around the country. Most hydropower is produced at large facilities built by the Federal Government, such as the Grand Coulee Dam. The West has most of the largest dams, but there are numerous smaller facilities operating around the country.

Geothermal The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). So, geothermal energy is heat from within the Earth. We can recover this heat as steam or hot water and use it to heat buildings or generate electricity. The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). So, geothermal energy is heat from within the Earth. We can recover this heat as steam or hot water and use it to heat buildings or generate electricity.

Wind Wind is simply air in motion. It is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. Wind is simply air in motion. It is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun.

Solar