What are renewable resources?

Renewable resources are resources that are replenished naturally or with human intervention. Some of the more known are sunlight, water, and wind. Renewable resources are good because they don’t produce greenhouse gas emissions when burned for energy. They are most commonly used in the electricity sector and make up around 30% of the world’s electricity.

Sunlight is one of the most abundant and cleanest renewable resource available on Earth. Solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. The electricity can then be used to fuel whatever it is plugged into or it can be stored in batteries for later use. In total, solar energy makes up at 3.6% of the global electricity generation. Solar energy is used to generate electricity, heat water or homes, and light homes. China produces the most solar energy in the world with 392 GW.

Hydro power uses water to generate electricity. Dams are built over a river or area with running water to make electricity. Water flows down a pipe known as the penstock and spins blades inside a turbine. Hydropower produces around 17% of the world’s electricity. Hydropower energy is used to power industries, homes, and businesses. The country that produces the most hydropower energy is China.

Wind power makes up around 6.59% of worldwide electricity generation. Wind turns the turbine’s propeller-like blades around a rotor which spins a generator, creating electricity. Wind energy is used for generating electricity, pumping water, and grinding grain. China also produces the most wind energy in the world.