What is renewable and non-renewable energy?
In this article you can learn:
- What non-renewable energy is
- What renewable energy is
- Examples of different energy resources
This article is suitable for energy and sustainability topics for primary school learners.
Video - Renewable and non-renewable energy
In this short video, learn about the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy.
A lot of our energy comes from non-renewable sources such as coal, oil and gas. These resources are made up from the remains of ancient animals and plants that develop over millions and millions of years, deep beneath the ground into what we call fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are burned by power stations to produce electricity as well as in things like cars, planes, and steam trains.
But non-renewable resources generate harmful greenhouse gases that damage the habitats of animals and plants and contribute to global warming. And our increasing demand for energy means they won't last forever so we need to look for ways to make renewable and sustainable energy resources. For example, wind, solar and hydro energy. These are just some of the resources that are more friendly towards the environment. These renewable energy resources can quickly replenish themselves and can be used again and again.
What are the different types of energy?
There are two types of energy: renewable and non-renewable.
Non-renewable energy includes coal, gas and oil. Most cars, trains and planes use non-renewable energy. They all get the energy to move from burning fossil fuels to release the energy they contain. Once fossil fuels are burned they are gone - that's why they are non-renewable.
Renewable energy includes solar, hydro and wind energy. When the wind moves the blades on a wind turbine this movement can be converted into electrical energy that we can use. The wind is not used up - that's why it is renewable.
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