Renewable Energy

The renewable energy sources, derived from the power of the sun’s radiation, are at once the most ancient and the most modern forms of energy used by humanity.

Renewable energy can be defined as ‘energy obtained from the continuos or repetitive currents of energy recurring in the natural environment’ (Twidell and Weir, 1986). Or as ‘energy flows which are replenished at the same rate as they are “used”‘ (Sorensen, 2000).

All forms of renewable energy are derived indirectly from the sun. Wind energy is generated by the sun producing differences in the temperature of air. The Sun allows biomass growth. Fossil fuels hold energy accumulated in plants, which have then decomposed into peat or coal. Waves are formed by the impact of wind on the surface of the water and the tide is controlled by the gravitational fields of the earth, moon and sun.