Renewable and Fossil Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that replenish naturally, such as wind, sunlight, flowing water, and heat from the Earth. Fossil fuels are finite and release much more carbon dioxide when burned.

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In the picture

Wind turbine: blades capture moving air to turn a generator.
Solar panel: glass and cells convert sunlight into electric current.
Dam and open gate: falling water spins turbines inside the concrete wall.
Oil pumpjack: a motorized beam lifts crude oil from underground.
Gas flame at a pipe mouth: burning methane releases heat and carbon dioxide.

Examples

A rooftop solar panel charging a home battery.
A petrol car refueling at a service station.

Key takeaways

Renewable sources are replenished by natural processes and produce little carbon dioxide during use.
Fossil fuels formed over millions of years and release stored carbon when burned.