Renewable Resources

Renewable resources can be replaced. Solar energy is the result of nuclear fusion in the sun, where the combining of hydrogen atoms to form helium atoms gives off a tremendous amount of energy. Photosynthesis would not be possible without solar energy. Wind currents are used to push turbines. Geothermal energy results from immense heat deep below the earth’s surface. It can be used to make steam to drive turbines. Biomass is anything that was once alive: this includes wood, garbage, and material containing photosynthesized sugar. Waste-to-energy plants make useful energy from garbage. Methane is produced by decaying matter. Yeast and biomass make ethanol through the process of fermentation. Hydropower is the energy collected from running water. Because our water constantly flows through the water cycle, we have an infinite supply of hydropower.