Bioenergy

Bioenergy is derived from biomass resources, i.e., plant- or animal-based organic matter. To be truly sustainable, the use of bioenergy cannot lead to overall degradation of the natural environment or undermine people's abilities to meet their needs. Liquid biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, have been criticized for impacting food prices, deforestation and possibly increasing greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels. Learn more...

Earth Energy

Earth energy is the heat retained in the earth, groundwater and lakes throughout the year. Its constant temperature can be used to heat or cool air and water in buildings. Learn more...

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is the heat produced from naturally occurring steam and hot water trapped in reservoirs under the surface of the Earth (usually about 500 to 2,000 m below the surface). This heat can be used directly to heat homes or indirectly to generate electricity. Learn more...

Hydropower

The energy from falling water has been used in one form or another for thousands of years and is an extremely flexible source of energy that can provide both mechanical and electric energy (hydropower). A hydropower plant can respond quickly to demand by releasing more water; alternatively, it can reserve water when demand is low. Learn more...

Solar Energy

Solar energy comes to us from the sun as high intensity radiation (light energy). As it falls on the earth, it is transformed into heat by any surface or material and into organic materials through photosynthesis. This heat also drives the world's weather systems including wind, rain and river flow. This fundamental energy source can be used to provide heating, cooling and electric power. Learn more...

Tidal Power

Tidal power generates electricity by capturing the energy contained in moving water mass, i.e., tides, much the same way that hydro power plants capture energy from falling water. Learn more...

Wave Power

Wave power harnesses the energy of waves as they move toward a shoreline and converts it into electricity. Wave power devices derive energy directly from the waves themselves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface caused by the waves. Learn more...

Wind Energy

The energy from the wind can be harnessed to generate electricity or to provide mechanical energy to pump water. Since the early 1990s, the generation of electric power from the wind has increased dramatically all over the world as wind turbines have become an efficient and cost competitive technology. Learn more...