Renewable and non renewable energy

Renewable energy 

Renewable energy can be used over and over again without running out.  For example, the wind blows, the water in rivers flow and the sun shines all the time.

The wind blows over the land and sea, moving boats, windmills and wind turbines.  Wind turbines can make electricity.

Water falls as rain onto the hills.  The water runs downhill, filling rivers and streams.  This flowing water can turn a waterwheel which can be used in a mill to grind flour.  Hydro-power stations on rivers can use the energy from flowing water to turn turbines to make electricity. 

The sun shines on plants and makes them grow.  It gives us some of the light and heat in our homes.  Solar panels can be used to turn the sun’s energy into electricity. 

Renewable energy does not give off smoke and dirt, it’s a clean energy.

Non-renewable energy

Peat, coal, gas and oil are non-renewable energy resources.  They take millions of years to form and when they run out, they cannot be replaced.  They are called fossil fuels.

When we use fossil fuels to produce energy, they give off smoke and dirt into the environment.  Using fossil fuels also causes global warming.

Next: How do we use energy?