Renewable energy comes from a source that will not deplete. Two common examples of this type of energy are solar power and wind power. Geothermal power, hydropower, biomass, and tidal power are additional forms of renewable energy that produce power for our planet right now.
The primary advantage of renewable energy is that fewer potentially harmful emissions are released into the atmosphere. Although fossil fuels are used to create the products that allow for this power to be produced, most forms of renewable energy can become carbon neutral in 5 years or less.
The disadvantage of renewable energy is that it can be costly. Although wind power and solar power have become cost-competitive with coal-fired power and nuclear power in some communities, some forms are not cost-competitive globally yet when the cost per kilowatt hour is compared. In 2015, the lifetime cost per kilowatt hour of conventional coal was 9.5 cents, while the cost of offshore wind was 15.8 cents.
There are additional advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy to consider as well.
