Technology · Definition

Renewable energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, including sunlight, wind, moving water, geothermal heat, and biomass.

In plain languageEnergy from sources that are naturally replenished, including sunlight, wind, moving water, geothermal heat, and biomass.
Category
Technology
Primary reference
U.S. Energy Information Administration

Why it matters

How this term helps you read grid data

Renewable capacity and renewable generation answer different questions. Storage is generally tracked separately because it shifts energy produced elsewhere.

Example

Renewable energy in practice

A state's renewable capacity share can be high even when its annual renewable generation share differs.

Reference

Check the primary source

US Grid Explorer paraphrases agency terminology for clarity. Consult the agency reference for formal definitions and current regulatory usage.

U.S. Energy Information Administration →
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