What is renewable energy?

The basic definition of 'renewable sources' (as described in the Utilities Act 2000) is 'sources of energy other than fossil fuel or nuclear fuel...' These are:

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Energy

• biofuels (ie. all types of biomass, including the biodegradable fraction of energy from waste, landfill gas, sewage gas, agricultural and forestry residues, and energy crops)
• onshore and offshore wind
• water (hydro power, wave power and tidal energy)
• solar energy (both active and passive solar heating as well as photovoltaics); and
• geothermal energy.

All these are renewable because the source of fuel is limitless and does not increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Although burning biofuels does produce carbon dioxide they are considered 'carbon neutral' because all of the carbon dioxide released is simply the carbon dioxide absorbed during the plants or animals lifetime. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere which has up until that point had safely locked up for millions of years underground. Nuclear isn't considered renewable as it uses material which is not limitless.