How Does Renewable Energy Work, Anyway?

Posted by Focus on Arts and Ecology on - -

Dear Jon,

We all know that renewable energy is one of the best tools in our arsenal to fight the climate crisis. By making the shift from dirty fossil fuels to clean energy, we can build the healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future we all deserve.

But have you ever wondered how these powerful sources of energy actually work?

To help you stay in the know, we simplified the science behind wind, solar, and geothermal power. We wanted you to have the facts, so you can help power the renewable revolution by spreading the good word.

HOW DOES WIND ENERGY WORK, EXACTLY?

Did you know there are actually two types of turbines? Horizontal-axis and vertical-axis turbines. A vertical-axis turbine kind of looks like an eggbeater, but you’re probably much more familiar with horizontal-axis wind turbines.

GET THE BREAKDOWN →

AND WHAT ABOUT SOLAR POWER?

More energy from the sun strikes the Earth in an hour than all of humanity uses in a year. When it comes to energy, solar might be the closest thing to free money out there.

GET THE FACTS →

NOW, TELL ME MORE ABOUT GEOTHERMAL.

When we talk about “geothermal,” we’re talking about tapping into the heat energy contained in the rock and waters of the Earth's crust. Geothermal energy takes these natural functions and puts them to great use heating homes and creating electricity.