renewable energy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal to neutral; widely used in academic, technical, business, policy, and general media contexts.
Quick answer
What does “renewable energy” mean?
Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
A category of energy production and technology focused on harnessing naturally recurring flows of energy, often contrasted with finite fossil fuels. It also represents a sector of the economy, a policy goal, and an environmental movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in 'renewable energy centre/center').
Connotations
Similar strong association with climate policy, sustainability, and technological innovation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties due to global discourse on climate change and energy policy.
Grammar
How to Use “renewable energy” in a Sentence
[Country/Company] is investing heavily in renewable energy.The government has set a target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.Solar and wind are the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “renewable energy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council aims to renewable the city's energy supply by 2040.
- We need to renewable our national grid infrastructure.
American English
- The company plans to renewable its power sources within the decade.
- The state is working to renewable its energy portfolio.
adverb
British English
- The country is moving renewably towards its targets.
- They decided to power the facility renewably.
American English
- The town is powered renewably by a local wind farm.
- The data centre aims to operate renewably.
adjective
British English
- They installed a renewable energy system.
- The renewable energy sector is creating new jobs.
American English
- She works in renewable energy policy.
- We need more renewable energy projects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market sectors, investment opportunities, and corporate sustainability strategies.
Academic
Discussed in environmental science, engineering, economics, and policy studies.
Everyday
Used when talking about home solar panels, electricity bills, or climate change.
Technical
Specifies technologies (PV, wind turbines), grid integration, capacity factors, and LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “renewable energy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “renewable energy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “renewable energy”
- Using 'renewable' as a countable noun for a single source (e.g., 'a renewable' is rare; prefer 'a renewable source').
- Misspelling as 'renewible'.
- Confusing 'renewable energy' with 'energy efficiency'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, nuclear energy is typically classified as a low-carbon or alternative energy source, but not renewable, as it relies on finite mined uranium (though breeder reactors could change this).
Globally, hydropower has historically been the largest source, but wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) are now the fastest-growing and are becoming dominant in new capacity additions.
Some, like geothermal or biomass, can. Intermittent sources like solar and wind require complementary solutions like energy storage (batteries), other renewable sources, or grid connections to provide continuous power.
It is crucial for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security by using domestic sources, reducing air pollution, and in many cases, providing cost-effective energy over the long term.
Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
Renewable energy is usually formal to neutral; widely used in academic, technical, business, policy, and general media contexts. in register.
Renewable energy: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈɛnədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈnuːəbl ˈɛnərdʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The winds of change are blowing towards renewable energy.”
- “Harnessing the power of nature.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'renew' + 'able' = energy we can renew naturally, unlike coal or oil which run out.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY IS A RESOURCE THAT CAN BE RE-FILLED (vs. a tank being emptied).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of renewable energy?