renewable energy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High
UK/rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈɛnədʒi/US/rɪˈnuːəbl ˈɛnərdʒi/

Formal to neutral; widely used in academic, technical, business, policy, and general media contexts.

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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.

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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

strong
invest intransition tosource ofgeneratepromotetarget forshare of
medium
cheapcleangreensustainabledomesticabundantreliable
weak
future ofdiscussion abouthope forargument for

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”

Strong

alternative energylow-carbon energy

Neutral

green energyclean energysustainable energy

Weak

natural energyeco-energy

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “renewable energy”

fossil fuel energynon-renewable energydirty energyconventional 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

Fill in the gap
Solar, wind, and hydropower are all examples of .
Multiple Choice

What is a key characteristic of renewable energy?