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What is renewable and non-renewable energy?

In this article you can learn:

  • What non-renewable energy is
  • What renewable energy is
  • Examples of different energy resources

This article is suitable for energy and sustainability topics for primary school learners.

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Video - Renewable and non-renewable energy

In this short video, learn about the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy.

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What are the different types of energy?

There are two types of energy: renewable and non-renewable.

Non-renewable energy includes coal, gas and oil. Most cars, trains and planes use non-renewable energy. They all get the energy to move from burning fossil fuels to release the energy they contain. Once fossil fuels are burned they are gone - that's why they are non-renewable.

Renewable energy includes solar, hydro and wind energy. When the wind moves the blades on a wind turbine this movement can be converted into electrical energy that we can use. The wind is not used up - that's why it is renewable.

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