We never think much about how the fan over your head works? Or how the light bulb shines? All these happen because of the presence of energy. Energy, the capability to perform tasks, is necessary for all such applications. Now, the question arises that where does this energy come from?

Numerous sources are present in the world to cater to the need for energy. Categorizing the various sources of energy helps in understanding them better. While coal and oil, which are finite resources, are called non-renewable sources of energy and solar power, hydel power, wind power, etc are known as renewable sources of energy.

Perhaps you have heard a lot about solar energy or hydel power. Do you know that the sun or running river or winds can be harnessed to generate power? And the idea is not something new. Wind power has been used to run windmills and navigate ships with sails as early as 4000-3500 B.C.

The advantage in using the renewable sources of energy is that they can be used again and again. The sun, the winds, the running rivers and streams, geothermal activity, bio-fuel, tidal energy and such other renewable sources of energy could be used as sources of energy without the fear of being exhausted.

The depleting non-renewable source of energy is an area of major concern in modern times. The reserves of fossil fuels coal and oil on earth are limited. With use, they would be exhausted in the future. Moreover, the use of fossil fuels also causes pollution and thus is not a good alternative if you are concerned about protecting the environment.

The preservation of the environment is the area where renewable sources of energy score over non-renewable ones. Burning of fossil fuels uses oxygen and causes the emission of harmful gases. Utilizing renewable sources of energy prevents these and does not harm the environment in any way.