Learn more about renewable energy:
Renewable Energy: County Goals
Why is a Renewable Energy Transition Important?
Renewable Energy 101
Renewable Energy Financial Incentives
Solar Resources
Solar for Your Home
Solar for Your Business
Renewable Energy 101
Renewable energy refers to energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenishing and virtually inexhaustible over human timescales. Unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), which take millions of years to form and can be depleted, renewable energy sources are constantly available or can be naturally renewed in a short period.
Colorado has set ambitious renewable energy goals, with a target to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. The state portfolio heavily relies on wind and solar energy.
Types of Renewable Energy:
Solar Energy: harnessed from the sun’s rays using photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. Solar can be installed at the residential, commercial, and utility-scale level.
Wind Energy: generated by converting the kinetic energy of wind into electricity using wind turbines. Wind can be used on-shore and off-shore.
Hydropower: generates electricity from the movement of water, typically through dams built on rivers.
Geothermal Energy: heat that comes from beneath the Earth’s surface, either as steam or hot water, which can be used for heating or electricity generation. Geothermal can be used for the direct heating and cooling of buildings.
Biomass Energy: comes from organic materials, such as plants, wood, or agricultural and food waste, which can be burned or converted into biofuels.
Tidal and Wave Energy: harnesses the movement of tidal currents, while wave energy captures the motion of surface waves.
Hydrogen Energy: involves using hydrogen gas as a fuel source, which can be produced using renewable energy (electrolysis) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
