Which statement about renewable energy is true?

Which statement about renewable energy is true?

• A. It is derived from a resource that can be replenished.
• B. It is always cheaper than fossil fuels.
• C. It cannot be stored.
• D. It relies on a constant supply.

Answer: (A)

Renewable energy comes from sources that replenish themselves naturally, so they can provide energy again and again without running out in a human lifetime. Sunlight, wind, flowing water, geothermal heat, and biomass are examples. That reboundability is what makes the statement about renewable energy being derived from a resource that can be replenished true. Costs are not fixed; whether renewables are cheaper than fossil fuels varies by technology, location, and market conditions, so it isn’t correct to claim they are always cheaper. Also, energy storage is possible for renewables—batteries, pumped hydro, and other methods allow energy to be saved for when generation isn’t available. Finally, many renewables don’t provide a constant supply on their own, since sunshine and wind aren’t constant; storage or backup sources are needed to maintain a steady supply.

Renewable energy comes from sources that replenish themselves naturally, so they can provide energy again and again without running out in a human lifetime. Sunlight, wind, flowing water, geothermal heat, and biomass are examples. That reboundability is what makes the statement about renewable energy being derived from a resource that can be replenished true.

Costs are not fixed; whether renewables are cheaper than fossil fuels varies by technology, location, and market conditions, so it isn’t correct to claim they are always cheaper. Also, energy storage is possible for renewables—batteries, pumped hydro, and other methods allow energy to be saved for when generation isn’t available. Finally, many renewables don’t provide a constant supply on their own, since sunshine and wind aren’t constant; storage or backup sources are needed to maintain a steady supply.