---
title: "Renewable Energy — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Renewable energy is replenished naturally at or near the rate of consumption (EK ENG-3.A.2). Learn the AP Enviro definition, examples, and the wood/biomass trap."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/renewable-energy"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Renewable Energy — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Renewable energy refers to energy sources that can be replenished naturally within a human lifetime. These sources include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.2 Global Energy Consumption](/ap-enviro/unit-6/global-energy-consumption/study-guide/OfQhtthGMOLHJHFwC3zo)
- [6.8 Solar Energy](/ap-enviro/unit-6/solar-energy/study-guide/QKqBTON96elPQUDDEkM7)
- [6.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources](/ap-enviro/unit-6/renewable-nonrenewable-resources/study-guide/WLwymwWnydiu1fqTWjNE)
- [6.12 Wind Energy](/ap-enviro/unit-6/wind-energy/study-guide/gNBzJpm1K0wINCGx9cM6)
- [6.3 Fuel Types and Uses](/ap-enviro/unit-6/fuel-types-uses/study-guide/gSCAb3LVL5rkRp2HrqFp)
- [5.11 Ecological Footprints](/ap-enviro/unit-5/ecological-footprints/study-guide/gySjChK7H3T0shEjuvku)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Solar power: Energy derived from sunlight using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal collectors.
- Wind power: Energy generated from wind turbines by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.
- [Hydropower](/ap-enviro/key-terms/hydropower): Electricity produced by harnessing the gravitational force of flowing or falling water.