any naturally occurring, theoretically inexhaustible source of energy, as biomass, solar, wind, tidal, wave, and hydroelectric power, that is not derived from fossil or nuclear fuel.
Also called soft energy.
Origin
1970-75
Examples from the web for renewable energy
Following the collapse of the ballyhooed solar firm, these are dark times for renewable energy.
renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, generate power without depleting natural resources in the process.
Scientists say they have produced clean, renewable energy from the contents of a cow's stomach.
Waterpower remains the nation's largest source of clean, domestically produced, renewable energy.
Hydropower plants are a popular renewable energy outlet.
Switching to renewable energy can be a challenge, but it is possible.
Although nuclear energy is often held up as a viable alternative to coal and oil, it is not a renewable energy source.
As a renewable energy, pig oil has great environmental benefits.
Wind is a clean source of renewable energy that produces no air or water pollution.
And it has pledged to spend two percent of its national income on renewable energy deployment in the country.
British Dictionary definitions for renewable energy