The primary distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy resources lies in their rate of replenishment and environmental impact. Below is a comparison of these two types of energy resources:
| Renewable Resources | Non-Renewable Resources |
|---|---|
| These resources can be replenished naturally over a short period. They are inexhaustible. | These resources are available in finite quantities and are exhausted upon use. They take millions of years to form. |
| They are generally environmentally friendly and do not cause significant pollution. They are often called "clean energy". | Their combustion releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, leading to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change. |
| Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass. | Examples include fossil fuels like coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas, as well as nuclear fuels like uranium. |