Quali sono le energie rinnovabili - Enel Energia
Energia solare; · Energia eolica; · Energia geotermica; · Energia idroelettrica; · Energia da biomassa.
inesauribili
Le energie rinnovabili sono ricavate da risorse naturali e <anchor>inesauribili</anchor>, poiché capaci di auto-rigenerarsi in continuazione. Queste fonti rappresentano un enorme vantaggio sia per la salvaguardia dell’ambiente, che per la salute dell’uomo e vengono utilizzate per la produzione di elettricità in alternativa ai combustibili fossili.
Renewable Energy | Union of Concerned Scientists
Renewable Energy \| Union of Concerned Scientists [Skip to main content](#main-content)

×

SearchSearch

[Our Science Emergency Fund is now LIVE. Your gift is urgently needed!](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/09-2024-september-web?MS=sef-overhang)

## Utility Menu

- [About](/about) toggle  - [Accomplishments](/about/accomplishments)
  - [Funding & Financials](/about/funding-financials)
  - [Mission & Values](/about/mission-values)
  - [Ways to Give](/about/ways-give)
  - [History](/about/history)
  - [Regional Work](/about/regional-work)
  - [Programs](/about/programs)
  - [People](/about/people)
  - [Racial Equity](/about/racial-equity)
  - [Jobs](/about/jobs)
  - [Media Center](/about/news)
- [Take Action](/take-action) toggle  - [Climate Accountability](/take-action/climate-accountability)
  - [Climate Campaign for the Future](/take-action/climate-campaign-future)
  - [Power Ahead](/take-action/power-ahead)
  - [Transforming Transportation](/take-action/transforming-transportation)
  - [Preventing Nuclear War](/take-action/preventing-nuclear-war)
  - [Healthy Food and Farms](/take-action/healthy-food-and-farms)
  - [A Healthier Democracy](/take-action/healthier-democracy)
  - [Science Forward](/take-action/science-forward)
- [Science Network](/science-network) toggle  - [Be a Science Advocate](/science-network/be-science-advocate)
  - [Build Skills](/science-network/build-skills)
  - [Connect](/science-network/connect-with-science-network)
- [Reports & Multimedia](/resources)

[en español](https://es.ucsusa.org) [Search](/search) [Donate](http://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=topnav)

[Donate](http://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=topnav) +[Donate now](http://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=topnav) [Renew](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/X4d_KofrBEWDRO3-p9U8-g2?MS=topnav) [Become a member](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/UTzgs8R_NUmst2iZobkSmg2?MS=topnav) [Give monthly](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/monthlygiving?MS=topnav) [Gift memberships](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/LA5-XXhFGUKJjpKyRFvQcw2?MS=topnav) [Gifts in honor & memory](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/6TtUU7KYKkKm07SkWzm_Yw2?MS=topnav) [More ways to give](/about/ways-give)

**88%**
of funds go directly to programs


[Home](/ "Home")

[Climate](/climate)

[Report\
\
![Flooded Scituate, MA Harbor Coast Guard Station](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-06/ScituateHarbor-SLR-Coastal-Deadlines-Thumb.jpg?itok=KaLDGflX)](/resources/looming-deadlines-coastal-resilience)

### [Looming Deadlines for Coastal Resilience](/resources/looming-deadlines-coastal-resilience)

Between now and 2050, climate change–driven sea level rise will expose more than 1,600 critical buildings and services to disruptive flooding at least twice per year.

## Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most devastating problems humanity has ever faced—and the clock is running out.

[Learn more about Climate](/climate)

- [Impacts](/climate/impacts)
- [Science](/climate/science)
- [Accountability](/climate/accountability)
- [Solutions](/climate/solutions)

### [Call on Congress to invest in affordable climate resilient housing.](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2024-congress-invest-affordable-climate-resilient-housing)

[Send Letter](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2024-congress-invest-affordable-climate-resilient-housing)

[Energy](/energy)

[Report\
\
![A figure labeled "Generation Failures by Fules Type During Five Extreme Winter Storms" showing that gas plants accounted for most of the failed capacity in five recent extreme winter weather events.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-01/Fig1_web-01.jpg?itok=7DwtLfkW)](/resources/gas-malfunction)

### [Gas Malfunction](/resources/gas-malfunction)

The United States is overly reliant on gas plants—and extreme weather is causing them to fail at alarming rates.

## Energy

The energy choices we make today could make or break our ability to fight climate change.

[Learn more about Energy](/energy)

- [Renewable Energy](/energy/renewable-energy)
- [Nuclear Power](/energy/nuclear-power)
- [Fossil Fuels](/energy/fossil-fuels)
- [Solutions](/energy/solutions)

### [Demand power plant outage information be made public.](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2023-power-outage-public-info)

[Act Now](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2023-power-outage-public-info)

[Transportation](/transportation)

[Report\
\
![Semi truck driving away from mountains in Colorado](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2023-11/semi-truck-snowy-mtns-bkrd.jpg?itok=KlwP75EA)](/resources/hydrogen-powered-heavy-duty-trucks)

### [Hydrogen-Powered Heavy-Duty Trucks](/resources/hydrogen-powered-heavy-duty-trucks)

Is investing in hydrogen-powered trucks as a solution for addressing emissions and other air pollutants from heavy-duty vehicles a good idea?

## Transportation

Our transportation system is outdated and broken—and it needs to change.

[Learn more about Transportation](/transportation)

- [Technologies](/transportation/technologies)
- [Oil](/transportation/oil)
- [Solutions](/transportation/solutions)

### [Don't let Congress roll back decades-long progress on vehicle emissions.](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2024-dont-let-congress-roll-back-progress-vehicle-emissions)

[Send Letter](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2024-dont-let-congress-roll-back-progress-vehicle-emissions)

[Food](/food)

[Report\
\
![photo of a PVC pipe disgorging a high volume of greenish-brown wastewater into a body of freshwater](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/wastewater_scaled.png?itok=dQ_Vd27M)](/resources/waste-deep)

### [Waste Deep](/resources/waste-deep)

Water pollutants from Tyson Foods' meat processing plants pose a risk to both people and the environment.

## Food and Farms

The US food system should be providing healthy, sustainable food for everyone. Why isn’t it?

[Learn more about Food](/food)

- [Sustainable Agriculture](/food/sustainable-agriculture)
- [Healthy Food](/food/healthy-food)
- [Food Justice](/food/food-justice)
- [Solutions](/food/solutions)

### [The farm bill must center communities, not corporations.](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2024-farm-bill-for-communities-not-corporations)

[Take Action](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2024-farm-bill-for-communities-not-corporations)

[Nuclear Weapons](/nuclear-weapons)

[Video\
\
![Illustration of a hypersonic missile entering its glide phase](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021-05/hypersonics-video-screenshot.jpg?itok=PMIuRTTl)](/resources/hypersonic-missile-myths)

### [Hypersonic Missile Myths](/resources/hypersonic-missile-myths)

There's a lot more hype than new technology when it comes to these expensive weapons.

## Nuclear Weapons

They’re the most dangerous invention the world has ever seen. Can we prevent them from being used again?

[Learn more about Nuclear Weapons](/nuclear-weapons)

- [Justice](/nuclear-weapons/justice)
- [Worldwide](/nuclear-weapons/worldwide)
- [Missile Defense](/nuclear-weapons/missile-defense)
- [Solutions](/nuclear-weapons/solutions)

### [Prevent nuclear war: Urge Congress to reform US nuclear weapons policy.](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2023-support-house-res-77)

[Act Now](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2023-support-house-res-77)

[Science & Democracy](/science-democracy)

[Activist Resource\
\
![A voting sign](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2021-08/voting-sign.jpeg?itok=-OQ7b7CM)](/resources/2024-csd-election-science-task-force)

### [2024 CSD Election Science Task Force](/resources/2024-csd-election-science-task-force)

We've assembled an Election Science Task Force, who are actively working to make our electoral system as representative and reflective of our society as it can be.

## Science and Democracy

Democracy and science can be powerful partners for the public good—and both are under attack.

[Learn more about Science & Democracy](/science-democracy)

- [Independent Science](/science-democracy/independent-science)
- [Evidence-Based Decisions](/science-democracy/evidence-based-decisions)
- [A Healthier Democracy](/science-democracy/healthier-democracy)

### [Help strengthen scientific integrity at federal agencies.](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2023-agency-scientific-integirity)

[Take Action](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/2023-agency-scientific-integirity)

[Take Action](/take-action) [Search](/search) [Donate](http://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=topnav)

[Donate](http://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=topnav) +[Donate now](http://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=topnav) [Renew](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/X4d_KofrBEWDRO3-p9U8-g2?MS=topnav) [Become a member](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/UTzgs8R_NUmst2iZobkSmg2?MS=topnav) [Give monthly](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/partners?MS=topnav) [Gift memberships](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/LA5-XXhFGUKJjpKyRFvQcw2?MS=topnav) [Gifts in honor & memory](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/6TtUU7KYKkKm07SkWzm_Yw2?MS=topnav) [More ways to give](https://www.ucsusa.org/about/ways-give)

**88%**
of funds go directly to programs


[Menu](#mobile-menu-takeover)

Close×

## Main Menu

- [Climate](/climate) toggle  - [Impacts](/climate/impacts)
  - [Science](/climate/science)
  - [Accountability](/climate/accountability)
  - [Solutions](/climate/solutions)
- [Energy](/energy) toggle  - [Renewable Energy](/energy/renewable-energy)
  - [Nuclear Power](/energy/nuclear-power)
  - [Fossil Fuels](/energy/fossil-fuels)
  - [Solutions](/energy/solutions)
- [Transportation](/transportation) toggle  - [Technologies](/transportation/technologies)
  - [Oil](/transportation/oil)
  - [Solutions](/transportation/solutions)
- [Food](/food) toggle  - [Sustainable Agriculture](/food/sustainable-agriculture)
  - [Healthy Food](/food/healthy-food)
  - [Food Justice](/food/food-justice)
  - [Solutions](/food/solutions)
- [Nuclear Weapons](/nuclear-weapons) toggle  - [Justice](/nuclear-weapons/justice)
  - [Worldwide](/nuclear-weapons/worldwide)
  - [Missile Defense](/nuclear-weapons/missile-defense)
  - [Solutions](/nuclear-weapons/solutions)
- [Science & Democracy](/science-democracy) toggle  - [Independent Science](/science-democracy/independent-science)
  - [Evidence-Based Decisions](/science-democracy/evidence-based-decisions)
  - [A Healthier Democracy](/science-democracy/healthier-democracy)

## Utility Menu

- [About](/about) toggle  - [Accomplishments](/about/accomplishments)
  - [Funding & Financials](/about/funding-financials)
  - [Mission & Values](/about/mission-values)
  - [Ways to Give](/about/ways-give)
  - [History](/about/history)
  - [Regional Work](/about/regional-work)
  - [Programs](/about/programs)
  - [People](/about/people)
  - [Racial Equity](/about/racial-equity)
  - [Jobs](/about/jobs)
  - [Media Center](/about/news)
- [Take Action](/take-action) toggle  - [Climate Accountability](/take-action/climate-accountability)
  - [Climate Campaign for the Future](/take-action/climate-campaign-future)
  - [Power Ahead](/take-action/power-ahead)
  - [Transforming Transportation](/take-action/transforming-transportation)
  - [Preventing Nuclear War](/take-action/preventing-nuclear-war)
  - [Healthy Food and Farms](/take-action/healthy-food-and-farms)
  - [A Healthier Democracy](/take-action/healthier-democracy)
  - [Science Forward](/take-action/science-forward)
- [Science Network](/science-network) toggle  - [Be a Science Advocate](/science-network/be-science-advocate)
  - [Build Skills](/science-network/build-skills)
  - [Connect](/science-network/connect-with-science-network)
- [Reports & Multimedia](/resources)

![Two workers carrying a solar panel across a rooftop.](https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-09/Workers%20Carrying%20Panel%20GettyImages-2144072754.jpg?itok=kmkscBfl)

Westend61/Getty Images

[Energy](/energy)

# Renewable Energy

Unlimited resources. Little or no pollution.

Table of Contents

Unlimited resources. Little or no pollution.

4 million

US households with rooftop solar

The movement of wind and water, the heat and light of the sun, the carbohydrates in plants, and the warmth in the Earth—all are energy sources that can supply our needs in a sustainable way.

A variety of technologies are used to convert these renewable resources into electricity. Each comes with its own unique set of benefits and challenges; collectively, they represent our best hope in the fight against climate change.

[![A road winding through wind turbines](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2023-11/wind-road-thumbnail.jpg?itok=0_ZcWM_K)](/resources/accelerating-clean-energy-ambition)

Report

### [Accelerating Clean Energy Ambition](/resources/accelerating-clean-energy-ambition)

With concerted action, the US can meet its climate goals—and see huge benefits to the economy and public health.

Solar

## Solar power

[Explainer\
\
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/energy-renewable-solar-sun-close-up.jpg?itok=ox8MdTQG)](/resources/how-solar-energy-works)

### [How Solar Energy Works](/resources/how-solar-energy-works)

A comprehensive overview of solar power technologies, benefits, costs, and more from the Union of Concerned Scientists, including rooftop solar panels, large-scale solar power plants, and how solar panels work.

Solar energy—power from the sun—is a vast and inexhaustible resource that can supply a significant portion of global electricity needs. In the United States, over two million households already have solar panels on their roof; utilities and companies across the country are also investing in solar farms to capture the sun’s energy at a larger scale.

Solar power is essentially carbon-free. A small amount of pollution is created during the manufacturing process, and disposal is an ongoing challenge; however, the fuel used (the sun) is free, is plentiful, and doesn't pollute.

Wind

## Wind power

[Explainer\
\
![Two people working on a wind turbine blade.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/energy-wind-turbine-blade.jpg?itok=uzaKSqP7)](/resources/how-wind-energy-works)

### [How Wind Energy Works](/resources/how-wind-energy-works)

Harnessing the wind is one of the cleanest, most sustainable ways to generate electricity.

Wind turbines harness air currents and convert them to emissions-free power. Plentiful and inexhaustible in the United States and around the world, wind power is one of the fastest growing renewable technologies and has the potential to provide a significant portion of our electricity needs.

Currently, wind provides a relatively small percentage of US power, though it’s expected to grow as more utilities invest in wind farms, and as offshore wind—wind turbines located in the ocean—becomes more common.

Storage

## Energy storage

[Explainer\
\
![A closeup of battery technology](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/energy-battery-energy-storage-advanced-li-ion-batteries.jpg?itok=sXBCIYVl)](/resources/how-energy-storage-works)

### [How Energy Storage Works](/resources/how-energy-storage-works)

One of the keys to achieving high levels of renewable energy on the grid is the ability to store electricity and use it at a later time.

While not a source of energy itself, energy storage technology is a critical component for creating a low-carbon electricity system. The technology takes various forms—older facilities use pumped water, while newer systems deploy lithium-ion batteries—but the fundamental goal is always the same: storing electricity to use later.

Just as the invention of refrigeration changed how people consumed food—allowing them to store it before eating—energy storage can revolutionize how we use energy. It lets us produce clean energy when it’s cheapest, store it, and put it back into the electricity grid when needed. Using storage in conjunction with solar and wind energy helps ensure that power is available even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

In the United States, large-scale storage operations are still relatively rare. But as the amount of wind and solar grows—and the number of coal plants drops—storage will become ever more important for an [efficient and clean grid](https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/federal-support-electricity-storage-solutions).

Other

## Other technologies

Renewable energy isn’t just limited to the sun or wind. Geothermal plants gather heat from the earth to generate steam and produce electricity. Hydroelectric dams exploit the movement of water to turn turbines. New hydrokinetic technologies harness the power of ocean’s currents and tides. And bioenergy—the burning of biomass to generate power—may offer a sustainable use for crops and waste wood.

The key thing tying all of these technologies together is their ability to create electricity with minimal harmful side-effects. The alternatives—fossil fuels—are neither sustainable nor safe.

[![Houses with solar on their roofs](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2022-04/100-re-thumbnail.jpg?itok=ZZ4jDxFe)](/resources/road-100-percent-renewables)

Report

### [On the Road to 100 Percent Renewables](/resources/road-100-percent-renewables)

States can reliably meet 100 percent of their electricity needs with renewable energy.

## Related resources

[Activist Resource\
\
![A group of people marching with a sign that reads "Solar power to the people."](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-09/ce-solutions-header.jpg?itok=ev4xZ8rj)](/resources/electric-utility-toolkit)

### [The Electric Utility Toolkit](/resources/electric-utility-toolkit)

A set of resources and ideas for making a more just and inclusive power grid.

[Report\
\
![Proximity of power stations to EJ neighborhoods.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/generators-proximity-thumbnail.jpg?itok=AXSEWFRp)](/resources/siting-cleaner-more-equitable-grid-massachusetts)

### [Siting for a Cleaner, More Equitable Grid in Massachusetts](/resources/siting-cleaner-more-equitable-grid-massachusetts)

Deciding where new energy infrastructure is built is a crucial consideration for the clean energy transition.

[Report\
\
![Electric power substation](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/1500-900-power-grid.jpg?itok=iSSrKSn_)](/resources/barriers-and-solutions-building-clean-energy-california)

### [Barriers and Solutions to Building Clean Energy in California](/resources/barriers-and-solutions-building-clean-energy-california)

For California to achieve its 2045 clean energy goals, it needs to roughly triple its clean energy capacity.

[Report\
\
![A road winding through wind turbines](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2023-11/wind-road-thumbnail.jpg?itok=0_ZcWM_K)](/resources/accelerating-clean-energy-ambition)

### [Accelerating Clean Energy Ambition](/resources/accelerating-clean-energy-ambition)

With concerted action, the US can meet its climate goals—and see huge benefits to the economy and public health.

[See all](/resources)

**Get email updates**

Sign up for updates from [UCS](https://forms.ucsusa.org/contact); unsubscribe at any time.

**Get text alerts**

[Text "SCIENCE" to 67369](sms:662266;?&body=SCIENCE) or [sign up online](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/vjfJ0O5BC0KMyD3Emh_gwQ2?ms=footer).[Sign up](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/vjfJ0O5BC0KMyD3Emh_gwQ2?ms=footer) or text "SCIENCE" to 67369.Receive urgent alerts about opportunities to defend science. Recurring messages. Reply STOP to cancel. Msg & data rates may apply. [Terms, Conditions, and Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy#toc-text-messaging).

### Support our work

$25$50$100$250$1000Other

Make it monthly[Donate](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=footer "Donate Online")

![Say it with science.](/sites/default/files/2019-10/store-promo-small.png)[Visit the store](https://store.ucsusa.org)

[Listen to the podcast](/science-jess-phoenix-podcast)

[View the blog](https://blog.ucsusa.org)

## Footer

- [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)
- [State Disclosures](/state-disclosures)
- [FAQ](/faq)
- [Media Center](/about/news)
- [Jobs](/about/jobs)
- [Contact](/contact)

© Union of Concerned ScientistsWe are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.2 Brattle Square, Cambridge MA 02138, USA(617) 547-5552

[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/unionofconcernedscientists) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/UCSUSA) [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/ConcernedScientists) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/unionofconcernedscientists)

Close×

![Science Emergency Fund](https://support.ucsusa.org/assets/SEF_gold_black_bg.svg)

### Your gift is needed!

**Goal: 1,200 gifts by Tuesday, October 1**

Anti-climate judges and politicians are helping corporate polluters sideline science and roll back key, science-based environmental policies and laws. We need your support to fight harder. **Make a gift to our brand new Science Emergency Fund today.**

[I'm ready to make a gift](https://secure.ucsusa.org/a/09-2024-september-web?MS=HPfloat)

[Tell me more](https://support.ucsusa.org/more)

We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing, you accept our use of cookies. [Learn more](/about/ucs-privacy-statement.html).

I accept

Close×

### Support our work

$25$50$100$250$1000Other

Make it monthly[Donate](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/dR5QqmX2uUCLCFD1KkVEzg2?MS=takeover "Donate Online")

### Other ways to give

- [Renew](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/X4d_KofrBEWDRO3-p9U8-g2?MS=takeover)
- [Honor & memory](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/6TtUU7KYKkKm07SkWzm_Yw2?MS=takeover)
- [Become a member](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/UTzgs8R_NUmst2iZobkSmg2?MS=takeover)
- [Give monthly](https://partners.ucsusa.org/donation.php)
- [Make a planned gift](https://legacy.ucsusa.org/)
- [Gift memberships](https://secure.ucsusa.org/onlineactions/LA5-XXhFGUKJjpKyRFvQcw2?MS=takeover)

[More ways to give](/about/ways-give)

### Your donation at work

**87%** of funds go directly to programs