Sustainable Energy & Environmental Expo


Mark Your Calendar -April 23, 2011!

Energy for the Environment - What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from sun, water, wind, biomass and geothermal sources. These energy sources are called renewable because they are constantly being replenished. Unlike nonrenewable energy sources such as coal, and oil, they will never run out. Renewable resources bring us energy in ways that are cleaner and less damaging to our environment.

Hydropower is the world's leading renewable resource for generating electricity. This clean and affordable source of power continues to be the backbone of a strong Northwest economy, supplying half of our electricity. Hydropower enables the development of the region's wind energy resource, because it can respond immediately to fluctuating energy demand and the intermittent nature of wind.

Other renewable energy sources including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal power have assumed an important part of the energy portfolios of Northwest utilities, and Franklin PUD. There is a growing sense that we must increase our use of renewable energy. Renewable resources provide a source of diversity to a utility's power portfolio, which is crucial in properly managing risk.