Alternative energy

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Offshore wind turbines near Copenhagen

Alternative energy is a term used for some energy source that is an alternative to using fossil fuels. Generally, it indicates energies that are non-traditional and have low environmental impact. The term alternative is used to contrast with fossil fuels according to some sources, and some sources may use it interchangeably with renewable energy.

Definitions

Source	Definition
Oxford Dictionary	energy fueled in ways that do not use natural resources or harm the environment.^[1]
Princeton WordNet	energy derived from sources that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment.^[2]
Responding to Climate Change 2007	energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, wind).^[3]
Natural Resources Defense Council	energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound, such as solar or wind energy (as opposed to fossil fuels).^[4]
Materials Management Services	Fuel sources that are other than those derived from fossil fuels. Typically used interchangeably for renewable energy. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy.^[5]