Later, the Egyptians invented sails and used the wind to propel their boats, and the Dutch learned to harness the wind to provide power for pumping water out of diked areas that provided protection for their coastal communities. Potential of Renewable Energy Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources, the sun and wind are renewable sources that provide an endless supply of energy. Although solar and wind power will not replace fossil fuels as primary sources of energy, they can extend the long term availability of existing fossil fuels. With technologies for converting sunlight and wind power into electricity continuing to advance, related costs will decline. Continued development and demand from customers for renewable energy generation are also helping decrease costs.
Renewable energy makes good environmental sense.
Wind and solar power are clean sources of electrical energy although both can have some environmental impacts. Preliminary site research and testing, however, serve to minimize concerns about aesthetics and the effects on wildlife when a potential area for production is identified.