alternative energy

American  

noun

1. energy, as solar, wind, or nuclear energy, that can replace or supplement traditional fossil-fuel sources, as coal, oil, and natural gas.

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alternative energy British  

noun

1. Also called: renewable energy.  a form of energy derived from a natural source, such as the sun, wind, tides, or waves

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Etymology

Origin of alternative energy

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

That partly reflects changes in the economy, such as more energy-efficient machinery and cars, a greater stock of oil supplies and a broader range of alternative energy sources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

In Texas, solar power peaked on Monday at 25 gigawatts, wind at 18, and batteries discharged over 7 gigawatts, according to the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, an industry group for alternative energy sources.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

And at least globally, demands for power from data centers will mean harnessing alternative energy sources, where silver has been playing a major role.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

It was all too familiar: the rapidly increasing energy demands of A.I., the need for alternative energy sources, and launching data centers into the sky to harvest energy from the sun.

From Slate • Nov. 22, 2025

The Energy Security Act also provides significant incentives for the development of gasohol and biomass fuels, thereby enhancing the nation's supply of alternative energy sources.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy