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

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

Big Tech companies may increasingly also pursue alternative energy sources as well.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 17, 2026

And some of the carbon-free alternative energy sources that could meet their power needs are deeply controversial among environmentalists.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

WASHINGTON—The head of one of the biggest oil companies in the world has his eye on expanding a variety of alternative energy sources.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 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