They take natural processes such as sunlight, water, and wind into account to generate electricity, and that is really what is special about renewable energy. Solar energy, wind power, hydropower for generating electricity from water and rivers down to oceans (including waves) geothermal energy is the heat energy from Earth, and biomass includes fuel such as wood or sugar cane materials. All are forms of renewable resources. The purpose of these power sources is to turn the abundant and naturally renewable energy from the sun, wind, water, earth's own heat and living things like plants or animals into usable energy. The technological details differ from one form of renewable energy to another. But each generally involves advanced materials, smart controls and energy storage systems to maximize efficiency. Take solar panels, for example. They are made of photovoltaic cells that turn sunlight directly into electricity. Wind turbines use blades to capture wind power and at that moment the power can be turned into electrical power. Renewable power can be used in ways other than simply providing electricity, and its uses range from residential and commercial power supplies to large-scale utility generation and distribution; for an environmentally friendly energy future.