All explainers
Explainer
Large-Scale PV
Learn how utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants provide carbon-free electricity.
Explainer
How Solar Panels Work
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are based on a high-tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity.
Explainer
Nuclear Power Cost
Nuclear power in the United States has consistently cost far more than expected, with taxpayers and ratepayers forced to pick up the tab.
Explainer
How Do Plug-in Hybrid Electric Cars Work?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery.
Explainer
How Biopower Works
Biomass (plant material and animal waste) is the oldest source of renewable energy, used since our ancestors learned the secret of fire.
Explainer
Sustainable Groundwater Management in California
Resource center for effective implementation of California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the first-ever statewide requirement for groundwater management.
Explainer
Soybeans
A hugely valuable crop with many uses, from animal feed to biofuels, soybeans also have an unfortunate by-product: tropical deforestation.
Explainer
The Solar Resource
Solar energy—power from the sun—is a vast, inexhaustible, and clean resource
Explainer
What is Oil Shale?
Oil shale is a dirty and expensive source of unconventional oil.
Explainer
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Oil Use
Over a quarter of the oil consumed in the United States is used in our homes, businesses, and industries.
Explainer
Smart Growth
A better, smarter way to live.
Explainer
Plane, Train, and Ship Fuel Efficiency
Planes, trains, and ships all use huge amounts of oil. We can do better.