Which of the following best describes renewable energy?

Renewable energy is best described as energy obtained from naturally replenished resources. This definition highlights the essential characteristic of renewable energy sources, which is their ability to be replenished over a relatively short time frame compared to fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form. Sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy harness processes that occur naturally in the environment and can be continuously replenished without depleting the Earth's resources.

In contrast, energy derived from fossil fuels involves the burning of resources like coal, oil, and natural gas, which are finite and contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Similarly, while energy generated from nuclear reactors is a low-emission form of electricity production, it relies on uranium, a non-renewable resource. Lastly, while burning biomass is technically a renewable resource when managed sustainably, it is often associated with emissions that contribute to climate change. Thus, option B encompasses the most comprehensive view of renewable energy by focusing on sources that are routinely available and sustainable.