This chapter discusses renewable energy sources (other than wind energy) used for electricity generation and non‐renewable sources of electric generation. Factors relevant to environmental and economic impacts are considered in hopes of presenting an “apples‐to‐apples” comparison. Hydroelectric generation is considered a renewable resource and has no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Solar energy is one of the most environmentally benign sources of electric generation and is thus a favorite of many environmentalists and the public, or at least until the cost of energy comes into the equation. Biomass has been used as an energy source for many centuries, essentially since humans first began burning wood to cook with or keep warm. Power plants utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) are often referred to as waste‐to‐energy plants. Wave power devices extract energy directly from surface waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface.