Explore the fundamentals of renewable energy in this comprehensive 53-minute lecture from Stanford University. Delve into the three categories of renewable energy resources, examine the Earth's abundant energy potential, and analyze the environmental impacts throughout the energy system. Compare greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption across various energy sources, and learn about the minerals crucial for clean energy technologies. Discover why traditional biomass remains the world's leading renewable energy resource and gain insights into the future of renewable energy. Investigate the steps involved in developing utility-scale renewable energy projects, including site selection considerations such as resource availability, environmental constraints, and transmission factors. Finally, understand the role of federal clean energy tax credits in the United States, including both investment and production tax credits for commercial clean energy projects.