Films on Renewable, Conventional and Unconventional Energy

This curated list of films and documentaries explores the world of **renewable energy**; **conventional energy** and **unconventional energy sources**. Each selection highlights advancements in solar, wind, hydro, geothermal energy, and other sustainable power solutions. These films address the scientific, social, and economic challenges of transitioning to clean energy, offering insights into both the opportunities and risks of various energy technologies.

1. 2040 (2019)

2040, directed by Damon Gameau, presents an optimistic and solutions-oriented vision of the future, focusing on current technologies that can transform global energy systems and address environmental challenges. The film takes the viewer on a journey to explore how innovative solutions like solar power, regenerative agriculture, and decentralized energy grids can reshape our economies, reduce emissions, and foster a sustainable world. Gameau uses engaging storytelling and a hopeful tone to show how these existing solutions, if scaled, can mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The film emphasizes the importance of adopting renewable energy technologies, including energy storage systems, smart grids, and other innovations, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Through interviews with experts and real-world case studies, 2040 demonstrates how a transition to clean, renewable energy is not just possible but crucial for the wellbeing of future generations. The documentary serves as a call to action, encouraging collective efforts to embrace a more sustainable future.

Keywords: solar energy, smart grids, energy transition, sustainable future View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

2. An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017)

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, is the follow-up to Al Gore’s groundbreaking documentary An Inconvenient Truth. This film examines the global shift toward renewable energy, focusing on the progress made in the adoption of solar and wind power, as well as the obstacles that continue to hinder the transition away from fossil fuels. Gore revisits key moments in the fight against environmental degradation and highlights the political and corporate challenges that threaten further progress.

The documentary also delves into the science and policies behind renewable energy, showing the urgency of accelerating the global energy transition. By featuring interviews with leaders in energy and environmental policy, An Inconvenient Sequel underscores the need for decisive political action to advance clean energy technologies and reduce the impact of fossil fuels on the environment.

Keywords: renewable energy, solar power, wind power, energy policy View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

3. Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet (2021)

Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet, directed by Jon Clay and narrated by Sir David Attenborough, explores the concept of planetary boundaries—thresholds we must not cross to maintain Earth’s stability. The film outlines how human activity is pushing the planet to its ecological limits and examines how renewable energy can play a key role in safeguarding our future.

Drawing on the latest scientific research, Breaking Boundaries presents a comprehensive view of the Earth’s ecological tipping points, emphasizing the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels. It highlights renewable energy as a critical tool to mitigate environmental damage, preserve ecosystems, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Keywords: renewable energy, sustainability, planetary boundaries, environmental science View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

4. Burning the Future: Coal in America (2008)

Burning the Future: Coal in America, directed by David Novack, provides a harrowing look at the devastating effects of coal mining on the environment and the people of West Virginia. Through vivid imagery and personal stories, the documentary sheds light on the environmental destruction caused by mountaintop removal mining and the toxic consequences for local communities. The film presents the often overlooked human cost of coal production, including the contamination of water supplies and the health hazards faced by residents.

The documentary also explores the political and economic forces that perpetuate coal dependence, illustrating how the industry’s influence stifles efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. However, Burning the Future also highlights the potential of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, as viable alternatives to coal, emphasizing the need for a broader energy transition.

Keywords: coal energy, environmental destruction, renewable energy alternatives, fossil fuels View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

5. Chernobyl (2019)

Chernobyl is a critically acclaimed miniseries that dramatizes the catastrophic nuclear disaster that occurred in 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Directed by Johan Renck, the series meticulously portrays the explosion, the emergency response, and the extensive cover-up by Soviet authorities. The narrative delves into the human cost of the disaster, showcasing the bravery of those who responded and the environmental devastation caused by radioactive fallout.

The series offers a sobering look at the risks associated with nuclear energy, especially when coupled with systemic failings and a lack of transparency. It highlights the long-lasting environmental damage, the health impacts on survivors, and the irreversible contamination of the surrounding areas. Through its powerful storytelling, Chernobyl raises crucial questions about the balance between pursuing nuclear energy and ensuring strict safety measures to avoid catastrophic consequences.

Keywords: nuclear energy, environmental disaster, human error, radioactive contamination View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

6. Power to Change: The Energy Rebellion (2016)

Power to Change, directed by Carl-A. Fechner, focuses on Germany’s ambitious “Energiewende,” or energy transition, which aims to move the country toward a future powered by renewable energy. The film explores various forms of clean energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal power, while showcasing how decentralized, community-driven initiatives can challenge the dominance of fossil fuel-based energy systems.

Through interviews with activists, scientists, and policymakers, the documentary paints a hopeful picture of how renewable energy can create jobs, strengthen local economies, and reduce environmental harm. Power to Change positions the energy transition as not just a technological shift, but a social and political revolution that empowers communities to take control of their energy needs.

Keywords: energy transition, renewable energy, decentralization, solar power View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

7. Switch (2012)

Switch, directed by Harry Lynch, offers an in-depth look at the global energy landscape, covering both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The documentary explores the complex dynamics of the energy transition, examining how the world can shift toward sustainable energy solutions while balancing the use of fossil fuels and other traditional energy sources. Through interviews with industry experts and on-site explorations, Switch presents a nuanced perspective on the challenges and potential of achieving global energy sustainability.

The film emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and technological advancements in driving the transition to renewable energy. It also touches on nuclear energy, natural gas, and other critical components of the energy mix, making it a comprehensive guide to understanding the ongoing energy revolution.

Keywords: renewable energy, energy transition, global energy, sustainable energy View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

8. The Battle of Chernobyl (2006)

The Battle of Chernobyl, directed by Thomas Johnson, provides a gripping and detailed account of the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. This documentary meticulously chronicles the explosion’s immediate aftermath, the heroic efforts to contain the fallout, and the long-lasting environmental and health consequences that followed. Through interviews with scientists, workers, and political figures, it exposes the human and systemic failures that led to one of the most devastating nuclear accidents in history.

The film explores the widespread radioactive contamination and its enduring impact on both the environment and the people of the surrounding regions. It also serves as a powerful commentary on the potential dangers of nuclear energy, highlighting the need for strict safety protocols, transparency, and responsible energy management to avoid similar disasters in the future.

Keywords: nuclear energy, environmental risks, Chernobyl disaster, radioactive contamination View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

9. The Future of Energy: Lateral Power to the People (2015)

The Future of Energy: Lateral Power to the People, directed by Harry Wiland, presents a compelling exploration of the transformative potential of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power. The film highlights how decentralized energy systems, in which local communities generate their own renewable energy, can lead to energy independence and democratization of power. Through interviews with activists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, the documentary showcases practical solutions and innovations that can accelerate the shift to clean energy.

The film argues that the energy transition is not only technologically feasible but also socially empowering. It demonstrates how renewable energy can empower communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create sustainable, resilient energy systems. By emphasizing local control and grassroots initiatives, The Future of Energy offers a hopeful outlook on how renewable energy can redefine the global energy landscape.

Keywords: renewable energy, decentralization, energy transition, solar power, wind power View on IMDb | Watch the trailer

10. The Power of the Sun (2005)

The Power of the Sun, directed by David Kennard, explores the transformative potential of solar energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The documentary delves into both the science and practical applications of solar technologies, such as photovoltaics and solar thermal power, illustrating how they can address the world’s increasing energy demands. By featuring key scientific and technological breakthroughs, the film sheds light on how solar energy is becoming more accessible and efficient.

The documentary also highlights the challenges of integrating solar power on a global scale, including economic and political hurdles. It showcases solar energy as a pivotal player in the global energy transition, offering a cleaner, renewable alternative that could significantly reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.

Keywords: solar energy, photovoltaics, renewable energy, energy technology View on IMDb | Watch the trailer