The type of energy released when glucose is broken down is chemical energy.

Here's why:

* Glucose: A sugar molecule that stores chemical energy within its bonds.

* Breakdown: The process of breaking down glucose (usually through cellular respiration) involves breaking those chemical bonds.

* Energy Release: The energy stored in the bonds is released in the form of chemical energy, specifically as ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

ATP is the primary energy currency of cells and can be used to power various cellular processes.