Active transport is a process that moves substances against their concentration gradient, meaning from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration. This process requires the use of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). On the other hand, facilitated diffusion is a passive process that moves molecules across the plasma membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It does not require the use of energy. Therefore, the major difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport is that active transport moves substances against the concentration gradient with the help of ATP, while facilitated diffusion does not.