ILETS Academic Reading #01

 The Future of Renewable Energy

As the world grapples with climate change, renewable energy sources have become more critical than ever. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy are at the forefront of this revolution. Governments and private sectors are investing heavily in these technologies, not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to create sustainable and long-term energy solutions.

Solar energy, harnessed through photovoltaic cells, has seen significant advancements in efficiency and cost reduction. Wind energy, captured by turbines, has also grown exponentially, particularly in coastal areas where wind speeds are higher. Hydroelectric power, though not new, continues to be a reliable source of large-scale energy production. Geothermal energy, which taps into the Earth's internal heat, is gaining traction in regions with high tectonic activity.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Energy storage is a significant hurdle, as renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent. Innovations in battery technology and grid management are essential to overcome these issues. Additionally, the environmental impact of renewable energy installations, such as land use and wildlife disruption, must be carefully managed.

The future of renewable energy looks promising with ongoing research and development. Breakthroughs in technology and increased political will are driving the world towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Questions

1. Which renewable energy sources are mentioned in the passage? 

A) Solar and nuclear 

B) Wind and biomass 

C) Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal 

D) Geothermal and biomass

2. What is a significant challenge mentioned in relation to renewable energy? 

A) High greenhouse gas emissions 

B) The high cost of fossil fuels

C) Energy storage 

D) Lack of political will

3. Solar energy is currently more expensive than fossil fuels. (True/False/Not Given)

4. Wind energy has shown considerable growth, especially in areas with strong winds. (True/False/Not Given)

5. Match the following advancements with the correct renewable energy source:

• Higher efficiency and cost reduction
• Large-scale energy production
• Utilizes the Earth's heat
• Effective in coastal areas

A. Hydroelectric power   B. Geothermal energy   C. Solar energy   D. Wind energy

Sentence Completion

6. Energy storage is a major issue because renewable sources like solar and wind are __________.

7. Innovations in __________ and __________ are essential to manage energy storage challenges.

8. Why is geothermal energy gaining traction in certain regions?

9. What are the environmental impacts of renewable energy installations mentioned in the passage?

Answers

1. C) Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal

2. C) Energy storage

3. Not Given

4. True

5. Higher efficiency and cost reduction - C. Solar energy

Large-scale energy production - A. Hydroelectric power

Utilizes the Earth's heat - B. Geothermal energy

Effective in coastal areas - D. Wind energy

6. intermittent

7. battery technology; grid management

8. Because it taps into the Earth's internal heat and is effective in regions with high tectonic activity.

9. Wildlife disruption and land use.