IELTS Vocabulary: Renewable Energy Sources
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Renewable energy and sustainable technologies are pivotal in shaping a sustainable future. This article delves into the societal impacts of these technologies, utilizing passive voice to describe processes inherent in their development and deployment.

Grammar Point Covered

The passive voice is often used in English to emphasise the action and the receiver of the action rather than the doer. This is particularly useful in scientific and technical writing to focus on processes and results. For example, ‘The electricity is generated by the wind turbine’ highlights the process and outcome without specifying who operates the turbine.

Pros and Cons Regarding Renewable Energy

• Pros:

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

• Decreases dependency on fossil fuels.

• Enhances energy security and supply stability.

• Supports local economies and job creation in new industries.

• Encourages technological innovation and efficiency.

• Improves public health by reducing pollution.

• Promotes energy independence.

• Increases consumer choice in energy sources.

• Can be deployed at various scales, from personal to industrial.

• Offers long-term cost savings despite high initial investment.

• Cons:

• High initial costs for infrastructure and technology development.

• Intermittency issues with solar and wind energy.

• Requires significant land use for some technologies, impacting local ecosystems.

• Storage technologies for energy are still developing.

• Existing infrastructure must be adapted or rebuilt, which can be costly and slow.

• Can lead to displacement of communities, especially in large hydro projects.

• Not all renewable sources are suitable for every geographical area.

• May face public resistance due to aesthetic and environmental concerns.

• Requires substantial upfront investment from public and private sectors.

• Energy output can be less predictable than traditional fossil fuels.

Topic Specific Vocabulary Collocations

• energy efficiency

• solar power generation

• wind turbine installation

• hydroelectric capacity

• geothermal plants

• biomass conversion

• renewable resources

• carbon footprint reduction

• green technology adoption

• sustainable development goals

Model Sentences Using the Renewable Energy Collocations and Grammar Point

• Solar power generation is increased significantly when energy efficiency measures are implemented.

• Wind turbine installation has been completed across coastal regions to harness wind energy effectively.

• By the local communities, hydroelectric capacity has been expanded to meet growing energy demands.

• Geothermal plants are operated to provide a constant supply of energy due to the earth’s heat.

• Biomass conversion into energy is seen as a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development goals.

• Renewable resources are utilised more frequently to decrease the national carbon footprint reduction.

• Green technology adoption has been accelerated in response to global warming concerns.

• Sustainable development goals are achieved through dedicated international cooperation.

• A reduction in harmful emissions is ensured by the adoption of biomass conversion techniques.

• New standards for energy efficiency are set by regulatory bodies to promote green technology adoption.

Speaking Part 3 Questions and Model Answers

Why is renewable energy considered important for future generations?

Renewable energy is considered crucial because it ensures a sustainable and stable environment for future generations. Technologies like solar power generation and wind turbine installation play key roles in this, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing pollution.

Should governments invest more in renewable energy infrastructure?

Yes, it is vital that governments invest in renewable energy infrastructure to combat climate change and promote sustainable development goals. Such investments are crucial for reducing global carbon emissions and for achieving energy security.

What are the main barriers to adopting renewable energy technologies?

The main barriers include high initial costs, technological challenges like energy storage, and public resistance to changes in the landscape. However, these are being addressed through advancements in technology and increased public awareness.

How have sustainable technologies changed in the past decade?

Over the past decade, sustainable technologies have evolved rapidly; solar panels have become more efficient and less expensive, and wind turbines have been enhanced for better performance. This evolution has made renewable energy more accessible and practical.

Is renewable energy common in your country?

In my country, renewable energy is becoming increasingly common, thanks to government incentives and growing public awareness of environmental issues. Projects like hydroelectric capacity expansion and wind turbine installation are becoming more prevalent as part of this push.

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