A. Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are sources of energy formed underground from plant and animal remains millions of years ago.
- Several new oil wells1 were constructed in the desert last year.
- Offshore2 drilling platforms explore the ocean bed for oil and gas.
- Older, coal-fired3 power stations generally cause high levels of pollution.
- The coal mines4 in the north of the country are no longer profitable.
- A new gas pipeline5 was built to bring cheaper energy to the capital city.
- 1 hole made in the ground for the removal of oil
- 2 away from or at a distance from the coast
- 3 using coal as a fuel
- 4 deep hole or system of holes under the ground from which coal is removed
- 5 very large tube through which liquid or gas can flow for long distances
B. Renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy that can be produced again as quickly as it is used.
- 1 on the land (opp. = off shore)
- 2 group of wind turbines that are used for producing electricity
- 3 devices that change energy from the sun into electricity
- 4 producing electricity by the force of fast-moving water such as rivers or waterfalls
- 5 dead plant and animal material suitable for using as fuel
- 6 using the force of the sea tide to produce energy
- 7 using the force of waves in the sea to produce energy
- 8 note that renewable can also be used as a countable noun
- 9 using the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleus
- 10 using the heat inside the earth
Common mistakes
Take care with the spelling of
energy (NOT energie or energi).
C. Using energy
What can ordinary citizens do to reduce energy consumption1?
Some simple things include using fewer power-hungry2
appliances3 around the home, monitoring4 your use of electricity and consuming5 less energy by
switching off unnecessary lights and entertainment systems that use power while on standby. Is your
car a gas-guzzler6? Think about changing to a more energy-efficient7 model. Think more about food
miles8 and buy local products, so that fuel consumption in the transporting of goods is reduced. We
can also reduce our carbon footprint9 by planning travel more carefully and cutting out unnecessary
journeys. Remember, the world’s coal, oil and gas deposits10 are finite11; one day they will run out, so
think now about what you can do to consume less.
- 1 how much is used of something
- 2 using a great amount of energy
- 3 equipment, especially electrical equipment, used in the home, e.g. washing machines, fridges
- 4 regularly watching and checking something over a period of time
- 5 using (e.g. energy, time), especially in large amounts
- 6 one that uses a lot of fuel; informal
- 7 using only a little electricity, gas, etc.
- 8 distance food is transported from where it is produced to when it reaches the consumer
- 9 measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide that your activities create
- 10 layer formed under the ground, especially over a very long period
- 11 having an end or lasting a limited time
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