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Energy: from fossil fuels to windmills A
Fossil fuels Fossil fuels are sources of energy which were 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. hole made in the ground for the removal of oil away from or at a distance from the coast 3 using coal as a fuel 1 2
B
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 4
Renewable energy Renewable energy is energy that can be produced again as quickly as it is used.
Onshore wind farms to get new government subsidies 1
2
Tidal power6 and wave power7 may meet future energy needs
Solar panels3 to be installed on all government buildings
Government to focus on renewables8, Minister announces
Hydroelectric4 power station to be closed down
Biomass5 not the answer, claims Energy Minister
Three new nuclear9 power stations to be built
Geothermal10 energy will last 1,000 years, says scientist 1 on the land (opp. = offshore) 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
C
Using energy
Common mistakes Take care with the spelling of energy (NOT energie or energi).
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. how much is used of something 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 1 2
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English Vocabulary in Use Advanced
using only a little electricity, gas, etc. 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 7 8
