Questions about renewable energy’s economic impact have become increasingly common in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in roughly 15% of tests over the past two years. This trend aligns with global focus on sustainable development and why renewable energy is key to sustainable development.
Expert analyzing renewable energy economic impact data on computer screens
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that the development of renewable energy projects provides significant economic benefits to local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
This question requires:
- Clear position on renewable energy’s local economic impact
- Supporting evidence and examples
- Well-structured argument
- Balanced analysis
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The transition to renewable energy has emerged as a powerful catalyst for local economic development, and I strongly agree that such projects generate substantial benefits for communities. This essay will examine the multiple ways in which renewable energy initiatives contribute to local prosperity.
Firstly, renewable energy projects create significant employment opportunities across various skill levels. For instance, importance of renewable energy in rural areas is demonstrated in Tamil Nadu, India, where wind farms have generated thousands of jobs in construction, maintenance, and technical operations. These positions often offer higher wages than traditional local employment, enhancing household incomes and living standards within the community.
Moreover, renewable energy developments attract substantial investment and stimulate auxiliary business growth. When solar farms are established, they typically bring infrastructure improvements, technical training programs, and increased economic activity through supporting services. This creates a multiplier effect, where initial investments trigger broader economic benefits throughout the local economy.
The role of renewable energy in reducing global poverty is particularly evident in reduced energy costs for local businesses and households. For example, community solar projects in Bangladesh have lowered electricity expenses, allowing small businesses to increase profitability and expand operations. This cost reduction creates a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship and business growth.
In conclusion, renewable energy projects deliver multifaceted economic advantages to local communities through job creation, investment attraction, and reduced operating costs. These benefits create sustainable economic growth patterns that can transform local economies.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that renewable energy projects can help local communities make more money. There are several reasons why this is true.
First, when companies build solar or wind farms, they need many workers. This gives jobs to local people. Some jobs are in construction, while others are in maintaining the equipment. For example, in my country, a new solar farm made 100 jobs for local people.
renewable energy solutions for climate change also help businesses save money on electricity. When businesses spend less on power, they can use the money for other things like hiring more workers or buying new equipment. This helps the local economy grow.
Also, renewable energy projects bring new companies to the area. These companies need places to stay and food to eat, which helps local hotels and restaurants make more money. Sometimes they also build new roads or fix old ones, which is good for everyone.
However, these projects can be expensive to start, and some people worry about how they look. But I think the good things about renewable energy are more important than these problems.
In conclusion, I believe renewable energy projects help local communities by making jobs and saving money on power. This is good for the whole economy.
Key Vocabulary
- catalyst (n) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces
- auxiliary (adj) /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri/ – providing additional support
- multiplier effect (n) /ˈmʌltɪplaɪə ɪˈfekt/ – an economic concept where an increase in spending produces an increase in national income
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a business or nation
- entrepreneurship (n) /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – the activity of setting up a business
Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay about how renewable energy affects tourism in coastal areas, as this topic combines environmental and economic aspects, making it a likely future test question. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
