IELTS Reading Practice Test: Impact of Renewable Energy on Reducing Global Dependence on Fossil Fuels

As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’m excited to share a comprehensive Reading practice test focusing on the impact of renewable energy in reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. This test will help you sharpen your …

Photo of author

Written by: IELTS Mentor

Published on:

Renewable Energy Impact

As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’m excited to share a comprehensive Reading practice test focusing on the impact of renewable energy in reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. This test will help you sharpen your reading skills while exploring an important contemporary topic. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a critical global issue. This IELTS Reading practice test will examine various aspects of how renewable energy is reshaping our world’s energy landscape. The test consists of three passages of increasing difficulty, followed by a variety of question types typically found in the IELTS Reading exam.

Renewable Energy ImpactRenewable Energy Impact

Passage 1 (Easy Text)

The Rise of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has emerged as a game-changer in the global energy sector. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute significantly to climate change, renewable energy sources are sustainable and have a much lower environmental impact. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy are the main types of renewable energy currently in use.

The adoption of renewable energy has been accelerating worldwide. Countries are setting ambitious targets to increase their renewable energy capacity. For instance, the European Union aims to derive 32% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. China, the world’s largest energy consumer, has also made significant strides in renewable energy development, particularly in solar and wind power.

One of the key drivers of renewable energy growth is the rapid decline in costs. Technological advancements and economies of scale have made renewable energy increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. In many parts of the world, new solar and wind installations are now cheaper than new coal or gas power plants.

The shift towards renewable energy is not just about environmental benefits. It also offers economic advantages, including job creation and energy security. As countries reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels, they become less vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions associated with oil and gas markets.

However, the transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. The intermittent nature of some renewable sources, such as solar and wind, requires improvements in energy storage technologies and grid management. Despite these hurdles, the momentum behind renewable energy continues to grow, signaling a new era in global energy production.

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

  1. Renewable energy sources are unlimited and have minimal environmental impact.
  2. The European Union has set a target of 32% renewable energy use by 2030.
  3. China is the world’s largest producer of renewable energy.
  4. New solar and wind installations are always cheaper than fossil fuel power plants.
  5. The intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources poses a challenge to their widespread adoption.

Questions 6-8

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

  1. The main types of renewable energy include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and ____.
  2. Technological advancements and ____ have contributed to the declining costs of renewable energy.
  3. Countries that reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels become less vulnerable to ____ and geopolitical tensions.

Questions 9-10

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

  1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of renewable energy?
    A. Environmental protection
    B. Job creation
    C. Energy security
    D. Immediate global adoption

  2. The passage suggests that the future of renewable energy is:
    A. Uncertain due to technological limitations
    B. Promising despite some challenges
    C. Unlikely to impact fossil fuel consumption
    D. Dependent on government subsidies

Passage 2 (Medium Text)

Renewable Energy’s Role in Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as renewable energy sources increasingly displace fossil fuels. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including technological advancements, cost reductions, and growing environmental concerns. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the role of renewable energy in reducing dependence on fossil fuels has become more critical than ever.

One of the most notable impacts of renewable energy adoption is the gradual displacement of coal in electricity generation. In many countries, coal-fired power plants are being decommissioned and replaced with solar and wind farms. This trend is particularly evident in developed nations, where stringent environmental regulations and public pressure have accelerated the transition. For instance, the United Kingdom, once heavily reliant on coal, has seen its coal consumption plummet, with renewable sources now generating more electricity than all fossil fuels combined.

The transportation sector, traditionally dominated by petroleum products, is also experiencing a shift towards renewable energy. Electric vehicles (EVs), powered by batteries that can be charged using renewable electricity, are gaining market share. Countries like Norway have shown that rapid EV adoption is possible with the right incentives and infrastructure. As battery technology improves and costs decrease, the electrification of transport is expected to accelerate, further reducing oil consumption.

In the industrial sector, renewable energy is making inroads, albeit at a slower pace. Many energy-intensive industries, such as steel and cement production, still rely heavily on fossil fuels. However, innovations in green hydrogen production using renewable electricity offer a promising pathway to decarbonize these hard-to-abate sectors. Some countries are already investing heavily in green hydrogen infrastructure, anticipating its crucial role in future energy systems.

The impact of renewable energy on fossil fuel dependence is not uniform across all regions. Developing countries, facing rapid energy demand growth, are in a unique position to leapfrog traditional fossil fuel-based development and build clean energy systems from the ground up. Countries like India and Kenya are leveraging their abundant solar resources to expand energy access while minimizing environmental impact.

However, the transition away from fossil fuels is not without challenges. The intermittency of solar and wind power necessitates significant investments in energy storage and grid infrastructure. Additionally, some regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel extraction for economic stability face difficult adjustments. Nevertheless, the long-term trend towards renewable energy appears irreversible, driven by its economic competitiveness and environmental benefits.

As renewable energy continues to grow, its impact on reducing global dependence on fossil fuels is expected to accelerate. Projections by international energy agencies suggest that renewable sources could provide the majority of global electricity by mid-century. This shift not only addresses climate change concerns but also promises greater energy security and economic stability for nations worldwide.

Questions 11-15

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

  1. What is mentioned as a driving factor for the shift towards renewable energy?
    A. Government mandates
    B. Public protests
    C. Cost reductions
    D. International treaties

  2. According to the passage, which sector is experiencing the slowest transition to renewable energy?
    A. Electricity generation
    B. Transportation
    C. Industrial
    D. Residential

  3. The term “leapfrog” in the context of developing countries refers to:
    A. Copying developed nations’ energy policies
    B. Skipping fossil fuel-based development
    C. Jumping over physical obstacles
    D. Rapidly increasing energy consumption

  4. What is mentioned as a challenge in the transition to renewable energy?
    A. Lack of public support
    B. High costs of renewable technologies
    C. Intermittency of some renewable sources
    D. Shortage of skilled workers

  5. By mid-century, renewable sources are projected to:
    A. Completely replace fossil fuels
    B. Provide the majority of global electricity
    C. Be limited to developed countries
    D. Remain a minor part of the global energy mix

Questions 16-20

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The impact of renewable energy on reducing fossil fuel dependence is evident across various sectors. In electricity generation, coal-fired plants are being replaced by (16) ____ and wind farms. The transportation sector is shifting towards (17) ____, which can be powered by renewable electricity. In the industrial sector, (18) ____ produced using renewable electricity offers a promising solution for hard-to-abate industries. Developing countries have the opportunity to (19) ____ traditional fossil fuel-based development. Despite challenges such as the need for energy storage and grid infrastructure, the long-term trend towards renewable energy appears (20) ____, driven by its economic and environmental benefits.

Passage 3 (Hard Text)

The Multifaceted Impact of Renewable Energy on Global Fossil Fuel Dependence

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources represents one of the most profound shifts in global energy systems since the Industrial Revolution. This transformation is not merely a technological change but a complex interplay of economic, political, and social factors that are reshaping the world’s energy landscape. As renewable energy technologies mature and proliferate, their impact on reducing global dependence on fossil fuels is becoming increasingly significant and multifaceted.

One of the most striking aspects of this transition is the accelerating pace of renewable energy adoption. In the past decade, the growth of renewable energy capacity has consistently outpaced expert predictions. This rapid expansion is driven by a virtuous cycle of technological improvements, cost reductions, and economies of scale. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, in particular, have seen dramatic cost declines, with the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from these sources now competitive with, or even lower than, that of fossil fuel-based generation in many markets.

The impact of this cost competitiveness is profound. It has led to a paradigm shift in energy investment patterns, with renewable projects attracting a growing share of global energy investment. This shift is not limited to developed economies; emerging markets are increasingly leapfrogging traditional fossil fuel infrastructure to deploy renewable energy systems. For instance, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are leveraging solar PV to provide electricity access to remote communities, bypassing the need for extensive grid infrastructure.

However, the displacement of fossil fuels by renewables is not uniform across all sectors and regions. While the electricity sector has seen the most dramatic changes, with renewables accounting for the majority of new capacity additions in many countries, other sectors lag behind. The transportation sector, despite the growing adoption of electric vehicles, remains heavily dependent on oil. Similarly, industrial processes, particularly in heavy industries like steel and cement production, continue to rely significantly on fossil fuels.

The variability and intermittency of some renewable sources, particularly wind and solar, present challenges to grid stability and reliability. This has spurred innovations in energy storage technologies, smart grid systems, and demand response mechanisms. The development of long-duration energy storage solutions and the integration of diverse renewable sources are critical for managing this variability and ensuring a stable energy supply.

The geopolitical implications of the renewable energy transition are profound. Traditional fossil fuel exporters face the prospect of stranded assets and declining revenues, necessitating economic diversification. Conversely, countries with abundant renewable resources and the technological capacity to harness them are emerging as new energy leaders. This shift is redrawing the global energy map and altering long-standing geopolitical relationships.

The role of policy in driving the renewable transition cannot be overstated. Government support through feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and carbon pricing mechanisms has been crucial in catalyzing renewable energy deployment. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, have provided a framework for global action on climate change, further incentivizing the shift away from fossil fuels.

As the renewable energy sector matures, new challenges and opportunities emerge. The need for critical minerals used in renewable technologies, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, raises concerns about resource security and sustainable supply chains. Additionally, the end-of-life management of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar panels and wind turbine blades, presents new waste management challenges.

The impact of renewable energy on reducing global fossil fuel dependence is undeniable, yet the transition is far from complete. As renewable technologies continue to evolve and new innovations emerge, the pace of this transition is likely to accelerate. The coming decades will be critical in determining whether the world can successfully transition to a low-carbon energy system and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

Questions 21-26

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The transition to renewable energy is driven by a (21) ____ of technological improvements, cost reductions, and economies of scale. This has led to a (22) ____ in energy investment patterns, with renewable projects attracting more investment globally. However, the displacement of fossil fuels is not uniform across all sectors, with the (23) ____ sector seeing the most dramatic changes. The variability of some renewable sources has spurred innovations in energy storage and (24) ____ systems. The geopolitical implications of this transition are significant, with traditional fossil fuel exporters facing the prospect of (25) ____ and declining revenues. Government support through various policies has been crucial in catalyzing renewable energy deployment, while international agreements like the (26) ____ have provided a framework for global action on climate change.

Questions 27-33

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

  1. The growth of renewable energy capacity has consistently met expert predictions over the past decade.
  2. Renewable energy projects are attracting a decreasing share of global energy investment.
  3. Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are using solar PV to provide electricity to remote communities.
  4. The transportation sector has completely transitioned away from fossil fuels.
  5. Energy storage technologies are being developed to address the intermittency of some renewable sources.
  6. Countries with abundant renewable resources are emerging as new energy leaders.
  7. The renewable energy sector faces challenges related to critical mineral supply and waste management.

Questions 34-40

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

  1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a driver of rapid renewable energy expansion?
    A. Technological improvements
    B. Cost reductions
    C. Government subsidies
    D. Economies of scale

  2. The passage suggests that the adoption of renewable energy in emerging markets is:
    A. Slower than in developed economies
    B. Focused primarily on grid infrastructure
    C. Often bypassing traditional fossil fuel infrastructure
    D. Limited to the electricity sector

  3. Which sector is described as lagging behind in the transition to renewable energy?
    A. Electricity generation
    B. Transportation
    C. Residential
    D. Agriculture

  4. The development of long-duration energy storage solutions is described as critical for:
    A. Reducing the cost of renewable energy
    B. Eliminating the need for fossil fuels
    C. Managing the variability of some renewable sources
    D. Increasing energy consumption

  5. The geopolitical implications of the renewable energy transition include:
    A. Increased stability for traditional fossil fuel exporters
    B. The emergence of new energy leaders
    C. Strengthening of existing geopolitical relationships
    D. Reduced importance of energy in international relations

  6. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a policy tool for promoting renewable energy?
    A. Feed-in tariffs
    B. Renewable portfolio standards
    C. Carbon pricing mechanisms
    D. Import tariffs on fossil fuels

  7. The passage suggests that the future of the renewable energy transition will:
    A. Slow down due to technological limitations
    B. Be complete within the next decade
    C. Likely accelerate as technologies evolve
    D. Remain constant at its current pace

Answer Key

Passage 1

  1. TRUE
  2. TRUE
  3. NOT GIVEN
  4. FALSE
  5. TRUE
  6. biomass
  7. economies of scale
  8. price fluctuations
  9. D
  10. B

Passage 2

  1. C
  2. C
  3. B
  4. C
  5. B
  6. solar
  7. electric vehicles
  8. green hydrogen
  9. leapfrog
  10. irreversible

Passage 3

  1. virtuous cycle
  2. paradigm shift
  3. electricity
  4. smart grid
  5. stranded assets
  6. Paris Agreement
  7. FALSE
  8. FALSE
  9. TRUE
  10. FALSE
  11. TRUE
  12. TRUE
  13. TRUE
  14. C
  15. C
  16. B
  17. C
  18. B
  19. D
  20. C

This IELTS Reading practice test provides a comprehensive examination of the impact of renewable energy on reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. By working through these passages and questions, you’ll not only improve your reading skills but also gain valuable insights into this crucial global issue.

Remember to analyze your performance, focusing on areas where you struggled. Pay attention to time management, as the IELTS Reading test requires you to complete all questions within 60 minutes. Keep practicing with various question types and passages to build your confidence and speed.

For more IELTS preparation resources and tips, check out our other articles:

Previous

IELTS Reading Practice Test: The Role of Education in Digital Literacy

Next

IELTS Reading Practice Test: How Smart Homes Are Changing Energy Consumption Patterns