IELTS Reading Practice: The Future of Hydrogen as an Energy Source

Welcome to IELTS.NET’s comprehensive reading practice on “The Future of Hydrogen as an Energy Source.” This article provides a full IELTS Reading test, complete with passages, questions, and answers to help you prepare for your upcoming IELTS exam.

Hydrogen energy future

Introduction

As climate change concerns grow, the search for clean, sustainable energy sources intensifies. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, has emerged as a promising candidate for future energy needs. This IELTS Reading practice test explores the potential of hydrogen as an energy source, its applications, and the challenges it faces.

IELTS Reading Test: The Future of Hydrogen as an Energy Source

Passage 1 (Easy Text)

Hydrogen: The Clean Energy Carrier

Hydrogen is often hailed as the fuel of the future. As the most abundant element in the universe, it offers a potentially limitless supply of clean energy. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen produces only water when used as an energy source, making it an environmentally friendly option in the fight against climate change.

The versatility of hydrogen is one of its key advantages. It can be used to power vehicles, heat homes, and generate electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity, are already being used in some cars and buses. These vehicles emit only water vapor, drastically reducing urban air pollution.

However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen faces several challenges. Currently, most hydrogen is produced from natural gas, a process that still releases carbon dioxide. To be truly clean, hydrogen needs to be produced using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. This method, known as green hydrogen, is currently more expensive but is expected to become more affordable as technology improves.

Despite these challenges, many countries are investing heavily in hydrogen technology. Japan, for instance, has ambitious plans to become a “hydrogen society,” while the European Union has set targets for hydrogen use in its energy transition plans. As research continues and infrastructure develops, hydrogen could play a crucial role in our sustainable energy future.

Questions 1-7

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. Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe.
2. Using hydrogen as fuel produces harmful emissions.
3. Hydrogen can only be used to power vehicles.
4. Hydrogen fuel cells are currently used in some forms of transportation.
5. All hydrogen production methods are environmentally friendly.
6. Green hydrogen is currently the cheapest form of hydrogen production.
7. All countries are equally invested in hydrogen technology development.

Passage 2 (Medium Text)

The Hydrogen Economy: Opportunities and Obstacles

The concept of a “hydrogen economy” has gained significant traction in recent years as the world grapples with the urgent need to decarbonize. This vision entails a future where hydrogen plays a central role in energy storage, distribution, and consumption across various sectors of the economy.

One of the most promising applications of hydrogen is in heavy industry. Sectors such as steel production and chemical manufacturing, which have traditionally been difficult to decarbonize, could potentially use hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. For instance, some steel plants are already experimenting with using hydrogen instead of coal in the steel-making process, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The transportation sector is another area where hydrogen could make a substantial impact. While battery-electric vehicles have gained popularity for personal use, hydrogen fuel cells may be more suitable for long-haul trucks, ships, and even aircraft due to their longer range and faster refueling times. Several major automakers are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and hydrogen-powered trains are already in operation in some countries.

However, the transition to a hydrogen economy faces significant hurdles. One of the primary challenges is the lack of infrastructure. Unlike electricity, which already has an extensive distribution network, hydrogen requires new systems for production, storage, and distribution. Building this infrastructure will require substantial investment and coordination between governments and private sector entities.

Another obstacle is the energy intensity of hydrogen production. The most common method of producing hydrogen, steam methane reforming, still relies on fossil fuels and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct. While green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy is carbon-neutral, it is currently more expensive and energy-intensive to produce at scale.

Safety concerns also need to be addressed. Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires careful handling and storage. While safety protocols exist, public perception and acceptance of hydrogen technology will be crucial for its widespread adoption.

Despite these challenges, many experts believe that overcoming these obstacles is crucial for achieving global climate goals. As technology advances and economies of scale are realized, the cost of green hydrogen production is expected to decrease significantly. This could pave the way for hydrogen to become a cornerstone of the global energy transition, complementing other renewable energy sources and enabling a more flexible and resilient energy system.

Questions 8-13

Complete the sentences below.

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

8. The steel industry is experimenting with hydrogen as a replacement for ___ in steel production.
9. Hydrogen fuel cells may be more appropriate for ___ vehicles due to their extended range.
10. A major challenge for the hydrogen economy is the lack of ___.
11. The most common method of hydrogen production still relies on ___.
12. ___ is a key issue that needs to be addressed for the safe handling and storage of hydrogen.
13. Many experts believe that hydrogen could become a ___ of the global energy transition.

Passage 3 (Hard Text)

The Geopolitical Implications of a Hydrogen-Powered Future

The potential shift towards a hydrogen-based energy system could reshape global geopolitics and economic relationships in profound ways. As countries strive to decarbonize their economies and secure energy independence, the development of hydrogen technologies and infrastructure could create new centers of power and influence on the world stage.

Historically, geopolitical power has been closely tied to the control of fossil fuel resources. Countries with abundant oil and gas reserves have wielded significant influence over global affairs. However, the transition to hydrogen could democratize energy production and distribution, as hydrogen can be produced anywhere with access to water and electricity. This could lead to a more distributed energy landscape, potentially reducing the geopolitical tensions associated with fossil fuel dependence.

Nevertheless, the hydrogen transition may also create new forms of interdependence and competition. Countries with abundant renewable energy resources and the technological capacity to produce green hydrogen efficiently could emerge as the new energy superpowers. For instance, nations with vast solar or wind resources could become major exporters of green hydrogen, similar to how oil-rich countries currently dominate fossil fuel markets.

The development of hydrogen infrastructure could also foster new international collaborations and trade routes. Ambitious projects such as the proposed Australia-Asia hydrogen supply chain or the potential hydrogen pipeline network in Europe could reshape energy trade dynamics. These initiatives would require significant diplomatic efforts and could lead to new geopolitical alliances centered around hydrogen production and distribution.

Moreover, the race to develop and control hydrogen technologies could become a new arena for geopolitical competition. Countries that take the lead in hydrogen innovation and establish technological standards could gain significant economic and political advantages. This dynamic is already visible in the competition to develop fuel cell technologies and electrolyzers, with countries like Japan, Germany, and China making substantial investments in research and development.

The transition to hydrogen could also have profound implications for countries currently dependent on fossil fuel exports. These nations may need to diversify their economies and potentially repurpose their existing energy infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution. Failure to adapt could lead to significant economic disruption and potentially destabilize regions heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues.

International cooperation will be crucial in addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities presented by the hydrogen transition. Establishing global standards for hydrogen production, transport, and use will be essential for creating a functional international hydrogen market. Additionally, technology transfer and financial support for developing countries will be necessary to ensure an equitable transition and prevent the emergence of new energy divides.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the geopolitical landscape surrounding energy is likely to undergo significant transformations. The shift towards hydrogen could contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global energy system, but it will also present new challenges and power dynamics that the international community must navigate carefully.

Questions 14-20

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

14. According to the passage, the shift to hydrogen energy could:
    A) Reinforce existing geopolitical power structures
    B) Alter global geopolitical relationships
    C) Have no impact on global politics
    D) Only affect countries with abundant fossil fuels

15. The author suggests that hydrogen production could:
    A) Be limited to a few countries
    B) Increase dependency on fossil fuels
    C) Lead to more distributed energy production
    D) Only be possible in oil-rich nations

16. Which of the following is mentioned as a potential result of the hydrogen transition?
    A) Elimination of all geopolitical tensions
    B) Increased competition for renewable energy resources
    C) Reduced importance of technological innovation
    D) Decreased international trade in energy

17. The passage indicates that new hydrogen infrastructure projects could:
    A) Only benefit developed countries
    B) Lead to new geopolitical alliances
    C) Decrease the need for international cooperation
    D) Exclusively rely on existing fossil fuel networks

18. According to the text, countries that lead in hydrogen technology development could:
    A) Lose economic influence
    B) Gain significant economic and political advantages
    C) Become more dependent on fossil fuels
    D) Reduce their investment in research and development

19. The author suggests that countries currently dependent on fossil fuel exports may need to:
    A) Increase their fossil fuel production
    B) Resist any changes to their economy
    C) Diversify their economies
    D) Abandon all energy production

20. The passage emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in the hydrogen transition for:
    A) Maintaining current geopolitical power structures
    B) Preventing the development of hydrogen technologies
    C) Ensuring an equitable transition and establishing global standards
    D) Limiting the growth of renewable energy sources

Answer Key

1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. FALSE
6. FALSE
7. NOT GIVEN
8. coal
9. long-haul
10. infrastructure
11. fossil fuels
12. Safety
13. cornerstone
14. B
15. C
16. B
17. B
18. B
19. C
20. C

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Time management: Practice allocating your time wisely across all three passages. Aim to spend about 20 minutes on each passage.

2. Skim and scan: Quickly skim the passage to get a general idea, then scan for specific information when answering questions.

3. Keyword identification: Focus on identifying key terms in both the questions and the passage to locate relevant information quickly.

4. Vocabulary building: Regularly expand your vocabulary to better understand complex texts. Pay attention to context clues when encountering unfamiliar words.

5. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental notes as you read.

6. Understand question types: Familiarize yourself with various IELTS Reading question types and practice strategies for each.

7. Read widely: Expose yourself to a variety of topics and text types to improve your reading speed and comprehension.

8. Pay attention to details: Be careful with specific information like dates, numbers, and names. These are often used in questions.

9. Don’t leave blanks: Always provide an answer, even if you’re unsure. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers in IELTS Reading.

10. Review and revise: If time allows, quickly review your answers at the end of the test.

By following these tips and regularly practicing with high-quality materials like this one, you can significantly improve your IELTS Reading performance. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving your desired score. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

For more IELTS practice materials and tips, check out our articles on clean energy storage solutions and renewable energy implementation challenges.