Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice test focusing on “The Future Of Renewable Energy In Global Energy Markets.” This comprehensive test will help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section by providing a realistic exam experience with passages of increasing difficulty and a variety of question types. Let’s begin!
Renewable energy future
Passage 1 (Easy Text)
The Rise of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has become an increasingly important topic in global energy discussions. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources, renewable energy technologies have gained significant traction. Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power are among the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels.
The growth of renewable energy has been remarkable in recent years. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy capacity additions in 2020 rose by 45% to 280 gigawatts (GW), the largest year-on-year increase since 1999. This trend is expected to continue, with renewables projected to account for 95% of the increase in global power capacity through 2026.
One of the main drivers of this growth has been the declining costs of renewable technologies. The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules has fallen by around 90% since the end of 2009, while wind turbine prices have fallen by 55-60% since 2010. These cost reductions have made renewable energy increasingly competitive with fossil fuels, even without subsidies in many markets.
Governments worldwide are also playing a crucial role in promoting renewable energy adoption. Many countries have set ambitious targets for renewable energy in their national energy mix and have implemented supportive policies such as feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and tax incentives. The European Union, for instance, aims to derive 32% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
However, the transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. The intermittent nature of solar and wind power requires advances in energy storage technologies and grid management. Additionally, the geographic distribution of renewable resources may necessitate significant investments in transmission infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, the future of renewable energy in global energy markets looks promising. As technology continues to improve and costs decrease further, renewable energy is poised to play an increasingly dominant role in the world’s energy landscape.
Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
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According to the passage, what was the increase in renewable energy capacity additions in 2020?
A) 25%
B) 35%
C) 45%
D) 55% -
What percentage of global power capacity increase is expected to come from renewables through 2026?
A) 75%
B) 85%
C) 90%
D) 95% -
By how much have solar PV module costs fallen since the end of 2009?
A) Around 70%
B) Around 80%
C) Around 90%
D) Around 100% -
What is the European Union’s target for renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030?
A) 22%
B) 27%
C) 32%
D) 37% -
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge for renewable energy adoption?
A) Intermittent nature of solar and wind power
B) Need for advances in energy storage technologies
C) Geographic distribution of renewable resources
D) Lack of public support for renewable energy
Questions 6-10: Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
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
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Renewable energy capacity additions in 2020 were the largest year-on-year increase ever recorded.
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Wind turbine prices have fallen by more than 50% since 2010.
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Renewable energy is now competitive with fossil fuels in all markets without subsidies.
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Many countries have implemented policies to support renewable energy adoption.
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The passage suggests that advances in energy storage technologies are not necessary for the widespread adoption of renewable energy.
Passage 2 (Medium Text)
The Economic Impact of Renewable Energy
The shift towards renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative; it’s increasingly becoming an economic one. As the renewable energy sector grows, it’s reshaping global energy markets and having far-reaching economic implications. This transformation is affecting everything from job creation to energy security and international trade dynamics.
One of the most significant economic impacts of renewable energy is job creation. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people worldwide in 2019, a number that continues to grow. Solar photovoltaic technology alone accounted for 3.8 million jobs, making it the largest employer in the renewable energy sector. These jobs span a wide range of skills and sectors, from research and development to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
The growth of the renewable energy sector is also driving innovation and technological advancement. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to improve the efficiency of renewable technologies and reduce costs. This R&D spending is not only advancing renewable energy technologies but also spurring innovations in related fields such as energy storage, smart grids, and electric vehicles. The spillover effects of these innovations are contributing to broader economic growth and productivity gains across various industries.
Moreover, the transition to renewable energy is reshaping international trade patterns. Countries with abundant renewable resources are emerging as new energy exporters, while traditional fossil fuel exporters are facing the need to diversify their economies. For instance, countries like Morocco and Chile are positioning themselves as potential exporters of green hydrogen produced from solar and wind power. This shift is creating new economic opportunities while also altering geopolitical dynamics traditionally centered around fossil fuel resources.
The renewable energy transition is also improving energy security for many countries. By reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, countries can decrease their vulnerability to price volatility and supply disruptions in international energy markets. This enhanced energy security can have positive knock-on effects on economic stability and growth.
However, the economic transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. Some regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel industries may face economic disruption as these industries decline. This necessitates careful planning and policy interventions to ensure a just transition, including retraining programs for workers and economic diversification strategies for affected communities.
The financial sector is also playing a crucial role in this transition. There’s a growing trend of divestment from fossil fuels and increased investment in renewable energy projects. Many institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, are shifting their portfolios towards cleaner energy sources, driven by both ethical considerations and the recognition of the long-term financial risks associated with fossil fuel investments.
As renewable energy continues to gain market share, it’s likely to have an increasingly profound impact on global economic structures. From reshaping job markets and driving innovation to altering international trade dynamics and improving energy security, the economic implications of the renewable energy transition are far-reaching and complex. While challenges remain, the overall trajectory suggests that renewable energy will play a central role in shaping the global economy of the future.
Questions 11-14: Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number i-viii next to questions 11-14.
List of Headings:
i. The role of financial institutions in renewable energy
ii. Job creation in the renewable energy sector
iii. Challenges in transitioning to renewable energy
iv. Impact on international trade and geopolitics
v. Innovation and technological advancements
vi. Energy security and economic stability
vii. Environmental benefits of renewable energy
viii. Government policies supporting renewable energy
- Paragraph 2: __
- Paragraph 3: __
- Paragraph 4: __
- Paragraph 5: __
Questions 15-19: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
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According to IRENA, the largest employer in the renewable energy sector is ____.
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The advancement of renewable energy technologies is contributing to innovations in fields such as energy storage, smart grids, and ____.
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Countries like Morocco and Chile are positioning themselves as potential exporters of ____ produced from solar and wind power.
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The transition to renewable energy may require ____ to ensure a just transition for workers in declining fossil fuel industries.
-
Many ____ are shifting their investments towards cleaner energy sources due to ethical considerations and financial risks associated with fossil fuels.
Question 20: Short Answer Question
Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS, answer the following question based on the information given in the passage.
- What is the overall effect of renewable energy on global economic structures described as in the passage?
Passage 3 (Hard Text)
The Technological Frontier of Renewable Energy
The future of renewable energy in global energy markets is inextricably linked to technological advancements. As the world grapples with the urgent need to decarbonize energy systems, innovations in renewable energy technologies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, potentially reshaping the global energy landscape in profound ways.
One of the most promising frontiers in renewable energy technology is the development of next-generation solar cells. Traditional silicon-based photovoltaic cells are approaching their theoretical efficiency limits, but emerging technologies such as perovskite solar cells and multi-junction cells offer the potential for significant efficiency improvements. Perovskite cells, in particular, have shown rapid progress, with laboratory efficiencies increasing from 3.8% in 2009 to over 25% in 2020. Their potential for low-cost manufacturing and application in flexible, lightweight panels could revolutionize solar energy deployment.
In the wind energy sector, the trend towards larger turbines continues unabated. Offshore wind farms are now deploying turbines with capacities exceeding 12 megawatts, with blade lengths surpassing 100 meters. These gigantic turbines can capture more wind at higher altitudes, significantly increasing energy output. Moreover, floating offshore wind technology is opening up vast new areas for wind farm development in deep waters, potentially multiplying the global capacity for wind energy production.
Energy storage technologies are also undergoing rapid evolution, addressing one of the key challenges of variable renewable energy sources. While lithium-ion batteries have seen dramatic cost reductions and performance improvements, alternative technologies such as flow batteries, solid-state batteries, and hydrogen storage are emerging as potential game-changers. These technologies promise longer duration storage, faster charging, and improved safety profiles, which could facilitate much higher penetration of renewable energy in electricity grids.
The concept of smart grids is another technological frontier that could revolutionize renewable energy integration. Advanced sensors, communication technologies, and artificial intelligence are enabling more sophisticated grid management, allowing for better balancing of supply and demand, predictive maintenance, and integration of distributed energy resources. This could significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of grids with high renewable energy penetration.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly being applied across the renewable energy value chain. From optimizing the design and placement of renewable energy installations to predicting output and managing grid operations, AI has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems. For instance, AI-powered weather forecasting can improve the accuracy of renewable energy output predictions, enabling better grid management and reducing the need for backup power sources.
Green hydrogen production is emerging as a key technology for sector coupling and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Electrolyzers powered by renewable electricity can produce hydrogen without carbon emissions, which can then be used for energy storage, industrial processes, or as a fuel for transportation. As electrolyzer technology improves and renewable electricity costs continue to fall, green hydrogen could become a crucial component of a fully decarbonized energy system.
Advanced materials science is playing a crucial role in many of these technological developments. From more efficient photovoltaic materials to stronger, lighter wind turbine blades, to advanced membrane materials for hydrogen production, materials innovation is often at the heart of renewable energy breakthroughs. Emerging fields such as nanotechnology and biomimicry are opening up new possibilities for material design that could lead to step-changes in renewable energy technology performance.
The convergence of these technological trends – next-generation solar, advanced wind, innovative storage, smart grids, AI, green hydrogen, and advanced materials – is creating a powerful momentum for renewable energy. As these technologies mature and achieve economies of scale, they have the potential to accelerate the transition to a renewable-dominated energy system far more rapidly than many current projections suggest.
However, realizing this potential will require sustained investment in research and development, supportive policy frameworks, and effective strategies for technology transfer and deployment. It will also necessitate addressing challenges such as critical material supply chains, recycling and end-of-life management for renewable technologies, and the development of a skilled workforce to support the renewable energy sector.
In conclusion, the technological frontier of renewable energy is advancing rapidly, offering the promise of a transformation in global energy markets. While challenges remain, the trajectory of innovation suggests that renewable energy technologies will play an increasingly central role in meeting the world’s energy needs in a sustainable and economically viable manner.
Questions 21-26: Matching Information
Match the following statements (A-H) to the correct paragraphs in the passage (21-26). Write the correct letter A-H next to questions 21-26. NB: You may use any letter more than once.
A. Discusses the role of AI in enhancing renewable energy systems
B. Mentions the potential of floating offshore wind technology
C. Explains the importance of smart grids in renewable energy integration
D. Describes advancements in solar cell technology
E. Highlights the role of advanced materials in renewable energy development
F. Discusses the potential of green hydrogen in decarbonizing various sectors
G. Explains the challenges in implementing renewable energy technologies
H. Describes improvements in energy storage technologies
- Paragraph 2: __
- Paragraph 3: __
- Paragraph 4: __
- Paragraph 5: __
- Paragraph 6: __
- Paragraph 8: __
Questions 27-32: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the box. Write the correct letter A-L next to questions 27-32.
A. silicon
B. perovskite
C. offshore
D. onshore
E. lithium-ion
F. flow
G. solid-state
H. artificial intelligence
I. machine learning
J. green hydrogen
K. biomimicry
L. nanotechnology
The passage discusses various technological advancements in renewable energy. In solar energy, (27)____ cells are showing promise with rapidly increasing efficiency. Wind energy is seeing a trend towards larger turbines, especially in (28)____ installations. Energy storage is evolving beyond (29)____ batteries, with technologies like (30)____ batteries emerging. (31)____ is being applied across the renewable energy value chain to enhance efficiency and reliability. (32)____ production is identified as a key technology for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.
Questions 33-35: Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
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What type of grid is mentioned as potentially revolutionizing renewable energy integration?
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Which two emerging fields are mentioned as opening up new possibilities for material design in renewable energy?
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What does the passage suggest is necessary to support the renewable energy sector workforce?
Questions 36-40: Matching Features
Match the following features (A-H) with the correct renewable energy technologies (36-40). Write the correct letter A-H next to questions 36-40.
Features:
A. Captures more wind at higher altitudes
B. Promises longer duration storage
C. Enables more sophisticated grid management
D. Can be used for energy storage and as a fuel
E. Offers potential for low-cost manufacturing
F. Improves accuracy of output predictions
G. Opens up new areas for development in deep waters
H. Enhances the efficiency of renewable energy systems
Renewable Energy Technologies:
36. Perovskite solar cells: __
37. Large offshore wind turbines: __
38. Flow batteries: __
39. Smart grids: __
40. Green hydrogen: __
Answer Key
Passage 1
- C
- D
- C
- C
- D
- FALSE
- TRUE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- FALSE
Passage 2
- ii
- v
- iv
- vi
- solar photovoltaic
- electric vehicles
- green hydrogen
- policy interventions
- institutional investors
- far-reaching and complex
Passage 3
- D
- B
- H
- C
- A
- E
- B
- C
- E
- F or G
- H
- J
- smart grid
- nanotechnology and biomimicry
- skilled workforce
- E
- A
- B
- C
- D
In this comprehensive IELTS Reading practice test, we’ve explored the future of renewable energy in global energy markets through three passages of increasing difficulty. The test covers various aspects of renewable energy, including technological advancements, economic impacts, and challenges in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
To excel in the IELTS Reading section, it’s crucial to practice with diverse question types and develop your ability to quickly identify key information in complex texts. Remember to manage your time effectively, as
