Unit 27 — Renewable Energy & Smart Grids

Part 1 — Word formation

Instructions: Read the text below. Use the word in CAPITALS at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. For C1 Advanced, pay close attention to prefixes, suffixes, and noun/adjective/adverb transformations.

The transition to a sustainable energy model is no longer a matter of choice but an _ necessity. While fossil fuels once provided a reliable source of power, their _ impact on the environment has forced scientists to seek alternatives. The development of smart grids has been ___ in managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.

However, the _ of these technologies remains a significant challenge due to high initial costs. Some critics argue that the reliance on lithium-ion batteries is _ because of the environmental cost of mining. Despite these concerns, the ___ of renewable energy remains high among policy makers.

The _ of energy efficiency in urban planning is also crucial to reduce waste. Ultimately, the _ of a greener future depends on our ability to innovate and adapt.

1. NECESSITY
2. DAMAGE
3. REVOLUTION
4. IMPLEMENT
5. SUSTAIN
6. PERSIST
7. INTEGRATE
8. SURVIVE

Part 2 — Key word transformations

Instructions: Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given. 1. I wonder if the government will invest more in wind farms next year. | WHETHER → I am wondering ____ more in wind farms next year. 2. "Will the smart grid be able to handle the peak load?" asked the engineer. | IF → The engineer asked ___ handle the peak load. 3. I don't know if the solar panels will be enough to power the whole building. | WONDER → I __ enough to power the whole building. 4. "Is the new hydroelectric dam environmentally friendly?" the journalist asked. | WHETHER → The journalist questioned __ environmentally friendly. 5. The manager asked if we could find a way to store excess energy. | IF → The manager was inquiring __ a way to store excess energy. 6. I am not sure if the transition to green energy will be completed by 2050. | WHETHER → I am uncertain _____ to green energy will be completed by 2050.

Answer key

Part 1 1. absolute 2. damaging 3. revolutionary 4. implementation 5. sustainability 6. persistence 7. integration 8. survival Part 2 1. whether the government will invest 2. if the smart grid would 3. wonder whether the solar panels will be 4. whether the new dam was 5. if we could find 6. whether the transition