Text2 While fossil fuels- coal,oil,gas- still generate roughly 85 percent of the world&
Text2
While fossil fuels- coal,oil,gas- still generate roughly 85 percent of the world's energy
supply,it'sclearer than ever that the future belongs to renewablesources such as wind and solar.The
move to renewables is picking up momentumaround the world: They now account for more than half ofnew power sourcesgoing on line.
Some growth stems from a commitment bygovernments and farsighted Businssesto
fundcleanerenergy sources.But increasinglythestoryisabout theplummeting prices of
renewables,especially wind and solar.The cost of solarpanels has dropped by 80 percent and the
cost of wind turbines by close taone-third in the past eight years.
In many parts of the world renewable energy is already a principal energy source.In
Scotland,for example, wind turbines provide enough electricity to power 95 percent of homes.
While the rest of the world takes the lead, notably China and Europe, the United States is also
seeing a remarkable shift. In March,for the first time,wind and solar power accounted for more
than 10 percent of the power generated in the US,reported the US Energy Information
Administration.
President Trump has underlined fossil fuels - especially coal - as thepathto economic growth.
In a recent speech in Iowa, he dismissed wind power as an unreliable energy source, But that
message did not play well with many in Iowa,where wind turbines dot the fields and provide 36
percent of the state's electricity generation - and where tech giants likeMicrosoftare being
attracted by the availability of clean energy to power their data centers.
The question “what happens when the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn'tshine?" has provid
ed a quick put-down for skeptics. But a boost in the storage
apacity of batteries is making their ability to keep power flowing around the clock more likely.
The advance is driven in par by vehicle manufacturers, who are placing big
bets on battery-powered electric vehicles. Although electric cars are still a rarity
on roads now. this massive investment could change the picture rapidly in coming years.
While there's a long way to go,the trend lines for renewables are spiking. The pace of
change in energy sources appears to be speeding up perhaps: just in time to have a
meaningful effect in slowing climate change.What Washington does-or
doesn't do- to promote alternative energy may mean less and less a time of
aglobal shift in thought.
26.The word "plummeting"(Line3,Para.2)is closest in meaning to ______
A.stabilizing
B.changing
C.falling
D.rising
27. According to Paragraph 3,the use of renewable energy in America ______
A. is progressing notably
B. is as extensive as in Europe
C. faces many challenges
D. has proved to be impractical
28. It can be learned that in Iowa,
______.
A. wind is a widely used energy source
B. wind energy has replaced fossil fuels
C. tech giants are investing in clean energy
D. there is a shortage of clean energy supply
29. Which of the following is true about clean energy according to Paragraphs 5&6?A. Its
application has boosted battery storage.B. It is commonly used in car manufacturing.C. Its
continuous supply is becoming a reality.D. Its sustainable exploitation will remain difficult. 30. It
can be inferred from the last paragraph that renewable energy _____.
A. will bring the US closer to other countries
B. will accelerate global environmental change
C. is not really encouraged by the US government
D. is not competitive enough with regard to its cost
30. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that renewable energy _____.