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    [1] Many major oil producing countries have reached "peak oil" production, while concerns over global warming are increasing, leading countries to focus on transitioning to low-carbon economies. [2] This transition will result in increased electricity demand as people switch from oil and gas to power their homes and vehicles, as well as more renewable energy sources being used to generate electricity. [3] To address these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology, which aims to provide better information about power supply and demand to create a more efficient electricity network.

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    Ir 8

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    [1] Many major oil producing countries have reached "peak oil" production, while concerns over global warming are increasing, leading countries to focus on transitioning to low-carbon economies. [2] This transition will result in increased electricity demand as people switch from oil and gas to power their homes and vehicles, as well as more renewable energy sources being used to generate electricity. [3] To address these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology, which aims to provide better information about power supply and demand to create a more efficient electricity network.

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    [1] Many major oil producing countries have reached "peak oil" production, while concerns over global warming are increasing, leading countries to focus on transitioning to low-carbon economies. [2] This transition will result in increased electricity demand as people switch from oil and gas to power their homes and vehicles, as well as more renewable energy sources being used to generate electricity. [3] To address these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology, which aims to provide better information about power supply and demand to create a more efficient electricity network.

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    57 views3 pages

    Ir 8

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    Huyền
    [1] Many major oil producing countries have reached "peak oil" production, while concerns over global warming are increasing, leading countries to focus on transitioning to low-carbon economies. [2] This transition will result in increased electricity demand as people switch from oil and gas to power their homes and vehicles, as well as more renewable energy sources being used to generate electricity. [3] To address these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology, which aims to provide better information about power supply and demand to create a more efficient electricity network.

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    PART 8:

    Smart Energy

    The next few decades will see great changes in the way energy is supplied and used. In some major oil
    producing nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are increasing fears of global warming.
    Consequently, many countries are focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to
    major changes in the supply and use of electricity. [A] Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as
    consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. [B] Secondly, there will be
    an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as
    there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources. [C] To meet these challenges, countries are
    investing in Smart Grid technology. [D] This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better
    understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power
    network.

    Smart Grid technology basically involves the application of a computer system to the electricity network. The
    computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and improve engineer's ability to
    manage the system. With better information about electricity demand, the network will be able to increase the
    amount of electricity delivered per unit generated, leading to potential reductions in fuel needs and carbon
    emissions. Moreover, the computer system will assist in reducing operational and maintenance costs.

    Smart Grid technology offers benefits to the consumer too. They will be able to collect real-time information
    on their energy use for each appliance. Varying tariffs throughout the day will give customers the incentive to
    use appliances at times when supply greatly exceeds demand, leading to great reductions in bills. For example,
    they may use their washing machines at night. Smart meters can also be connected to the internet or telephone
    system, allowing customers to switch appliances on or off remotely. Furthermore, if houses are fitted with the
    apparatus to generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly from the on-site power source, and
    any excess can be sold to the grid.

    With these changes comes a range of challenges. The first involves managing the supply and demand. Sources
    of renewable energy, such as wind, wave and solar, are notoriously unpredictable, and nuclear power, which is
    also set to increase as nations switch to alternative energy sources, is inflexible. With oil and gas, it is relatively
    simple to increase the supply of energy to match the increasing demand during peak times of the day or year.
    With alternative sources, this is far more difficult, and may lead to blackouts or system collapse. Potential
    solutions include investigating new and efficient ways to store energy and encouraging consumers to use
    electricity at off-peak times.

    A second problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as
    windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical infrastructure. New
    infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more
    efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.

    Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway.
    Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity
    use. There are also a number of demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could
    practically work, and trials are in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is likely that technology will
    be added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which will provide initial carbon savings, to be followed
    by more advanced systems at a later date. Cities are prime candidates for investment into smart energy, due to
    the high population density and high energy use. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted
    first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging
    electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast. By the year 2050, changes in the
    energy supply will have transformed our homes, our roads and our behaviour.

    1 According to paragraph 1, what has happened in some oil producing countries?

    A They are unwilling to sell their oil any more.

    B They are not producing as much oil as they used to.

    C The supply of oil is unpredictable.

    D Global warming is more sever here than in other countries.

    2 Where in paragraph 1 can the following sentence be placed?

    There is also likely more electricity generation centres, as households and communities take up the
    opportunity to install photovoltaic cells and small scale wind turbines.

    A B C D

    3 Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Smart Grid technology to consumers?

    A It can reduce their electricity bills.

    B It can tell them how much energy each appliance is using.

    C It can allow them to turn appliances on and off when they are not at home.

    D It can reduce the amount of energy needed to power appliances.

    4 According to paragraph 4, what is the problem with using renewable sources of power?

    A They do not provide much energy.

    B They often cause system failure and blackouts.

    C They do not supply a continuous flow of energy.

    D They can't be used at off-peak times.

    5 In paragraph 5, what can be inferred about cities in the future?

    A More people will be living in cities in the future than nowadays.

    B People in cities will be using cars and buses powered by electricity.

    C All buildings will generate their own electricity.

    D Smart Grid technology will only be available in cities.


    6 The word 'remote' in paragraph 5 could be best replace by:

    A isolated

    B crowded

    C attractive

    D alone

    7 The word 'underway' in paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to:

    A permanent

    B complete

    C beneficial

    D in progress

    8 17 What is the main idea of the final paragraph? (paragraph 6).

    A To describe who will benefit from Smart Grid technology first.

    B To outline the advantages of Smart Grid technology.

    C To summarise the main ideas in the previous paragraphs.

    D To describe how, where and when Smart Technology will be introduced.

    9 In paragraph 6, what can be inferred about the introduction of Smart Grid Technology?

    A The technologies which produce most benefits will be introduced first.

    B The cheapest technologies will be introduced first.

    C The technologies which are most difficult to put into place will be introduced first.

    D Technologically advanced systems will be introduced first.

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