Contents

UNIT 1. FUELS AND ENERGY SOURCES ……………………...………………………..4

UNIT 2. ENERGY BUSINESS..…………………………………………………………….14

UNIT 3 POWER SUPPLY.………………………………………………………………......27

UNIT 4. ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY and EFFICIENCY ……………………………..…42

UNIT 5 GAS EXPLORATION and PRODUCTION ……………………………………….57

REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………70

UNIT 1 FUELS AND ENERGY SOURCES

A. Energy sources lead-in

• Match the following words to make the essential terms of the unit. Practice their pronunciation.

fossil future energy cost enhancing energy waste

products effective economy generation fuel consumption facility

• Answer the questions.

1. What fuels and energy sources do you know?

2. What fuels and energy sources are used in Russia?

3. What types of energy sources are presented in the picture? Explain why.

Text 1 energy sources e nergy is essential. It is embodied in everything we use. To compare sources of energy effectively, we need to understand what they are and how they work.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources – Energy from the ground that has limited supplies, either in the form of gas, liquid or solid, are called nonrenewable resources. They cannot be replenished, or made again, in a short period of time. Examples include: oil (petroleum), natural gas, coal and uranium (nuclear). Oil, natural gas and coal are called “fossil fuels” because they have been formed from the organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals.

Non-renewable energies seem abundant, like oil, gas and coal, some experts believe if mined correctly, our supplies will be safe for future generations. Non-renewable energy sources include oil and petroleum products, gasoline, diesel fuel, and propane, natural gas, coal, and uranium used for nuclear energy. Some environmentalists include our forests, trees, and plant life as a non-renewable energy source as well especially due to the deforestation of our forests.

One advantage of non-renewable energies is that right now, they seem widely available and affordable. Oil and diesel are still good choices for powering vehicles. They are cost-effective and much easier to produce and use.

On the other side, there are many disadvantages to non-renewable energy. Because non-renewable energies come from sources of our planet, once they are gone they can't be replaced or revitalized.

Renewable Energy Sources – Energy that comes from a source that’s constantly renewed, such as the sun and wind, can be replenished naturally in a short period of time. Because of this we do not have to worry about them running out. Examples include: solar, wind, biomass and hydropower. Currently, less than 2% of the world’s electricity comes from renewable resources. There is a global debate as to whether geothermal energy is renewable or nonrenewable.

O ne major advantage with the use of renewable energy is that as it is renewable it is therefore sustainable and so will never run out. Renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators. Their fuel being derived from natural and available resources reduces the costs of operation. Even more importantly, renewable energy produces little or no waste products such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollution, so has minimal impact on the environment.

One disadvantage with renewable energy is that it is difficult to generate the quantities of electricity that are as large as those produced by traditional fossil fuel generators. This may mean that we need to reduce the amount of energy we use or simply build more energy facilities. It also indicates that the best solution to our energy problems may be to have a balance of many different power sources.

Another problem of renewable energy sources is the reliability of supply. Renewable energy often relies on the weather for its source of power. Hydro generators need rain to fill dams to supply flowing water. Wind turbines need wind to turn the blades, and solar collectors need clear skies and sunshine to collect heat and make electricity. This can be unpredictable and inconsistent. The current cost of renewable energy technology is also far in excess of traditional fossil fuel generation.