Read the following passage about Renewable energy sources and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
[I] Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, have gained global popularity as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. [II] Unlike coal and oil, renewable energy generates electricity without releasing harmful emissions, making it a cleaner option for the environment (Jacobson et al., 2017). [III] However, despite the advantages of renewable energy, there are still notable challenges that need to be addressed for it to fully replace traditional energy sources (Ell Abban et al., 2014). [IV]
One major advantage of renewable energy is its sustainability. Renewable resources, unlike fossil fuels, are naturally replenished and do not deplete over time. For instance, solar power harnesses energy from sunlight, which is virtually endless. In addition, renewable energy contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which helps combat climate change. Many countries are increasingly investing in renewable technologies to decrease their carbon footprint and meet international climate goals.
However, renewable energy has certain limitations. One significant issue is its intermittent nature; for example, solar and wind power depend on weather conditions, making it difficult to generate a consistent power supply. This variability can disrupt the energy grid, which relies on a steady supply of electricity to meet demand. Another challenge is the high initial cost of setting up renewable energy facilities. Although prices have decreased in recent years, installing solar panels or wind turbines still requires substantial upfront investment (IRENA, 2019).
Despite these challenges, advancements in technology are gradually making renewable energy more efficient and accessible. Improved energy storage systems, such as batteries, allow excess power generated during favourable conditions to be stored and used later, ensuring a more reliable energy supply. As technology and infrastructure improve, renewable energy may eventually.
The word "it" in paragraph 1 refers to ____.
