Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is renewable energy, and can you name some examples of it?
- What do you think are some good reasons for using more renewable energy?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/
- draft /drahft/
- offshore /AWF-SHAWR/
- carbon neutrality /KAHR-buhn noo-TRAL-i-tee/
- advantageous /ad-vuhn-TEY-juhs/
[noun] – a legislative body of government responsible for making laws
The parliament debated the new education policy for several weeks.
[noun] – a preliminary version of a document or plan that is subject to further changes
The writer submitted the first draft of the novel to the editor for review.
[adjective] – located or situated at sea rather than on land
The company invested in offshore wind farms to generate renewable energy.
[noun] – achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emissions with carbon offsetting or by eliminating emissions altogether
The organization has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
[adjective] – providing an advantage or benefit; favorable
Learning a second language can be advantageous for career opportunities.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Portugal has announced a new energy plan to significantly increase its use of renewable energy. The goal is to have 93% of electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. This ambitious plan, which will be open for public review until September 5 before being presented to parliament, is part of a major effort to fight climate change. In 2023, renewable sources will have already provided 61% of Portugal’s electricity, one of the highest rates in Europe. The updated plan raises the 2030 target from the previous 85% set by the former government, showing a strong commitment to improving sustainability and energy security.
The new draft also changes the goal for green hydrogen production, reducing it by 45%. Portugal is just starting to set up machines for green hydrogen production, with the current output being very low. The revised plan aims to double the country’s renewable energy capacity to 42.9 gigawatts by 2030. This includes 12.4 gigawatts of wind power, with 2 gigawatts coming from offshore projects, and increasing solar power capacity to 20.8 gigawatts. Despite the cut in green hydrogen targets, Portugal continues to focus on its overall climate goals, such as cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 2005 levels and reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. The plan highlights Portugal’s advantageous position for developing a green hydrogen industry, aiming to attract investment and enhance competitiveness in the energy sector.
The new draft also changes the goal for green hydrogen production, reducing it by 45%. Portugal is just starting to set up machines for green hydrogen production, with the current output being very low. The revised plan aims to double the country’s renewable energy capacity to 42.9 gigawatts by 2030. This includes 12.4 gigawatts of wind power, with 2 gigawatts coming from offshore projects, and increasing solar power capacity to 20.8 gigawatts. Despite the cut in green hydrogen targets, Portugal continues to focus on its overall climate goals, such as cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 2005 levels and reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. The plan highlights Portugal’s advantageous position for developing a green hydrogen industry, aiming to attract investment and enhance competitiveness in the energy sector.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the main goal of Portugal’s new energy plan?
- Until when will the new energy plan be open for public review?
- How much of Portugal’s electricity came from renewable sources in 2023?
- What overall climate goal is Portugal aiming to achieve by 2045?
- How much is Portugal planning to increase its renewable energy capacity by 2030?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or someone you know ever made a change to become more environmentally friendly? If yes, what motivated this change? If not, what would encourage you or someone you know to make such a change?
- Have you ever visited a place that uses a lot of renewable energy, like a solar farm or a wind farm? If so, what was your impression of it? If not, would you like to visit such a place? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that governments should invest more in renewable energy projects like wind and solar power?
- What challenges do you think Portugal might face in trying to achieve its goal of 93% renewable energy by 2030?
- What role do you think public opinion and participation will play in the success of Portugal’s new energy plan? How important is it for the public to support these kinds of initiatives?