Power from the Earth - Reading Test Answers

Location: E

Although geothermal power generation appears to be a most attractive option, development has been slow. The world's first successful attempt at geothermal power generation was accomplished in Italy in 1904.

Location: H

Japan, which is thought to have about 10% of the world's geothermal resources, may well have considerable advantages for tapping into geothermal power. It does have one of the longest serving power stations using geothermal energy.

Location: D

Furthermore, geothermal power can provide a stable supply of electricity unlike other natural energy sources such as solar power and wind power, which both rely heavily on weather conditions.

Location: C

When water is sent down to the depths of 1 to 3 km, it returns to the surface as steam and is capable of generating electricity.

Location: B

Fortunately, sufficiently hot temperatures are available at considerably shallower depths.

Location: G

A further consideration is the amount of risk involved in successfully setting up a new geothermal power production facility.

Location: B

In certain areas, where the earth's surface has been altered over time—through, for example, volcanic activity-temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Celsius can be found at depths of a mere 1 to 3 km, which can be feasibly accessed.

Location: F

The international geothermal community at the World Geothermal Congress 2000 called upon the governments of nations to make strong commitments to the development of their indigenous geo-thermal resources for the benefit of their own people, humanity and the environment.

Location: F

Secondly, the cost is still high when compared to today's most common sources of energy production: fossil fuels and atomic energy.

Location: G

To achieve this, extensive surveys, drilling expertise and time are needed. It is not uncommon for a project to encompass ten years from its planning stage to the start of operations.

Location: H

This figure, though impressive, accounts for a mere 0.4% of Japan's total generation of electricity.