2. Read the passage and answer the questions below. One major advantage with the use of renewable energy is that as it is renewable therefore it is 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 pollutants, so has minimal impact on the environment. It is easy to recognize the environmental advantages of utilizing the alternative and renewable forms of energy but we must also be aware of the disadvantages. 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. 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. Another advantage of renewable energy sources is the reliability of supply. Renewable energy often relies on the weather for its source of power. The current cost of renewable energy technology is also far in excess of traditional fossil fuel generation. This is because it is a new technology and as such has extremely large capital cost. 1. What is the most important advantage of renewable resources? ................................................................................................................................................ 2. Which is less expensive to operate, non-renewable or renewable energy? Why? ................................................................................................................................................ 3. What does wind energy need to generate power? ................................................................................................................................................ 4. Why is the total cost of renewable energy technology far more than that of fossil fuels? ................................................................................................................................................