ENERGY MARKET
IN EUROPE
06/2015
No 3
M ate r i a l i e n f ü r d e n w i rts c h a f ts b e zo g e n e n F r e m d s p r ac h e n u n te r r i c h t
EnglishPLUS
Ideelle und materielle Unterstützung erhalten wir von unseren Projektpartnern:
ENERGY MARKET IN
EUROPE
Contents
Getting started…
Brainstorming, working on a definition, expressing your opinion:
aspects of energy efficiency + EU’s energy consumption, personal
comment
Vocabulary and language
Working with words (words and phrases, collocations, explanations,
word formation, translations, definitions), Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources (introduction, label picture, complete
text, pros + cons), the European Energy Union: complete paragraph
+ opinion, the global boom on wind energy (anagrams), Energy
markets and consumers (compounds, complete text, explain words,
answer questions), letter writing, a role play
Newspaper article 1
"EU’s energy union must overcome serious obstacles"
 Complete sentences (multiple matching), elicit information, work
on visual language, internet research on up-to-date events, word
formation (word families: verbs, nouns, adjectives).
Newspaper article 2
"Climate Commissioner: EU needs a single renewable energy
market"
 Word formation, jobs in the green energy sector, find synonyms,
express opinion on renewable energy in the EU.
Students will

learn/talk about energy markets, energy sources, the Energy Union: basic facts, new
ideas/approaches

share their views and attitudes towards and express their opinion on different aspects related to
the EU, different energy sources, different approaches to energy sources.

scan newspaper articles for information: answer questions, elicit specific details.

revise, study and get to know words and phrases related to energy sources and
energy markets in the EU (translations, collocations, dictionary search, sentence
match, word/synonym match, compounds, etc.)

work on their vocabulary (explain words + phrases, use new words in
sentences, synonym match)

revise writing tasks: the letter of complaint, express your opinion

improve teamwork (group work, partner work, present findings, role play)

revise the English sentence structure (sentence/paragraph match)

revise skills used in the centralised exam (Standardisierte Reifeprüfung Neu)
2
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
1
GETTING STARTED
1A
Brainstorming
How do you use energy in your home?
Spend one minute writing down everything in your home where energy is needed to make it
work. Then share your thoughts in class and complement your own list.
........................................................................................................................................................
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1B
Energy – a definition
Look at the following questions about energy. Together with your partner, try to find an answer
for each of them. Then compare your answers with your colleagues’ versions. What is similar?
Where do you differ?
What is energy?
...................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
Where does it come from?
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
Why is it important?
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
3
Read the following definition of “energy” in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. What do
you say? Did you come up with a similar definition? Discuss in class.
1C
Saving energy
Saving energy and energy efficiency are important issues when talking about energy. Read
through the following suggestions of how to live more energy efficient. What do you think
about them? Together with your partner, discuss their usefulness and feasibility.
SUGGESTION
Improved insulation in housing to reduce heat loss
Using energy-saving light bulbs
Taking a shower instead of a bath
Avoiding leaving household appliances on standby
Walking instead of using cars for short distances
Switching off lights when leaving a room
Taking public transport
YOUR OPINION
4
1D
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
The EU’s primary energy consumption – a comment
Look at the following pie chart, which represents the primary energy consumption of the EU.
What do the percentages tell you? What do you think? Share your views in class.
www.investingdaily.com/12871/alternative-energy-dont-believe-the-hype/
http://kr.nlh1.com/images/201006/EU%20Primary%20Energy%20Consumption.gif
http://kr.nlh1.com/images/201006/USA%20Energy%20Consumption.gif
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
1E
5
Personal comment
Look at the following two pictures dealing with different aspects of energy sources. Choose one
of them and write a short comment. You may choose the form of the comment: a critical
comment, a discussion, a speech, an inner monologue of one of the characters in the pictures,
etc. Then exchange views in class.
cartoon eu in hospital: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/europes-energy-cliffhanger/
/ https://daukantas.wordpress.com/illustrations
Your comment:
..........................................................................................................................................................
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........................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
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6
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
2
VOCABULARY AND LANGUAGE
2A
Energy words
a)
energy market
energy crisis
The following sentences are example sentences used in the Oxford Advanced Learner's
Dictionary. Complete them with the compounds in the word bank. Do you know all of
these words? After you have filled them in, explain each of them using your own words.
conserve
power station
demand for
power sources
energy supplies
1. It is important to ...................................... energy.
2. The cost of solar
the ...................................... .
power
needs
to
fall
before
it
makes
an
impact
on
3. The country could face an ...................................... if demand continues to rise.
4. The ...................................... energy and fuel is expected to increase dramatically.
5. The new ...................................... produces vast amounts of energy.
6. The nuclear plant provides a fifth of the nation’s ...................................... .
7. The £500 million programme
...................................... .
is
centred
around
energy
efficiency
and
renewable
from: http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/energy?q=energy
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
b)
exploit
material
7
Complete the following phrases with the missing words in the word bank.
wave power
solar panels
save
the use of
reliance on
wind farm
promote
1. Conserve / ...................................... / consume / waste energy
2. Manage / ...................................... / be rich in natural resources
3. Use / be made from recycled / recyclable ......................................
4. promote / encourage ...................................... renewable energy
5. develop / invest in / ...................................... renewable energy
6. reduce your dependence / ...................................... fossil fuels
7. get / generate / produce electricity from wind, solar and ....................................
8. build / develop a (50-megawatt/offshore) ......................................
9. install / be fitted with / be powered by ......................................
from: http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/energy?q=energy
2B
Energy sources: an introduction
a)
Sources from which energy can be obtained in order
to provide heat, light, and power are called energy
sources. List as many energy sources as you can:
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
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ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
b)
Together with your partner divide them into two groups: renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Renewable means that the source can be rejuvenated to
provide an almost endless supply of energy. Non-renewable sources are going to run
out at some point.
Renewable energy sources:
Non-renewable energy sources:
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
Adapted from:
http://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/documents/clean_energy/renewablesready_fullreport.pdf
c)
Now look at the following picture. Based on your knowledge about energy sources so
far, try to complete it.
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
2C
9
Different types of energy sources: renewable vs. non-renewable
a)
Read through the following explanations of different renewable and non-renewable
energy sources. Fill in the missing headlines A to G in the gaps (1) to (7).
A
Fossil Fuels
B
Sun
C
Renewable Energy Sources
D
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
E
Wind
F
Nuclear Energy Sources
G
Geothermal
(1) .......................................................................
Renewable energy sources are sources that can be rejuvenated to
provide an almost endless supply of energy.
(2) ........................................................................
Solar power is obtained by collecting the sun's heat and/or light
using solar panels and photovoltaic panels and converting it into
useable energy. It is commonly used for heating, cooking and
electricity production.
Pros
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
Cons
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .........................................................................................................
....
(3) .................................
Wind towers have their blades turned by
wind which in turn rotates magnets that
produce electricity using a generator.
They are usually used in large-scale on
wind farms for greater profitability. This
method is usually used in Europe, Asia and
the United States.
10
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
Pros
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
3. .............................................................................................................
Cons
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
3. .............................................................................................................
(4) .................................
This is heat trapped in the earth's core that is harnessed to generate
energy.
Pros
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
Cons
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
11
(5) .................................
Non-renewable energy sources are those
that are prone to running out one day.
The main non-renewable sources are fossil
fuels and nuclear energy.
(6) .................................
These are found in three types – coal,
petroleum and natural gas – all of which
are derived from the decomposition of
plant and animal matter formed over
millions of years.
Pros
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
Cons
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
(7) .................................
Nuclear energy can be obtained either using fission or fusion. Uranium
atoms are split through fission to release large amounts of nuclear
energy. The energy is then used to heat water which turns turbines that
in turn produce electricity. The use of fusion is thought to be more
efficient than fission; research in its use, however, is still in its
early stages.
Pros
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
Cons
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
3. .............................................................................................................
12
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
b)
Go through the following statements – positive and negative aspects about different
energy sources – and assign them to the respective energy source above.

There is no emission of greenhouse gases in production of solar power.

There is no emission of harmful gases so long as the process is properly carried out.

Power plants are relatively small thus have no adverse effects on the surrounding areas.

Pollutants may be produced if drilling is done improperly.

Geothermal sites can run out of steam.

They are more easily available than other energy sources

Generation of wind power does not result in the production of greenhouse gases.

They are considered more affordable than many alternative energy sources.

Wind mills have been said to be aesthetically unpleasant to look at.

Supply of sources of nuclear energy like uranium is very limited.

A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce tremendous amounts of energy.

Wind towers can only be in areas that are relatively windy and even then not every day is
sufficiently windy for energy production.

There is no emission of greenhouse gases in production of energy.

There is no fear of the sun “running out” or getting depleted.

These fuels are the biggest producers of greenhouse gases.

They are steadily decreasing in availability due to over-dependency on them that often results in
overuse.

Solar power stations are costly to put up.

The only cost incurred is that of building the wind towers.

Safety risks are next to none when dealing with the turbines.

For adequate power generation, numerous wind towers must be built.

By-products from the use of nuclear fuel are highly toxic.

Power generation is dependent on sunny weather conditions that aren't always available.

Nuclear energy can easily be misused to carry out terrorist attacks.
from: http://cleangreenenergyzone.com/types-of-energy-resources/ and http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
2D
13
The European Energy Union
The European Union wants to work closer together when it comes to the coordination of
European energy supplies, which is why a project called “Energy Union” has been started.
Connect the parts in column A with the ones in column B and put them into the right order to
produce a meaningful paragraph. Then do the tasks below.
COMMISSION PRIORITY
ENERGY UNION
Column A
Column B
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council,
introduced the idea of
providing secure, sustainable, competitive,
affordable energy.
The EU's reliance on Russia for its energy and the
annexation of Crimea by Russia have been cited as
the biggest energy project since the European
Coal and Steel Community.
Eurocommissioner Vice President Maroš Šefčovič
called the Energy Union
an energy union when he was Prime Minister of
Poland.
The Energy Union Strategy is a project of the
European Commission
strong reasons for the importance of this
policy.
It was launched in February 2015, with the aim of
to coordinate the transformation of European
energy supply.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_policy_of_the_European_Union
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-4485_en.htm
Write the complete paragraph:
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
14
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
What is meant “secure energy”should be provided by the project?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
What is the “European Coal and Steel Community”?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
What do you think about an Energy Union?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
2E
Anagrams
By rearranging the letters of the anagrams find the
words/phrases taken from an article about the
global boom of wind energy.
15
An anagram is a type of word play, the result
of rearranging the letters of a word/phrase to
produce a new word/phrase, using all the
original letters exactly once.
Examples:
orchestra = carthorse
A decimal point = I'm a dot in place.
1)
Wind energy provides 3 percent of the global demand for electricity and will soon be delivering
more ................................. (celery tic it) than nuclear power plants.
2)
Wind ................................. (greeny) is booming around the world.
3)
In Spain and Denmark, wind energy provides 20 percent of the electricity .................................
(ply ups) and in Germany 10 percent.
4)
Experts ................................. (cep dirt) that the figure will rise to between 20 and 25 percent in
Germany by 2020.
5)
According to statistics released by the World Wind Energy Association
(WWEA), ................................. (be dirt sun win) with a total output capacity of
around 40 gigawatts were newly deployed last year.
6)
The increase in capacity is proceeding quickly: every year there are 20 percent
more turbines and the WWEA forecasts that output will quadruple to over
1,000 ................................. (a gag twist) by 2020.
7)
Wind energy is good for the ................................. (en invert nom) and climate-friendly, but the
reason for the worldwide boom is mainly the price.
8)
Electricity from wind turbines is often the cheapest ............................... ............. (cee ef orgy
run so).
http://www.dw.de/the-global-boom-in-wind-energy/a-16058358
16
2F
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
The European Commission: Energy markets and consumers
What do you know about the energy markets in the European Union? How does the import and
export of energy work? What about the consumers?
First match the words in column A with the words in column B. Then read the European
Commission’s introduction to the energy markets and consumers in the EU below and use the
compounds to complete the sentences and paragraphs. Afterwards do the tasks below.
Column A
Column B
energy
protection
insider
energy
price
market
gas
prices
Gas
manipulation
consumer
information
electricity
pipelines
renewable
market
MARKETS AND CONSUMERS
Integrated energy markets for European households and
businesses
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/markets-and-consumers
OVERVIEW
An integrated EU energy market is the
most cost-effective way to ensure
secure and affordable supplies to EU
citizens. Through common energy market
rules and cross-border infrastructure,
energy can be produced in one EU
country and delivered to consumers in
another. This keeps prices in check by
creating
competition
and
giving
consumers choices when it comes to
their energy supplier.
Market legislation
package
–
third
energy
The third energy package contains the
latest legislation for completing the
internal
(1) .................................
. It includes rules on the separation
of energy supply and generation from
the operation of transmission networks
(unbundling),
the
independence
of
national energy regulators, and retail
markets. It further establishes the
Agency for the Cooperation of Energy
Regulators (ACER) to help national
regulators work together.
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
The
third
package
and
other
EU
legislation also guarantee that energy
consumers enjoy high standards of (2)
............................. . All EU
citizens have the right to have their
homes connected to energy networks and
to freely choose any supplier of gas
or electricity offering services in
their area. They also have the right
to access accurate information on
their electricity and gas use that can
help them reduce their consumption.
Wholesale
markets
electricity
for
gas
and
Energy is often bought and sold on
wholesale markets before reaching the
final consumer. To ensure the smooth
functioning
of
these
markets
and
prevent (3) .........................,
the EU has enacted regulations which
prohibit
the
use
of
(4)
.................................
or
the spreading of incorrect information
concerning supply, demand, and prices.
The EU also passes rules on the use of
cross-border energy networks. Known as
network codes for gas and network
codes for electricity, these rules
regulate who can use cross-border
infrastructure
and
under
what
conditions.
While access to infrastructure must
generally
be
granted
to
energy
companies
on
a
non-discriminatory
basis, in certain circumstances new
infrastructure may be exempt from this
rule.
This
may
be
necessary
to
implement
particularly
risky
investments which could not be made
otherwise. These exemptions are always
linked to strict conditions from the
European Commission.
The EU has also established the Madrid
Forum which meets once or twice a year
to
discuss
the
creation
of
the
internal
(5) ............................. .
Currently the Forum addresses the
cross-border
trade
of
gas,
in
particular the tarification of crossborder gas exchanges, the allocation
and
management
of
scarce
interconnection
capacity
and
other
17
technical and commercial barriers to
the creation of a fully operational
internal gas market.
Government intervention
Sometimes government intervention in
the energy market may be necessary to
realise specific policy objectives
such as integrating
(6) .................................
. The EU issues guidance to ensure
that support schemes for renewable
energy and back-up generation capacity
are designed in a way that does not
distort the internal energy market.
Single market progress
Every year, the European Commission
publishes a report on the internal
energy market. The report looks at
what has been achieved so far and
makes recommendations for the future.
The
report
for
2014
found
many
positive results from energy market
integration. Specifically:
-) wholesale (7)
.................................
declined by one-third and wholesale
gas prices remained stable between
2008 and 2012
-) consumers have more choices when it
comes to picking an energy supplier
-) many missing infrastructure links
between EU countries have been built
or are under construction
-) cross-border trade in gas and
electricity between EU countries has
increased.
(8) .................................
are also being used more efficiently
thanks to common rules on the use of
gas networks
EU legislation makes sure that energy
companies cannot exclude competitors
from access to pipelines or withhold
the
construction
of
important
infrastructure.
EU
rules
also
guarantee fair trading on wholesale
markets
and
prevent
price
manipulation.
18
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
a)
The following words are taken from the
article. Do you know what they mean? Look
them up in a dictionary and try to explain
them in English.
energy market
consumers
energy supplier
retail markets
regulations
cross-border
trade
price
manipulation
b)
Now answer the following questions.
What is the advantage of an integrated EU energy market according to the article?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
What are the consumers’ rights as mentioned in the article?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
2G
19
That's unfair! – a letter of complaint
Look at the following cartoon. What does it make fun of?
From: http://www.care2.com/causes/offshore-wind-energy-picking-up-speed.html
Imagine you are the person in the picture: Your community has agreed to set up wind turbines
at the outskirts of town. You generally support the idea of renewable energy, but unfortunately
the wind turbines are very close to your house, which is why you dislike the idea. You are angry
and want to complain to the mayor.
Write a letter of complaint. Remember the style and format of a letter, don't forget about the
appropriate register and use the relevant phrases for complaining.
2H
Renewable vs. non-renewable energy – a role play
Get together in groups of 5 students and imagine you are on a radio debate on the topic
“Renewable vs. non-renewable energy – Which way to go?” Choose one of the following roles:
a)
the chair who leads through the discussion
b)
a Greenpeace activist who promotes the idea of renewable energy and is strongly against any
form of non-renewable energy
c)
a mother/father of two small children who thinks that it is important to preserve a clean planet
for our children’s future
d)
a citizen who lives close to an area where wind turbines are about to be set up, which s/he is
against
e)
an owner of several gas stations who is afraid s/he might lose his/her business if renewable
energy is booming
20
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
Get together with your colleagues of the other debate groups who represent the same roles (e.g. all the
Greenpeace activists, all the parents, etc.) and prepare yourself for the discussion. Collect arguments
which support your position, but also think about what the others might say and provide
counterarguments. Make use of the information provided in the article, but also find other examples. Do
not forget to take notes and prepare your most important arguments (use keywords, not sentences!).
Now get together in your discussion group again and perform your debate in front of the class.
EU-Strategy
The Energy Union consists of 5 closely interrelated and mutually reinforcing dimensions, which cover policy
areas such as climate, transport, industry, research, the digital economy and agriculture.

Secure supplies
We have to become less dependent on energy from outside the EU. This means making better, more
efficient use of our domestic energy sources while diversifying to other sources and supplies.

Internal energy market
Energy should flow freely across the EU -- without any technical or regulatory barriers. Only then can energy
providers freely compete and provide the best energy prices, and can Europe fully achieve its renewable
energy potential.

Energy efficiency
Consuming less energy means less pollution and greater preservation of our domestic energy sources,
reducing our need for energy imports.

Emissions reduction
Our target of emitting at least 40% less greenhouse gases by 2030 is a first step. The next will be renewing
the European emissions trading scheme and investing more in the development of renewable energy
sources.

Research and innovation in energy
Having the technological lead in alternative energy and reducing energy consumption will create huge
export and industrial opportunities. This will also help boost growth and jobs.
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
21
3
EU’S ENERGY UNION MUST OVERCOME SERIOUS
OBSTACLES
3A
Read the article on the plans for a single European energy union and fill
in the missing sentence parts. There are two that you won't need. Then
do the tasks below.
A
Energy union has been under discussion for more than a decade,
B
despite the rhetoric on clean energy.
C
there are few interconnectors to bring power from where it is generated to where it is needed.
D
Consumers hold the strong opinion that it is unfair
E
and should enable the commission to pursue a more strategic approach to climate and energy
policy.
F
But there are fierce disagreements over the details
G
they focus in on fossil fuels.
H
harmonise prices for consumers, which vary widely across member states.
I
with a wide range of pricing structures to maximise profits.
J
and sometimes pipelines are destroyed.
K
to technology failings and the geopolitics affecting fuel imports from
unstable or unfriendly regions.
L
Energy supplies are spread unevenly across Europe
M
and there is not much offered yet as to how previous obstacles will be
overcome.
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ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
EU's energy union must overcome serious
obstacles
As the European commission sets out its plans to harmonise
the energy systems of member states, despite the potential
benefits there remain huge barriers to success
Fiona Harvey, 25 February 2015
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/25/eu-energy-union-mustovercome-serious-obstacles
Proposals to be unveiled on Wednesday by
the European commission to bring
together the energy systems of member
states into a single “energy union”
represent the most ambitious attempt to
date at harmonising energy networks
across borders. But the plans face
serious obstacles, practical and
political, and could take decades to
come to fruition.
The prospect of an energy union is a
tantalising one, bringing potential
benefits such as cost savings, greater
energy efficiency, lower carbon dioxide
emissions, and far greater resilience in
the face of threats to energy supply,
from weather and natural disasters
(1....................................
......................................
(2).....................................
.......................................
with successive national governments and
European commissioners debating how such
a system could be made to work in
practice. On the face of it, the signs
are good.
The technology to achieve union is
mostly available though not implemented
yet, from large-scale interconnectors
and pipelines that could be built to
carry electricity and fuels across long
distances, and better energy storage
hardware, to the software needed to make
power grids “smart” and to manage energy
demand on the consumer side. Most
business groups, consumer
representatives and political parties
officially welcome the concept.
(3).....................................
.......................................
of what it would involve that risk
leaving the ambitions stranded in a
bureaucratic quagmire.
An energy union would involve sweeping
changes to the way energy systems
currently work.
(4)
......................................
......................................:
oil and gas are predominantly in the
North Sea, accessible only to the UK and
the non-EU member Norway; coal is more
widespread, with fields in Germany and
eastern Europe, but varying in quality;
hydro-power plants supply clean and
cheap power in Nordic countries, but are
seasonally influenced; renewables are
spread across Europe, with a high
proportion of solar power in Germany and
wind in Spain; France gets the vast
majority of its power from nuclear
reactors.
These disparate systems are not wellintegrated. Transporting energy –
whether in the form of electricity or
fuel – across long distances is
difficult and costly. There is no single
European grid, and
(5)...................................
......................................
......................................
New pipelines carrying fuel from Russia,
the middle East and other regions are
also likely to be needed, and the
infrastructure for gas deliveries is
grossly under-developed compared with
pent-up demand.
An energy union could solve many of
these problems, for instance with key
infrastructure such as new
interconnectors, pipelines, and updated
grid technology. If power was able to
move more freely across borders and long
distances, this could bring efficiencies
and economies of scale, and also (6)
........................................
......................................
“The energy union has great potential –
it could be a grand Marshall Plan for
the EU,” says Sandrine Dixson-Declève,
director of the Prince of Wales’s
Corporate Leaders Group, which brings
together businesses urging action on
climate change. “It could unlock
investment across Europe, and could
bring lower emissions and greater
efficiency.”
The positive view from many businesses
is echoed by investors. The
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
International Investors Group on Climate
Change said: “The establishment of the
energy union in the European commission
is a welcome innovation (7)
......................................
......................................
...................................... .
The vice-president for the energy union
should be well-placed to incorporate
action on infrastructure. Scaling up of
investment through appropriate long-term
policies will be key to making
substantive progress.”
But as well as being a practical and
technological project, energy union has
a huge political dimension.
Member states are close to their energy
companies, most of which were or are
still state-owned, and see control over
energy supply – and to some extent,
prices - as vital planks of national
policy. They are reluctant to give up
such powers, so the commission’s
proposals must carefully skirt national
sensitivities – for instance, avoiding
the impression of dictating how states
organise their energy mix. Energy
companies are also comfortable with
arrangements that let them cater
differently to national markets, (8)
........................................
........................................
............................... .
“There is a reticence among large
industries to look at this kind of
change,” says Dixson-Declève. “They fear
it.”
John Pickett, energy partner at
Linklaters, adds: “The proposals look
notably centralising at a time when the
European project is not universally
popular and may therefore require
considerable political capital if it is
to be achieved. There are a number of
things here, which have been said before
(such as the need for greater
interconnectivity),
(9).....................................
........................................
.................................. “Howe
ver, there are some eye-catching
proposals which appear more than just
repackaging, including the suggestion
that ACER [the EU’s Agency for the
Cooperation of Energy Regulators] will
23
be given real powers over national
regulators and that there will be a
proposal and legislation for a ‘new
European electricity market design’ to
reconcile tensions between the markets
and incentives for renewables and
capacity. But, even if they might appear
desirable, they still have the potential
to be hugely disruptive to an industry
already labouring under regulatory risk
fatigue.”
The proposals have also come under fire
from the green side. The Green Party and
environmental groups are concerned about
the continuing emphasis on fossil fuels
in the proposals, (10)
.....................................
........................................
............... .
Jason Anderson of WWF said: “The energy
union is a decent vision with some big
blind spots. They’re explicit about
moving away from fossil fuels, and
reorganising energy markets around
efficiency and renewables, and many of
the surrounding notions of what will be
required to achieve that are strong. But
when talking about energy security, (11)
........................................
............... . So they’re
inconsistent on what it means to ease
the supply of fossils in practice on the
one side while discouraging them in
theory on the other – it spells trouble,
for example in the form of stranded
assets in future.”
He says: “Whether it’s double-speak or
double-vision, the commission can’t have
it both ways, and has to prioritise
clean energy ahead of dirty energy more
clearly and consistently.”
There is a long way to go before the
plans reach any kind of consensus.
EU energy ministers will discuss the
Commission’s plan in Brussels on 5 March
and at an informal gathering hosted by
the Latvian presidency on 14-16 April,
before formally taking a position at the
Luxembourg energy council on 11-12 June.
EU environment ministers will also
consider the commission’s plan at a
meeting in Brussels on 6 March, while EU
leaders will discuss it briefly at a
European summit on 19-20 March.
24
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
In the article positive views on the energy union are presented, but also critical voices are being
raised. Go through the article again and put down the arguments in favour of a single energy
market and those against it and who holds them.
POSITIVE VIEWS
WHO?
WHAT?
NEGATIVE VIEWS
WHO?
WHAT?
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
3B
25
Visual language and double meaning?
Look at the following sentences taken from the article, especially at
the parts in italics, and explain what they mean in English. Pay
specific attention to visual language and double meanings.

Proposals of an Energy Union to be unveiled.
...............................................................................................................

The plans for a single energy union face serious obstacles.
...............................................................................................................

The plans could take a long time to come to fruition.
...............................................................................................................

Ambitions are left stranded in a bureaucratic quagmire.
...............................................................................................................

The control over energy supply is a vital plank of national policy.
...............................................................................................................

The energy union is a decent vision with some blind spots.
...............................................................................................................

They are inconsistent on the use and supply of fossils – it spells trouble.
...............................................................................................................

As regards fossils: Double-speak or double-vision – the commission can’t have it both
ways.
...............................................................................................................

The proposals have come under fire from the green side.
...............................................................................................................
26
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
3C
Internet research
The last paragraph of the article mentions some forthcoming events where the
plans and ideas of a single energy union will be discussed. With the help of the
internet find out what has been discussed at these gatherings. What is the
outcome? In what direction is the project heading? Report back in class.
3D

EU energy ministers’ meeting in Brussels – March 5th

EU environment ministers’ meeting in Brussels - March 6th

European summit – March 19th-20th

Informal gathering hosted by the Latvian presidency – April 14th-16th

Luxembourg energy council – June 11th-12th
The following words are taken from the article. Complete the table with the missing verbs,
nouns and adjectives. Then use five newly formed words in a sentence.
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
stable
represent
harmonising
threat
achieve
government
successive
representative
available
involve
energy
accessible
influence
seasonal
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
27
need
different
ease
comfortable
integrate
desirable
compare
5 words used in a sentence:
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
28
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
4
EUROPE’S USE OF RENEWABLE
ENERGY
4A
Read the article about renewable energy in the EU. Use the words in
brackets to form new words that fit the gaps. Then do the tasks
below.
Climate Commissioner: EU needs a single
renewable energy market
Comments come as new figures show green
energy helped drive down emissions by seven
per cent in 2012
By Jessica Shankleman | 18 Feb 2015
http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2395711/climate-commissioner-eu-needs-a-singlerenewable-energy-market
The European Union will unveil a new
package of measures designed to boost
the use of renewable energy across the
region, Energy and Climate Commissioner
Miguel Arias Cañete has confirmed.
2013, meaning that the region is ahead
of the 12 per cent target set by the
Renewable Energy Directive and on track
to (7) .............................
(excess) the 20 per cent goal for 2020.
Speaking in Brussels yesterday, Cañete
said that the Commission will
(1) .............................
(proposal) a Renewable Energy Package to
ensure that the EU meets its new target
to achieve 27 per cent renewable energy
by 2030.
EEA said that greenhouse gas
(8) ............................. (emit)
in 2012 could have been seven per cent
higher than actual emissions without the
(9) .............................
(deploy) of renewable energy since 2005.
Similarly, the EU's consumption of
fossil fuels would have been about seven
per cent higher in 2012 without green
energy.
"We must create a single EU market for
renewable energy that is fully
integrated with, and competes freely in,
the overall electricity market. A
renewable energy market that rewards
(2) .............................
(innovative) and promotes efficiency,"
he said.
"This will make an important
contribution to improving our energy (3)
......................... (secure). It
must be a driver of jobs and
(4) .............................
(grow). And thereby it will help ensure
(5) .............................
(afford) and competitive electricity
prices for our citizens."
His comments came as new figures showed
that renewable energy helped reduce EU
carbon emissions and fossil fuel
(6) .............................
(consumer) by about seven per cent in
2012.
Final figures by the European
Environment Agency (EEA) yesterday
revealed that renewables' energy share
in the EU reached nearly 15 per cent in
However, the UK ranked as one of the
lowest users of renewable energy that
year, with less than a five per cent
share of the energy mix. Conversely,
renewable energy made up more than a
(10) .............................
(three) of final energy consumption in
Sweden, Latvia, Finland and Austria.
Hans Bruyninckx, EEA executive director,
said that the (11)
............................. (find)
highlighted the need for strong policies
to drive (12)
............................. (far)
investment in renewable energy.
"Renewable energy is quickly becoming
one of Europe's great (13)
............................. (succeed)
stories. We can go even further: if we
support innovation in this area it could
become a major motor of Europe's
economy, bringing down emissions while
(14) .............................
(creative) jobs," he said in a
statement.
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
29
In the last paragraph of the article it says:
We can go even further: if we support innovation in this area it could become a major motor of
Europe's economy, bringing down emissions while creating jobs.
In what way does the innovation and investment in green/renewable energy create new jobs?
Together with your partner think about what kind of jobs this could be. Make a list. Then
compare your ideas in class and complement your list with your colleagues’ ideas.
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
4B
Synonyms
Find words/phrases from the article to match with the explanations taken from a dictionary.
1. ..........................................
to state or show that something is definitely true or
correct, especially by providing evidence
2. ..........................................
a result that you try to achieve
3. ..........................................
a sum of money that is given to a person or an
organization in order to help pay for something; an
action or a service that helps to cause or increase
something
4. ..........................................
fuel such as coal or oil, that was formed over millions of
years from the remains of animals or plants
5. ..........................................
to remove a cover or curtain from a painting, statue, etc.
so that it can be seen in public for the first time; to show
or introduce a new plan, product, etc. to the public for
the first time
6. ..........................................
the production or sending out of light, heat, gas, etc.
30
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
7. ..........................................
a number representing a particular amount, especially
one given in official information
8. ..........................................
to succeed in reaching a particular goal, status or
standard, especially by making an effort for a long time
9. ..........................................
an official action that is done in order to achieve a
particular aim
10. ..........................................
to help something to happen or develop
4C
Renewable energy – Europe’s success story?
In the article Hans Bruyninckx (EEA executive director) is being quoted to have said that renewable
energy could become one of Europe’s great success stories.
In 2010, the European Union set a goal of producing 20% of its total energy from
renewable sources by 2020. The latest figures show that the union as a whole
reached the 15% mark in 2013. But the combined figure includes some countries
already exceeding their targets, while others lag far behind.
(from: http://qz.com/359415/three-european-countries-have-already-hit-their-2020-renewable-energy-goals/)
Look at the following figures. In what way do
they support what Hans Bruyninckx said.
Together with your partner discuss the
numbers. Then share your views in class.
http://qz.com/359415/three-europeancountries-have-already-hit-their-2020renewable-energy-goals/
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
31
ANSWERS
2A a)
2A b)
1 Conserve, 2 energy market, 3 energy crisis, 4 demand for, 5 power station, 6 energy supplies, 7 power sources
1. save, 2. exploit, 3. material, 4. the use of, 5. Promote, 6. reliance on, 7. wave power, 8. wind farm, 9. solar panels
2B a)
Suggested answers: biomass (plant matter), nuclear, coal, oil, geothermal, solar, hydro (rivers), wave or tidal, natural
gas, wind
2C a)
(1) Renewable Energy Sources, (2) Sun, (3) Wind, (4) Geothermal, (5) Non-Renewable Energy Sources, (6) Fossil Fuels,
(7) Nuclear Energy Sources
Sun
Pros:
There is no emission of greenhouse gases in production of solar power.
There is no fear of the sun “running out” or getting depleted.
Cons:
Solar power stations are costly to put up.
Power generation is dependent on sunny weather conditions that aren't always available.
Wind
Pros:
The only cost incurred is that of building the wind towers.
Safety risks are next to none when dealing with the turbines.
Generation of wind power does not result in the production of greenhouse gases.
Cons:
Wind towers can only be in areas that are relatively windy and even then not every day is sufficiently
windy for energy production.
For adequate power generation, numerous wind towers must be built.
Wind mills have been said to be aesthetically unpleasant to look at.
Geothermal
Pros:
There is no emission of harmful gases so long as the process is properly carried out.
Power plants are relatively small thus have no adverse effects on the surrounding areas.
Cons:
Pollutants may be produced if drilling is done improperly.
Geothermal sites can run out of steam.
Fossil fuels
Pros:
They are more easily available than other energy sources
They are considered more affordable than many alternative energy sources.
Cons:
These fuels are the biggest producers of greenhouse gases.
They are steadily decreasing in availability due to over-dependency on them that often results in
overuse.
Nuclear energy sources
Pros:
A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce tremendous amounts of energy.
There is no emission of greenhouse gases in production of energy.
Cons:
By-products from the use of nuclear fuel are highly toxic.
Supply of sources of nuclear energy like uranium is very limited.
Nuclear energy can easily be misused to carry out terrorist attacks.
2C b)
2D
2E
The Energy Union Strategy is a project of the European Commission to coordinate the transformation of European
energy supply. It was launched in February 2015, with the aim of providing secure, sustainable, competitive,
affordable energy. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, introduced the idea of an energy union when he
was Prime Minister of Poland. Eurocommissioner Vice President Maroš Šefčovič called the Energy Union the biggest
energy project since the European Coal and Steel Community. The EU's reliance on Russia for its energy and the
annexation of Crimea by Russia have been cited as strong reasons for the importance of this policy.
1 electricity, 2 energy, 3 supply, 4 predict, 5 wind turbines, 6 gigawatts, 7 environment
2F
(1) energy market, (2) consumer protection, (3) price manipulation, (4) insider information, (5) gas market, (6)
renewable energy, (7) electricity prices, (8) Gas pipelines.
3A
(1) K. (2) A. (3) F. (4) L. (5) C. (6) H. (7) E. (8) I. (9) M. (10) B. (11) G. Not used: D, J.
4A
(1) propose (2) innovation (3) security (4) growth (5) affordable (6) consumption (7) exceed (8) emissions (9)
deployment (10) third (11) findings (12) further (13) success (14) creating
4B
1 confirm 2 target 3 contribution 4 fossil fuel 5 unveil 6 emission 7 figures 8 achieve 9 measures 10 promote
32
ENERGY MARKET IN EUROPE
Impressum
Medieninhaber und Herausgeber
AWS Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wirtschaft und Schule im Rahmen des
Instituts für Bildungsforschung der Wirtschaft
Wiedner Hauptstraße 63, 1045 Wien, http://aws.ibw.at
Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wirtschaft und Schule (AWS) ist eine Initiative von Wirtschaftskammer Österreich und
Österreichischem Sparkassenverband und als Projekt am Institut für Bildungsforschung der Wirtschaft (ibw),
Rainergasse 38, 1050 angesiedelt.
Leiter: Mag. Josef Wallner
Autorin: Mag. Theresa Lehner
Redaktion: Gudrun Dietrich
Cover
www.design.at
ISSN 2223-7976