IE3 Unit 6 – Energy – Additional Vocabulary

Nouns:
1. Fossil fuels (Noun): Energy sources derived from ancient organic remains, such as coal, oil, and
natural gas.
• Example: The majority of the world's energy currently comes from fossil fuels,
contributing to carbon emissions.
2. Nuclear energy (Noun): Energy released during nuclear reactions, typically through the process
of nuclear fission.
• Example: Nuclear energy has the potential to generate large amounts of electricity but
raises concerns about safety and radioactive waste.
3. Renewable energy (Noun): Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as
sunlight, wind, and hydropower.
• Example: Investing in renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable and environmentally
friendly power supply.
4. Grid (Noun): A system of interconnected electrical networks used to deliver electricity to
consumers.
• Example: Smart grids enhance the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution.
5. Hydropower (Noun): Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water, often
through dams.
• Example: Hydropower is a clean and renewable energy source that provides a significant
portion of global electricity.
6. Geothermal energy (Noun): Heat energy derived from the Earth's interior, often used for
electricity generation.
• Example: Countries with geothermal resources can tap into geothermal energy to
produce sustainable power.
7. Solar panels (Noun): Devices that convert sunlight into electricity.
• Example: Many households install solar panels on their rooftops to harness solar energy
for power.
8. Wind turbine (Noun): A device that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.
• Example: Wind turbines in windy regions generate clean and renewable energy for local
communities.
9. Energy efficiency (Noun): The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input,
emphasizing conservation.
• Example: Improving energy efficiency in buildings and appliances reduces overall energy
consumption.
10. Carbon footprint (Noun): The total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, that
a person, organization, or product is responsible for emitting.
• Example: Reducing our carbon footprint is essential for mitigating climate change.
11. Smart meter (Noun): A device that records and communicates information about energy
consumption in real-time.
• Example: Smart meters empower consumers to monitor and manage their energy usage
more efficiently.
12. Biomass (Noun): Organic materials, such as wood or agricultural waste, used as a source of
energy.
• Example: Biomass energy is derived from burning organic materials or converting them
into biofuels.
13. Energy storage (Noun): The capture and retention of energy for later use, addressing
intermittent renewable energy sources.
• Example: Advancements in energy storage technologies are crucial for the stability of
renewable energy systems.
14. Natural gas (Noun): A fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, used for heating, electricity
generation, and as a fuel for vehicles.
• Example: Natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and
oil.
15. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) (Noun): Technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions
produced from burning fossil fuels and store it underground to prevent it from entering the
atmosphere.
• Example: CCS plays a role in mitigating the environmental impact of fossil fuel use.

Adjectives:
16. Sustainable (Adjective): Capable of being maintained over the long term without depleting
natural resources.
• Example: Sustainable energy practices prioritize environmental responsibility and
resource conservation.
17. Efficient (Adjective): Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
• Example: Energy-efficient appliances and buildings help reduce overall energy
consumption.
18. Clean (Adjective): Producing little to no pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions.
• Example: Clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, contribute to reducing air
pollution.
19. Renewable (Adjective): Capable of being replenished naturally, often referring to energy
sources.
• Example: Renewable energy technologies harness the power of natural processes like
sunlight and wind.
20. Decentralized (Adjective): Distributing power production across various smaller-scale sources
rather than relying on a central power plant.
• Example: Decentralized energy systems can enhance resilience and reliability in power
distribution.
21. Innovative (Adjective): Introducing new ideas or methods.
• Example: Innovative technologies are driving advancements in the field of renewable
energy.
22. Intermittent (Adjective): Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous.
• Example: Solar and wind power are intermittent energy sources, requiring effective
storage solutions.
23. Nuclear (Adjective): Relating to the nucleus of an atom, often associated with nuclear power.
• Example: Nuclear energy, despite its controversies, provides a significant amount of
electricity in some countries.
24. Resilient (Adjective): Capable of recovering quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
• Example: Resilient energy infrastructure can withstand disruptions and adapt to
changing conditions.
25. Smart (Adjective): Using technology to enhance performance or efficiency.
• Example: Smart grids and smart meters enable more intelligent and responsive energy
systems.

Verbs:
26. Harvest (Verb): To collect and use, especially for energy production.
• Example: Wind farms harvest the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity.
27. Generate (Verb): To produce or create, often referring to the production of electricity.
• Example: Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy.
28. Harness (Verb): To utilize a natural resource for a specific purpose, such as energy production.
• Example: Hydropower harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity.
29. Diversify (Verb): To add variety to, especially in the context of energy sources.
• Example: Countries are diversifying their energy portfolios to include a mix of renewable
sources.
30. Transition (Verb): To undergo a process of change or conversion, often referring to a shift in
energy sources.
• Example: Countries are transitioning from fossil fuel dependence to cleaner, renewable
energy.
31. Conserve (Verb): To use resources wisely and avoid unnecessary waste.
• Example: Conserving energy at home through simple practices helps reduce overall
consumption.
32. Upgrade (Verb): To improve the efficiency or capabilities of a system or technology.
• Example: Upgrading the energy infrastructure allows for better integration of renewable
energy sources.
33. Innovate (Verb): To introduce new ideas or methods.
• Example: Companies in the energy sector continually innovate to enhance sustainability
and efficiency.
34. Optimize (Verb): To make the most effective or efficient use of resources.
• Example: Optimizing energy systems involves balancing supply and demand for
maximum efficiency.
35. Electrify (Verb): To convert or equip with electrical power.
• Example: The push to electrify transportation aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Collocations:
36. Energy consumption (Collocation): The amount of energy used by individuals, organizations, or
countries.
• Example: Monitoring energy consumption is crucial for identifying opportunities to
reduce waste.
37. Power grid (Collocation): A system of interconnected power lines and associated equipment
used for transmitting electricity.
• Example: A reliable power grid is essential for ensuring a steady supply of electricity to
homes and businesses.
38. Renewable energy sources (Collocation): Natural sources of energy that are replenished
naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
• Example: Investments in renewable energy sources contribute to a more sustainable and
eco-friendly energy landscape.
39. Carbon emissions (Collocation): The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, often
associated with human activities.
• Example: Reducing carbon emissions is a key goal in addressing climate change and
global warming.
40. Energy independence (Collocation): The ability of a country or region to meet its energy needs
without relying on external sources.
• Example: Investing in diverse energy sources can enhance a nation's energy
independence.

Idioms:
41. Run out of steam (Idiom): To run out of energy or enthusiasm.
• Example: After a long day at work, I'm completely out of steam and just want to relax.
42. Bundle of energy (Idiom): To be especially energetic.
• Example: Phuong is a bundle of energy. She never takes a rest, even after a busy day.