English For The Energy Industry-OXFORD

OXFORDBusiness English
JEPIC English for the

J
E
Energy
P
I
C Industry
Simon Campbell E X P R E S S S E R I E S
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English for the
Energy
Industry
EXPRESS S E R I E S • • •
Simon Campbell
OXFORD
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Printed in China
MultiROM
English for the Energy Industry is accompanied by a

MultiROM which has a number of features.
Interactive exercises to practise useful phrases, vocabulary,

and communication through your computer.
Listening extracts These are in enhanced audio format that

can be played on a conventional CD-player or through the
audio player on your computer.
If you have any problems, please check the technical

support section of the readme file on the MultiROM.
3
Contents
I
PAGE U N I T TOPICS USEFUL LANGUAGE AND SKILLS
5 Introduction Fuels and energy sources Telephoning for information

to t h e e n e r g y Types of power plant Expressing opinions and
business Supplying the customer (dis)agreement
Profile of an energy company
I
Regulation of the energy market
The future of the gas market
14 M a r k e t s and R e s i d e n t i a l , business, and industrial Describing trends, developments,

customers c u s t o m e r s and consequences
Supplying an industrial customer Replying to letters of complaint
Breakdown in supply Dealing with a complaint
I
Customer choice
Consumer watchdogs
22 Protecting the Energy saving Replying to invitations

environment The image of the energy industry Giving a presentation
Technical measures to reduce pollution
The cost of protecting the environment
Emissions trading
I
The Kyoto Protocol
30 The n u c l e a r Developments in nuclear power Describing a process

issue The nuclear production process Chairing a meeting
Safety and security issues
Reprocessing and waste disposal
Arguments for and against nuclear power
I
Nuclear fusion
39 Investment Mergers and takeovers Discussion in a meeting

plans SWOT analyses
Financial documents
Assets, equity, and liabilities
I
Coal power plants
Disinvestment
46 The f u t u r e o f Future production, demand, and supply Writing reports

energy Departments and their functions
The fuel cell
The hydrogen economy
Lack of vision in the energy industry
PAGE A P P E N D I X
54 Test yourself!
56 Partner files
59 Answer key
64 Transcripts
69 A- Z word list
76 Glossary
78 Useful phrases and vocabulary
8o Abbreviations, acronyms, and numbers
41
About the book
English for the Energy Industry is for people who need to communicate effectively in the energy
business and its associated fields. The book will equip learners with the necessary linguistic skills
to understand and talk about daily situations in the work environment and the more complex
developments within the global energy market.
English for the Energy Industry is divided into six units and each unit has its own thematic focus.
Each topic is relevant to employees engaged in different positions and roles: energy production and
distribution, environmental protection, technology, sales and distribution, PR, business policy and
strategy. The units are independent of each other so you can choose those that are more relevant to
your area of expertise, or you can work through the units in sequence. It is, however, recommended
that you start with Unit 1 as this provides an overview of the various topics.
Every unit begins with a Starter to introduce the topic. This is followed by dialogues, reading texts,
diagrams, and authentic documents, as well as a variety of exercises designed to aid the learning of
important vocabulary and phrases in contextual situations. In each unit you will be referred to the
Partner Files at the back of the book. These are role-plays which enable learners to practise the
vocabulary and language of the unit in realistic situations. The units end with Output activities, which
consist of reading texts to extend the unit topic or offer further useful tips, and they also provide
opportunities for discussion. When you have finished all the units, you can Test yourself! with a fun
crossword at the back of the book.
At the back of English for the Energy Industry there is an Answer key so that you can check your
answers independently as well as the Transcripts of the audio activities. There is also an A—Zword
list and a Useful phrases list that you can refer to when preparing to speak to people in the industry.
There is also a Glossary and a list of Abbreviations, acronyms, and numbers which allow you to
quickly and accurately look up the most frequently used technical terms, phrases, abbreviations, and
measures.
The MultiROM contains all the Listening extracts from the book. These can be played through the
audio player on your computer, or through a conventional CD-player. In order to give yourself extra
listening practice, listen to it in your car or download it to your MP3-player and listen when you are
out and about. The Interactive exercises let you revise by doing exercises that cover the essential
language from the book on your computer; this will be particularly valuable if you are using the book
for self-study.
1 1 1 Introduction
to the energy business
Work with a partner. Sort the fuels and energy sources below into the correct category.
STARTER
Can you add any more to the lists?
fossil fuel(s) renewables n u c l e a r fuel(s)
(hard) coal w i n d o i l s u
uranium gas b i o m a s s
Now answer these questions.
1 W h a t fuels and sources are used at your

company, or the companies you do business with?
2 W h i c h one is used most?
3 W h e r e do these fuels come from?
4 W h i c h are imported?
Match these different power plants to their

descriptions.
1 h y d r o power plant a a traditional type of power plant which burns a solid, black fossil fuel
2 s o l a r power plant b a power plant which pumps water back uphill into a reservoir during
3 nuclear power plant p e r i o d s of low demand
4 w i n d power plant c a plant which uses the flow of water from a reservoir to generate
5 g a s -fired power plant e l e c t r i c i t y
6 r u n -of-river power d a power station utilizing the natural flow of water in a river for
plant g e n e r a t i n g power
7 coal-fired power plant e t y p e of power plant that uses uranium as its primary fuel
8 l i g n i t e -fired power f a power plant which uses the natural flow of air to generate
plant e l e c t r i c i t y
9 p u m p -storage power g a fossil fuel power plant which burns a solid, dark brown fuel
plant h a power plant that generates electricity utilizing energy from the sun
i a power station which burns gas as its primary fuel
6 I UNIT 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n to the energy business
A 1111111
‘.7
2 L i s t e n to a phone call between a journalist, Colin Maitland, and the public relations officer of
2
the company ELEC, Maria Berger. Complete the journalist's notes.
• E L E C S fossil fuel use

and
Power plants anal loads

Lignite fired plants for l o a d
cfs-fi.red plants f i r 4 and peak-load ranges
5
Gas plants also used to supply
Technology to protect environment
ELEC soy tkey leave6 equipment installed in, their plants.
Altrotk plant, near Berlin.

8
Commissioned in 7but has been
since then.
Wind generation.
Company building more power stations, but difficult to jet
9 i n some countries. ELEC views criticism that these
1 ° the countryside as 'exaggerated'.
What other questions would you expect the journalist to ask?
3 M a t c h the two parts to make phrases from the dialogue. Then listen again to check
your answers.
i base a equipment
2 company b fuels
3 electricity c heating
4 energy d mix
5 fossil e policy
6 power f production
7 district g station
8 state-of-the-art h load
UNIT 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n to the energy business I 7
Match the expressions you have just formed to the following definitions.
9 = the generation of electrical power
10 = energy sources such as gas, oil, and coal but not

water and wind
tt = the power level at which basic demand and
consumption is covered
12 = apparatus of the latest technological level
13 = the different primary fuels and sources used for

energy production
= a plan of action chosen by a business or firm
15 = a plant in which electricity is produced
i6 = a system of distributing heat in one centralized

location, often linked to a power plant
4 W o r k with a partner. The journalist Colin Maitland needs further information about ELEC's
power plants, but the public relations officer is away. Use the information in the Partner Files to
prepare information for his call. Use phrases from the box below.
Partner A F i l e 1, p.56
Partner B F i l e 7. p.57
TELEPHONING FOR I N F O R M AT I O N
Introductions Asking for repetition

Hello .... This is ... speaking. Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.
Good morning. Is that ...? Would you mind repeating that?
Hi ..., it's ... here.
Positive response
Asking for information Sure.
I need some information about ... No problem.
I'd like to have some (more) information about ... I'd be happy to.
Can/Could you give me more information about ...?
Negative response
Can/Could you please tell me (about) ...?
I'm afraid I can't help you there.
Who/What/When/Where/Why/How ...?
I'm afraid not.
What about ...?
DID Y O U K N O W ?
In English-speaking cultures, being polite is very important; this particularly applies to communication in
business. For example, the phrase 'I was wondering ...' can be used for requests, as in 'I was wondering if
you could send the information again.' Phrases such as 'I'm afraid', `Well actually', and 'Unfortunately' are
used to introduce something negative or make complaints. Look at these examples:
May I smoke?
Well actually, it is forbidden in this building.
I'm afraid the last bill was not accurate.
Not using such phrases can be seen as being too direct.
5 R e a d what people say about different fuels and energy sources. Which bubble is mainly about
the following?
II 1 public perception of energy and the energy industry

El 2 the effects on the environment of different sources of energy
3 the availability of renewable sources
PH the reliability and efficiency of fossil fuels
a b
Coal and lignite are the most Fossil fuels are harmful;
reliable fuels. We'll depend on them more as think how they affect our atmosphere
gas and oil disappear. There may be a few problems and countryside. We can't build our future
with emissions, but these can easily be solved. energy planning on them. We have to think
They're also very versatile and can be used to differently. The sun is a clean energy source, and
produce electricity and heat our homes the potential for providing us with power is
efficiently. enormous! What's more we can install solar
cells on buildings, which will reduce the
requirement for large power
stations.
c
Solar power is good as far as
it goes, but what do-you do when the sun isn't
shining?ln some countries there are often cloudy d
skies, and in some countries there are only four The most important thing
hours of sunlight per day in winter. Wind on the is to educate people about energy. It may
other hand is always at our disposal—more than be true that fossil fuels and other sources
the sun anyway. We can use this source have some drawbacks, but there are
to cover our needs. many positive aspects. We should focus
on informing people; how they see
energy is important.
Say which of the above statements you agree with. Use phrases from below.
EXPRESSING OPINIONS AND AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT
Giving your opinion Agreeing Asking for opinions

I think/feel (that) ... Quite right. What do you think?
In my opinion ... That's true. How do you see it?
In my view ... I quite agree.
Clarifying Disagreeing
So you're saying ... Yes, but ...
You mean ... Actually, I think ...
What do you mean exactly by ...? To be honest ...
I don't quite agree.
MP-
UNIT 1 Introduction to the energy business I 9
6 W o r k with a partner. How do you rate these different types of power plant on a scale
from i (good) to 6 (very poor/bad)? Use the phrases on page 8.
Power Plant Type R a t i n g

takanori 1\20
Availability
Public E f f e c t s on
of primary R e l i a b i l i t y E f f i c i e n c y
perception e n v i r o n m e n t
fuel/source
Hydro power plant 2 2 3 2 1
Solar power plant 3 4
Nuclear power plant 5 1 1
Wind power plant 3 1 5 5
Gas-fired power plant 3
Lignite-fired power plant 5' 6
Biomass-fired power plant 3
Compare your results with other students and give reasons for your rating.
7 E L E C is creating some basic educational publicity material. Complete these statements with
expressions from the box, and then number the statements in the correct order.
connection • distribution network • facility • municipal utility •

overhead lines • supplier • transmission network •
a , „ i Ili i „ , „ Illy 1„,„." eventually „4,„,.11,., v„ii. vi„ the

that links your Inane to tin' network.
I I ) F 1 1 1 1 1 1 1111` 1111 U 1 ' 1 ' :•411111111. I t i g h - N o l t a g e e l e c t r i c i t % e n t e r s what
%%'I (till tlu•
I I I I ' W W 1 I r : 1 1 1 , 1 1 1 1 1 , . ( 11 , 11 ' . 11 ) 111 C , . e l e c t r i c i t ‘ ( a n d possihk
gas from a % % I n c h it owns and operates to the final

o-haner. Delivery is via what we call Ills
d T h i s ''"I'Plier is II"' r ' " " 1 " " h i " v 0 " . ilic " r t
is "hill a . t i e d h‘ a cite or mull.
e T h i s is a s \ ( o f I n 111 , 1111 , - . 11 ) 11 II)%% I T ! , a n d
'111.4)11g-1i N‘hicli I l i cicclricil� wit% t o the

8 Complete this text from ELEC's website with the correct form of the verb.
The Players
ofthe Power Business
A b o u t ELEC Energy supply H o w i t w o r k s -4 K e y w o r d search
From generator to supplier to customer

Electricity is generated (generate) by power stations and ( f e e d ) into the high-
voltage transmission network. Via transmission towers and overhead lines it
(transport) to the local supplier, an organization which ( o w n ) by the municipality
or the regional subsidiary of a larger power company. This local supplier is normally the first point of
contact for the customer. Connections ' (organize) by this company, and power
(deliver) to the customer.
Customer choice and the role of the regulator

In some countries the supplier can / (choose) by the customer as some markets
( l i b e r a l i z e ) . In order to ensure that there is fair competition, some states have
set up regulators. Their main task is to ensure that there is non-discriminatory third-party access. The
grid fees that the operators charge for using the networks 9 (also control). When
prices ( i n c r e a s e ) by the supplier, this " (also monitor) by
the regulator.
0 Site map 0 Legal 0 Access 0 Disclaimer / 1009 ELEC - A l l r i g h t s reserved
DID YOU KNOW?
The first practical generator was built by Thomas

Edison, the famous inventor. He used it to provide
electricity for his laboratory and then later to generate
power for the first New York street to be illuminated
by electric lamps. Unlike AC (alternating current)
generators of today, Edison's apparatus produced DC
(direct current).
please watch this graph

let me explain this chart
UNIT 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n to the energy business 1 1 1
9 Find a word or expression in the text in exercise 8 which means the same as the following.
i pylon 5 t o make certain

2 a company owned by a parent company 6 grid
3 country 7 t o demand an amount of money for goods
4 t o watch and check continuously or services
1 0 Complete this table and then the text below with the correct word or expression.
Noun V e r b C o m p a n y / P e r s o n
generation g e n e r a t o r
2 transmission
3 sales
4 t o distribute
5 t o regulate
6 t o liberalize
7 supply
Isthe regulator the answer?

In European countries where the energy I " o f electricity through
market has been liberalized, many energy t h e i r networks. Many see I I
customers are not pleased with the results of a s the answer as this should force companies
this p r o c e s s . They claim t o consider their prices. This will probably
there are no real benefits. They see energy m a k e it less profitable to
companies m a k i n g large profits, f i r s t l y t h e final customer with electricity and gas.
through the " o f power E a c h company's overall
and then as grid operators when they charge v o l u m e is set to decrease as more firms enter
outside companies high grid fees f o r the t h e market.
DID YOU KNOW?
In some countries, the company which operates a high-voltage grid is called the TSO
(Transmission Systems Operator). The company which runs a distribution network is
sometimes called the DSO (Distribution Systems Operator).
12 I UNIT 1 Introduction to the energy business
All AU
4 4
• 1 1 A t a follow-up meeting to the phone call in exercise 2, Maria explains ELEC's structure to Colin.
3 L i s t e n to her explanation and complete this chart taken from ELEC's annual report. Then say
which division the statements under the chart refer to.
ELEC E L E C
Transmission R e g i o n a l
and S u p p l y
Distribution
5 I t has networks in many European countries.

6 I t is a buying operation, procuring energy for the European supply company.
7 I t procures gas from partners in Russia.
8 I t is a company in its own right.
9 I t runs opencast mines producing lignite and coal.
io T h i s division has a lot of subsidiaries each responsible for a specific geographical area.
i i T h i s division is in the process of being consolidated under one management structure.
Now outline the structure of the company you work for or do business with.
How does it compare to ELEC's structure?
1 2 C o m p l e t e this puzzle with words from the unit, and find the person who buys electricity or gas
in column a.
i a fossil fuel used for generating electricity

a
2 a company which transports electricity
to homes and businesses
3 t h e first of the three load levels; 2
the other two are intermediate and
3
peak
4 a company which runs a network system 4
5 a company that generates, transmits,
5
distributes, and supplies electricity or
gas from facilities which it owns and 6
operates (2 words — 4, 8) 7
6 t h e process whereby a company transports
8
electricity at high-voltage levels
7 a company which produces electricity
8 w h a t a company is involved in when it buys
and sells electricity or gas at the energy
exchanges
UNIT 1 Introduction to the energy business I 1 3
OUTPUT Which countries does your country import its gas from? Read this newspaper article and discuss
the questions.
Gas in Crisis?
The world is changing fast. There is an energy crisis huge quantities of gas underground. This country
on the horizon for Europe. If we take natural gas is in the happy position of being the gas giant of
as an example it would seem at first glance the world.
that countries such as Norway, Britain, and the Other nations are also approaching Moscow to
cover their energy requirements. The economies of
countries such as China and India are expanding
dramatically and they are going to need massive
amounts of energy, which includes gas. Will there
be enough of this commodity to satisfy the needs
of Asia and Europe? This is by no means certain,
and the consequence could be a shortage of gas
imports, which could lead to power cuts in some
European countries in the future.
There is one other source of gas—LNG,
liquefied natural gas. This is transported by ship
from such places as the Arabian Peninsula.
Nevertheless, it is questionable if these supplies
can ever be a realistic alternative to gas which is
imported by pipeline; the simple fact is that the
volumes shipped would never meet demand.
Netherlands have sufficient gas reserves to supply People are therefore right to be worried.
Europe for some time to come. However, this is Political leaders and companies must tackle this
misleading; most of these reserves will be used up issue; we need a secure and reliable supply of gas
over the next ten to twenty years. Even if more for the long term. This inevitably means that
deposits are found in the North Sea or the Atlantic wholesale prices will soar, but this is still better
Ocean the problem will still not be solved. The than the nightmare scenario of freezing in our
continent must turn to Russia where there are homes or having no power for our industry.
OVER TO YOU
• I s there really a gas crisis? What do you think?

• What about oil and coal? Do you think there will be enough reserves for the future?
• How do you think China will develop its economy and how will it power its industry?
• How can your country ensure gas supplies?
14 1
I I
All M a r k e t s and customers
Discuss the questions with a partner.

STARTER
• Can you switch your gas or electricity
supplier in your country?
• How easy is it to do? What would encourage
you to do it, or prevent you from doing it?
Now decide how important the following

factors would be if you wanted to switch
your electricity and/or gas supplier.
The new supplier should: Very important N o t so important
1 o f f e r a cheaper price than the current supplier.
2 guarantee security of supply.
3 s u p p l y both electricity and gas.
4 t a k e care of all formalities regarding the changeover

from the old to the new contract.
5 s e n d clear and accurate bills.
6 o f f e r the customer different ways of paying bills

(direct debit, credit card, etc.).
7 provide online services (e.g. for meter readings).
8 g i v e advice on energy efficiency.
9 h a v e a 24-hour helpline (call centre).
10 h a v e offices in the same town as my home.

UNIT 2 M a r k e t s and customers I 1 5
1 W o r k with a partner. How are these types of customer defined in the company you work for?
Give examples for each one.
i a residential/retail customer
2 a business customer
3 a n industrial customer
Discuss the following questions about

industrial customers.
i W h a t are the largest five industries in your

country or region? Use those listed below to help
you. What are their products? Who are their clients?
Industries
aluminium industry • chemical industry • steel industry • pharmaceutical industry •
pulp and paper industry • plastic industry • textile industry • automotive industry •
2 H o w are they supplied with power? Do some of them have their own power plants or are they
supplied by other energy companies?
3 W h i c h consume(s) the most energy? Rank them on a scale of 1-5 according to how much
electricity they consume.
4 W h a t do large industrial companies want from energy companies?
•• 2 P a u l Robben from AECP - the Association of European Chemical Producers - is talking to

4 A n n a Smith from the energy company ELEC. You are sitting in on the meeting.
Listen and say whether the following statements are true or false.
1 A E C P has established an energy procurement

unit.
2 I t s aim is to harmonize the terms under which it
does business with its various suppliers.
3 AECP wants there to be one key account
manager at ELEC.
4 A key issue for AECP is security of supply.
5 AECP expects its requirements to remain
constant.
Listen again and complete notes for the minutes of the meeting under the following headings.
i Members of AECP
2 Development of wholesale prices
3 AECP's objectives
4 Forecasts on AECP's future energy consumption
5 Next step
1 6 U N I T 2 M a r k e t s and c u s t o m e r s
3 T h e s e graphs show developments mentioned in exercise 2. What does each graph show?
If you are not sure, listen to the dialogue again.
0.20
0.16 56.62
50.00
0.10
(4) (15
I I
Graph 1 Year 1 Y e a r 2 Graph 2 Ian F e b
0.20
0 . 0 9 .01 0
I I I I I
Graph 3 Y1 Y 2 Y 3 Y 4 Y 5 (now) Graph 4 ( n o w ) y l Y 2 Y 3 Y 4 Y 5
4 Match the statements that have the same meaning. Then decide which graph each pair refers to.
It's going to grow. a I t ' s held steady.

2 I t has remained stable. b I t ' s been volatile.
3 They've doubled. c W e expect it to rise.
4 I t has fluctuated. d There's been a i00% increase.
5 M a t c h the expression with each graph below. Add any expressions that you know.
decline • fall sharply • fltretuute • h i t a low and then recover • remain stable •
level off • fall back and then pick up again • peak and then fall back • increase steeply •
rise steadily •
3 4 5
fluctuate
6 7 8 9 10
6 This graph shows the development of the EEX electricity spot price in 2009. Continue the
following description. Use expressions from exercises if and 5.
The graph shows the development of the E/MWh

EEX electricity spot price in 2009. The price 8o
started at ...
60
Choose a graph describing a trend from

your own company on a subject that you
are familiar with. Present it to the other 20
students. Use phrases from the box.

o t
Ian Feb Mar Apr May Jun l u l Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
DESCRIBING TRENDS, DEVELOPMENTS, AND CONSEQUENCES
The graph shows ... This led to ...

You can see here that ... This resulted in ...
This happened/occurred because ... This was due to ...
We expected this change, but ... This happened as a result of ...
Although there was a fall/rise ... This happened because of...
7 Write sentences describing developments and consequences, using phrases from the right-hand
column of the box.
i a surge in the gas price/harsh winter
2 t h e economy picked up/increase in high-street spending
3 a reduction in turnover/cost-cutting programme
4 a power cut/collapse of the grid
5 consumers can choose their supplier/liberalization
6 t h e volatile political situation/uncertainty in the market
7 m o r e wind farms have been built/financial support from the state
Now describe some developments and their consequences from your own company.
18 I UNIT 2 M a r k e t s and customers
AUDIO
• 8 AECP and ELEC (see exercise 2) signed a contract about energy supply. But then Anna Smith
received a phone call. Listen and decide which four statements describe the situation.
i T h e weather has resulted in a crisis situation in the Netherlands.

2 T h e distribution network has gone down, but the transmission grid is unaffected.
3 T h e Dutch-German interconnector is out of action.
4 T h e problem has fortunately now been rectified.
5 P o w e r is being fed in from France and Belgium.
6 T h e r e will be questions about liability and insurance.
7 AECP members may look for another supplier.
Complete this internal memo by Anna in a suitable way.
A E C P crisis in Netherlands
Bad weather has disrupted supply to
They are , and operating on
generators at present. a r e working to resolve the
situation, but AECP has brought up the issue of a n d
is talking about — even though it's clearly a
question of
DID YOU KNOW?
UCTE stands for the Union for the Co-ordination of Transmission of Electricity. The members of
this association are the transmission systems operators in continental Europe stretching from
Spain through to Poland and Greece. It ensures the synchronous operation of interconnected
power systems. A similar organization, Nordel, exists in the countries of Scandinavia.
9 Match the expressions to the definitions.
i circuit breaker a a unit which increases or decreases voltage levels

b a sharp, temporary rise in current or voltage levels which can cause
2 force majeure
damage to electrical equipment
3 power outage c equipment which protects electrical apparatus from a sharp rise in
current levels by switching off electrical current automatically
4 power surge
d loss of electrical power to an area
5 substation e an unexpected or uncontrollable event; nobody is at fault or
responsible for subsequent damage
1 0 Complete this letter of complaint from Paul Robben to Anna Smith with the expressions from
the box.
Before writing this letter • Dear Anna • He assured me • I look forward to hearing
from you • I therefore suggest • May I remind you • I might add • We are extremely
concerned • Yours sincerely •
Association of European Chemical Producers

Energy Procurement Unit
Oranjeweg 118 3 0 1 4 LA Rotterdam Netherlands
Ms Anna Smith
ELEC International
Business Sales Unit
Hohewall 34
D-10423 Berlin
Germany
10 April 20..
I was somewhat dismayed to find out that just three weeks after I had signed the purchase contract
with ELEC for our organization there was a sudden and complete breakdown in electricity supply
to two of our members' production facilities in the Netherlands. 2
that under the terms of our agreement ELEC is obliged to guarantee security of supply.
I spoke to one of ELEC's engineers. He went into great technical
detail about power surges and outages in the surrounding areas. 4
that it was only due to our own circuit breakers that our plants were not severely damaged.
t h a t his team was working around the clock to remedy the
situation. He implied it was force majeure; this remains to be verified.
' about the situation and are questioning whether ELEC can
supply power to all our production locations throughout Europe.
w e meet to discuss this most unfortunate state of affairs.
propose this meeting should take place at our headquarters in Rotterdam next week on Tuesday,
April 17'h at 10.00 a.m.
8.
Dr. Paid Rabbet.'"

Managing Director
AECP Energy Procurement Unit
20 I UNIT 2 M a r k e t s and customers
1 1 W r i t e a reply to the letter on page 19 using phrases from the box.
REPLYING TO LETTERS OF COMPLAINT
I fully understand your concern but ... We are taking this matter very seriously.
I would like to stress that ... I would also like to assure you that ...
These are circumstances beyond our control. We are making every effort to ...
Nevertheless, ... We are doing our utmost to ...
If the crisis in the Netherlands happened to your company, how would it be resolved?
1 2 W o r k with a partner. Use the information in the Partner Files to do this role-play.
Paul phones Anna to talk about the agenda of their meeting. Prepare your roles and then role-play the
telephone call. Use phrases for agreeing and disagreeing from page 8, and from the box below.
Partner A r . Le 2, p.56
Partner B F i l e 8, p.57
DEALING WITH A COMPLAINT
Giving assurance Sticking to a position Strong disagreement

I can assure you (that) ... I really must insist (that) ... I can't accept that.
You have my assurance (that) ... Our position remains the same. That's not on.
We're doing all we can to ... Look, ... That's quite impossible.
1 3 D i s c u s s with a partner which statement describes the market your company operates in.
In our country we have a very

regulated market. We and our
competitors have to comply with a lot
of rules and regulations when doing
business and it's quite difficult to
do things independently.
Our market is very liberalized.

It's totally open to all players; companies
offer gas and electricity at competitive
prices to consumers and there is little
state intervention.
Is there a lot of competition in your market? How difficult is it for new entrants to enter the
market? What barriers do they face?
UNIT 2 Markets and customers I 2 1
OUTPUT How do power companies view organizations which look after consumers' interests?
Read this Internet text about Energywatch in the UK and discuss the questions.
Energywatch merged into Consumer Focus
E n e r g y w a t c h , the former independent and Consumer Focus estimates that

watchdog for gas and electricity five million British households faced fuel
consumers, has been merged into a new poverty in the winter of 2008. Ed Mayo,
organization called Consumer Focus that the chief executive of Consumer Focus,
looks after consumer interests. says, "Customers across the country will
Consumer focus is for energy be seriously worried about bills escalating
consumers what Greenpeace is for through winter while the regulator (Ofgem)
the environment - a campaign group consults with industry. We urge energy
that champions a better deal for people companies to take action now by boosting
and promotes innovation for consumer their social tariffs."
benefit. It takes up complaints on behalf of Although there are advantages to having
consumers and has greater powers than its one organization look after all consumer
predecessors. It acts on behalf of vulnerable complaints, some people are worried that
consumers who may feel exploited by energy will not always be the priority of
powerful energy companies. such a big organization. "Will Consumer
Consumer Focus employs 1 7 0 people Focus really be able to do anything about
and has a budget of £ 1 5 million. It is able what foreign companies charge for fuel?"
to investigate consumer complaints that it asked one worried consumer. "Wouldn't
feels will be of benefit to the public at large. Energywatch have been better at dealing
It can also demand information from utility with this kind of specific problem?"
companies. Ed Mayo does not agree. "As one
One of its priorities is to tackle the issue organization, we take a more co-ordinated
of fuel poverty in Britain. Fuel poverty is approach to tackling the issues that
defined as a household that spends more affect us all. We are able to engage more
than ten percent of its income on fuel. effectively with government, business and
Utility companies are usually quick to pass regulators and we have stronger powers
on rises in fuel costs to their customers and more teeth."
OVER TO YOU
• D o you think such a watchdog agency is necessary? Give your reasons.

• H o w do such organizations influence the overall strategy and policy of energy companies?
• A r e energy companies forced by legislation to cap prices in your country? If so, outline how this
is done.
• D o e s the energy industry in your country have an organization which looks after the interests of
power companies? If so, how does it do this?
22
Protecting the
environment
Do you agree or disagree with these ideas or are you not sure?
STARTER
Discuss your answers with a partner.
Agree Disagree Not sure

1 I t is not necessary to educate
people on the issue of protecting
the environment. 0 0 0
2 Cooking with gas is more
environmentally friendly than
cooking with electricity. 0 0 0
3 Consumers should be obliged to
buy only energy-saving electrical
equipment. 0 0 0
4 Fossil fuel power plants should be
totally replaced by ones using
renewable sources. 0 0 0
5 A speed limit of 90 km/h should be
established throughout the European
Union to conserve oil stocks. 0 0 0
6 People should be encouraged to
use public transport and not use
their car. 0 0 0
7 All houses and buildings should be
checked each year for their energy
efficiency. 0 0 0
8 A massive green tax should be
put on long-distance air travel to
protect the environment. 0 0 0
A leaflet entitled Energy Saving Tips in the Home is being developed. Write down your
suggestions for tips and compare them with the rest of the class. As a group decide on the
best ones.
UNIT 3 P r o t e c t i n g the environment I 2 3
I A n n a Smith at ELEC received this email invitation to a seminar. Complete the email with the
expressions from the box.
by invitation only • C o u l d you please let me know • I would also be grateful •

It is with great pleasure • I t would be beneficial • K i n d regards •
please see attachment • t o get to know •
Dear Ms Smith,
that we invite you to take part in the tenth International

Forum for Energy to discuss the image of the energy industry. This three-day event will be
taking place at the International Hotel in Dubai from May 5th- 8 t h of this year
for more details).
Participation in this forum is , and the main topic will be
public relations regarding the image of the energy industry as a whole, and how this image
affects our business. Jane Hall, the CEO of ELEC, will be giving a talk on how ELEC is
approaching the subject of public relations and the lessons we can learn from this
experience. There will also be an opportunity o t h e r
delegates.
if you wish to attend this seminar by sending me an email?
if you could inform me about any other issues you may
wish to raise during these three days. There will be an open forum on Thursday evening, May
6th, in which delegates can discuss topics which they feel are important for the industry.
however, if delegates informed me about what they wish
to discuss beforehand so that we can draw up a relevant agenda for the evening.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Abdullah Al-Naimi
You are Anna. Write an answer to Abdullah Al-Naimi accepting the invitation. Ask him also to
send the attachment again as it did not come through to you. Tell him that in the open forum you
would like to raise the issue of biofuels. Use phrases from the box to help you.
REPLYING TO INVITATIONS
Accepting invitations Making requests

I was delighted to receive your kind invitation ... Would/Could you please ...?
Thank you very much for your kind invitation to take part in ... I would be grateful if you could ...
I would very much like to attend. I would appreciate it if you could ...
24 I UNIT 3 Protecting the environment
2 R e a d this extract from a brochure created for the forum. Decide whether the statements that
follow are true or false. Correct the false statements.
Imernat ional Forum for Energy

Dear D e a t e s ,
I am delighted to11:1\1' 1111'111/111/11111111 \ i l l \ : 111 :11 1111'11'11111 11111111:111011:11

121/1111111.1/1'1:.111•1r\ . The main fort', of 111\ \ \ 111 he on 110\\ \\l• are all
not tool\ for our comp:wit.. or organization, Ilu1 al,t) for our intlti,in a, a whole. ‘Ve all
111'1'1111/ \ \ 4 1 1 1 1 ' i F a l l ' 11",—p:11111•111:111 \ 1/111• image coliceruing die
1„111' of die i r o o m e t t i — awl wt• all ha\ e111 IN' 1111111'11111:11.11\1'1'1'g:1111111g tlli, 111:1111`1%
:.1.1:.(: 1 l i I I 41111' 1111111,1n:11./ Wil4/IP:11111 speak 1.111 1111'111,1'1
40% Or (tor generating caparit‘ I , tte1'otoilet1 for It\ a w l coal. 25"/0 g a . . 20%
atirilmiable to !nuclear energN. t11141 j11,1 151%0 accounted for It\ 11‘411.0 awl renew:title,.
The t h e r e f o r e .t. 'II II\ die public a, one o11114' main culprit, regarding climate
change. air l c \ el,. and oilier ell irownelital proltlem, including 1111•
1101c in ille uzunc Imer.
1111, is despite f a r e 111;11 me linNe ill\ t.,teil a lot o f effort ttotl !none\ i l l Iinlliui
kll H a m . lia‘t. been 1111111 w 1111 tle,olithorization plant, 111 11'11111'1'
1'1111,,11/11, ' 1 1 1 1 ' 1 1 11!,!"11111111111110\1111' —1/111' I1. 1111' 1 / 1 .
:Hill 111111. \ \ r 11:1%1' i t 111' 1•11111141 ronlllu,liun teclinologx Io tleell'il!•1` 1111H/11 11111\1111'
1•111k!/11/11.;11111 \\l' 11:1%1'111,1:1111'11111'1111X1411111/1111'11111/ 11411111' nitrogen o‘itle.. \\ rare al,o
lira\ i i t ‘ o I N (41 ill etni,,ion.
There all' p a r i l l ' I l l a r k in 1111'1111'11i:1 and ill Ill/11111". \\ 111)\\.111111W1,11 11/ highlighi
illy negaii% 1. w it how r‘eit mentioning the 1111'il,111'1`!,111:11 \\l' 11:1 11111/111111'1111`11
1/\ l'1'1111'111!,11.1'1‘ %1'ar....111k 11/111111 \\ ill gi‘e II, all the oppori omit t h e a n d
challenge. ,t) that we are alole 1u 1V/1/111111 in a 1/11/1.1',!,11111:11111111 111/111.111/1iilil'
1:1111 !-•111.1' 111111 %NV X\111 11:1 //1/1111' \ i n t e r e , i i n g and thought -pro‘oking
J a k e H a . 1
h i l l I 1 1 1 1 1 1 , 1
i P e o p l e see the energy industry as 'clean'.

2 G a s is the least important source in the ELEC's energy mix.
3 Nuclear energy makes up 15% of generating capacity.
4 ELEC has invested a lot of money in technology to reduce emissions.
5 I t is well known that a lot of measures to reduce emissions have been implemented.
6 Managers have to be able to answer questions concerning their companies' environmental record.
DID YOU KNOW?
The term 'manager' in the UK and USAcovers a very broad range of positions. For example, a person who
looks after customers could be called a 'Customer Care Manager'—even if the person's position is
relatively low in the company hierarchy. Another person who leads a department could be called
'Department Manager'. In other languages the term has a more restricted meaning.
3 Read Jane Hall's message again. Find expressions that fit into these sentences.
i T h e heating up of the atmosphere is caused by

2 The main cause of damage to trees is . It has been estimated
that more than 6o% of forests are affected.
3 The in theo v e r the South Pole and

Australia has raised levels of ultraviolet radiation. This can cause severe sunburn.
4 is one of the emissions from a power plant burning

fossil fuels.
5 Winters are becoming milder and wetter, and average temperatures year-round are increasing.
These are two major signs of
6 Generators that pollute too much can buy credits or allowances from other companies in a system
of
7 The emitting of harmful gases into the atmosphere is called
8 The Netherlands is in danger of being flooded due to a rise in

9A i s the equipment in a power plant which removes sulphur
dioxide.
1
26 I UNIT 3 P r o t e c t i n g the environment
Listen to a presentation given by Jane Hall at the forum. In which order does she
do the following?
a describe ELEC's present performance

b i n v i t e questions
c m e n t i o n future plans for new plants
d r a i s e the issue of lobbying
e welcome delegates
Now complete this summary by one of the delegates.
CE0Jane Hall's key point was the need to

at both Of national
level on,
and
the issae.s of
, so that
all compani es can, on
the same
5 W h i c h of the phrases in the 'Giving a presentation' box below did Jane Hall use? Listen again
and check.
GIVING A PRESENTATION
Opening Comparing factors

Let me first introduce myself. First of all ...
I'm/My name is .... Firstly ..., secondly ..., thirdly ...
In this talk I want/would like to ... On the one hand ..., on the other hand ...
I'll begin by (+ -ing form of verb).
Concluding
I'm going to be covering ...
That completes my overview (of ...).
Let's start with (+ noun).
So, to summarize/sum up ...
Introducing other factors or points
Questions
If I could now turn to
Please don't hesitate to interrupt me if you have
Now, turning to ...
any questions.
Let me move on to ...
If you have any questions, I'll be pleased to answer
Introducing graphs and diagrams them at the end.
I'd like you to look at this graph/diagram/(pie)
Finishing
chart/transparency/slide.
Thank you for your attention.
Now prepare and give a short presentation on your job and the department in which you work.
Use phrases from above.
r
• Another speaker at the forum gives a talk on emissions trading and some research projects.
Listen to what he says and make notes.
Ewtissions trading
Imagine you are representing your company at an international conference. Explain in your
own words how emissions trading works.
7 A t the conference you are asked the following questions. How would you answer?
How do you see the overall

image of the energy industry in your
country as regards environment How does the government
protection? in your country support protecting
the environment?Are there any
financial incentives?
What precisely does your

company do to protect the environment?
How great is the impact
Do you have any schemes like carbon
of emission control costs on
capture or designing CO2
the price of electricity?
neutral plants?
5 What programmes, i f any,

Does the cost of protecting the does the company you work
environment have any repercussions on for have to help customers
the competitiveness of your country's save energy?
economy in world markets?
DID YOU KNOW?
As part of the UK's overall energy policy, the Scottish Executive (government) has set a new target - 4o% of
all electricity generated in Scotland should come from renewable sources by 2020. This is not as far-fetched
as it sounds as much of the land in Scotland is exposed to winds which are favourable for wind generation.
The other option is to harness water or tidal energy - Scotland is a world leader in tidal research.
L
28 I UNIT 3 P r o t e c t i n g the environment
8 W o r k in groups of three. Use the information in the Partner Files to do this role-play.
At the seminar in Dubai, ELEC managers were asked to brainstorm ideas on how to improve the
company's environmental image. Prepare your roles and then role-play the situation. Agree on a set
of the best five proposals. P a i t n e r A File 3. p.56
Partner B 5 7
Partner C F i l e 13. p.58
9 W h a t do you think these newspaper articles are about? Write the first paragraph of each article.
Then compare and discuss them with other members of the class.
Europe to Cut Greenhouse

Emissionsby 20 % Wind Power Not Reliable
Environment Protection TheFirstStepto Improve

YourCarbon Footprint
Costs Jobs
Green Tax for Air Travel

Global Warming —
All the Fault of Energy Companies
and Generators
Coal Industry to▶Pay for CO., Emissions
1 0 T h e r e are a lot of acronyms and abbreviations used in the energy industry. What do the
following stand for, and in which context are they used (e.g. generation, emissions, etc.)?
1 CO2 4 V 7 DSO
2 5 0 2 5 UCTE 8 MW
3 CHP 6 TS0 9 kWh
1 1 Complete this puzzle with words from the unit and find an essential function for most companies
in column a.
a
What you do when you take and store a substance
for a long period. You do it with carbon dioxide,
for example, and pump it into the ground. 2
2 T h e type of gases which warm the earth's atmosphere.
3
3 Financial support from the state, usually for industrial
purposes. 4
4 Energy sources such as wind, the sun, etc.
5
5 A diagram with a horizontal and vertical axis.
6 T h e first element in CO2. 6
7 T h e type of rain produced by some emissions from 7

power stations and which badly affects trees.
8
8 To alter something or to make something different.
OUTPUT Which organization makes sure that emission limits are observed in your country?
Read this newspaper article about the Kyoto Protocol and discuss the questions.
The Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is the name of an A number of countries did not ratify
international treaty to reduce the amount of the treaty, notably the USA - the largest
greenhouse gas emissions which came into emitter of greenhouse gases - and (initially)
effect in 2005. The signatories of this binding Australia. In addition, India and China,
agreement are divided into two categories, which have large populations and rapidly
so-called Annex 1 and Non-Annex 1 countries. expanding economies, did not set emission
The former comprises developed countries limits, at least not under the terms of the
which made a commitment to cut greenhouse Protocol. This was justified by the fact
that these countries were not the main
contributors of emissions during the process
of the world's industrialization period, i.e.
the 19th and 20th centuries.
This brought the whole project into
doubt in terms of reaching the targets
envisaged. Indeed, some critics called the
Kyoto Protocol flawed because in their view
it favoured some countries at the expense
of others. Others said that the treaty should
only be seen as a first step to manage
greenhouse emissions on a global scale, and
that stricter measures and limits should
be implemented as soon as possible, which
should be adopted by all countries not just
the developed ones.
Since the Protocol came into force, the
majority of politicians, economists, and
gas emissions to 5% below 1990 levels by environmentalists have reached the view
2008-2012. Under the terms of the agreement, that if nothing is done to address climate
the latter had no actual mandatory greenhouse change we will be heading for economic,
emission restrictions but were to be able to social, and environmental collapse
sell carbon credits on the international market throughout the world. This has led to further
to Annex 1 buyers as part of any emission conferences aimed at drawing up a more
reduction project implemented in these binding treaty than the Kyoto Protocol.
countries. This was to be on a voluntary basis.
OVER TO YOU
• What do you think of the Kyoto Protocol? Did it set attainable goals?
• Are industrialized countries to blame for climate change? What about the position of energy
companies?
• What about the position of China and India? Is it fair? Why, or why not?
30
A1The nuclear issue
What words do you associate with nuclear energy? Complete the diagram below, then compare
STARTER
and discuss your diagram with other members of your class.
I Waste
!Mr_
NUCLEAR
1Health
1 1 1 . tr9-T-Jor POWER
1 H o w much do you know about nuclear energy? Work with a partner and complete this quiz.
11 W h i c h country produces the most uranium 5 I n which country are there

z o f o r the world market? no nuclear power stations in
operation?
Russia U S A Canada
Finland
2 W h i c h country generates 75% of its electricity Austria
on the basis of nuclear power?
1Czech Republic
France U K G e r m a n y
6 When and in which country
3 I n which year did the accident occur in the was the world's first full-scale
Three Mile Island nuclear power plant? commercial nuclear plant
commissioned?
1979 1 1986 1 1 1992
11 1951 in the USA

4 H o w many nuclear reactors are operated
1956 in the UK
in Japan for the purpose of generating
electricity? 1962 in the former USSR
35 L i 45 1 55
UNIT 4 T h e nuclear issue I 3 1
Now discuss these questions briefly in your group.
1 I s the image of nuclear power in your country generally positive or negative? Give some details.
2 A r e new plants being built? If so, outline where this is being done.
3 I s nuclear power being phased out? If so, outline the reasons.
4 A r e nuclear plants economically viable when compared with other types of power stations?
State what you think.
5 W h a t is the situation in your country concerning the storage and disposal of nuclear waste?
DID YOU KNOW?
The very first time that electricity was generated using a nuclear
reactor was in 1951 at an experimental power plant near Arco,
Idaho in the USA.
2 U r a n i u m is the basis of nuclear energy. Work with a partner and put these sentences in the right
order so that they describe the processes the uranium goes through.
a A f t e r that, the uranium ore is crushed into a fine powder.

b F i r s t of all, uranium is extracted from opencast or underground mining.
c T h e next step is fuel fabrication. The nuclear fuel is transformed into pellets.
d T h i s yellow cake is then enriched to increase the proportion of uranium 235, which
is essential in the nuclear fission process.
e Finally, the spent fuel must be reprocessed and stored long term underground.
f Following that, they are formed into rods and placed in the reactor pressure vessel.
g I n the reactor pressure vessel, heat is produced through a fissile reaction and
eventually the uranium is used up.
h A f t e r crushing, the powder is then purified; the substance at the end of this process
is called 'yellow cake'.
32 I UNIT 4 T h e nuclear issue
AUDIO
3 ELEC's nuclear power division is considering entering into a joint venture with JEPCO, a Japanese
power company. A guide is giving a group of visitors from JEPCO a tour of one of ELEC's nuclear
power plants. Listen to this talk on its operation and label the diagram.
Primary circuit Secondary circuit
2 3 4
Turbine
Reactor pressure vessel
✓ T o river or
Fuel
assemblies
Listen again and take notes on the purpose and functions of these parts of the power station.
You will need the notes for exercise 4.
i T h e reactor pressure vessel 4 T h e transformers

2 T h e primary circuit 5 T h e condenser
3 T h e steam generator
4 P u t yourself in the position of the guide in exercise 3. Use the diagram, your notes, and phrases
from below to describe the whole process in your own words.
DESCRIBING A PROCESS
Firstly/First of all ... F o l l o w i n g that ...

After that ... F i n a l l y ...
The next step/stage is ... T h e final step ...
Then ...
UNIT 4 T h e nuclear issue I 33
5 R e a d these sentences from a publicity brochure describing the process of waste disposal. Put
the sentences in the right order and link them with phrases from above.
a t h e spent fuel rods are extracted
from the reactor.
b t h e waste needs to be buried deep
underground in a safe location.
c Eventually the spent fuel has to be reprocessed, so
t h a t it is transported to a
reprocessing plant, such as Sellafield in the UK and La Hague
in France. There it is vitrified and sealed in steel canisters.
d t h e waste is transferred to a site
where interim storage is possible. There are a number of such sites in Europe.
Interim R e p r o c e s s i n g
Reactor ▶F i n a l storage
storage p l a n t
V
4
A working group at ELEC is visiting JEPCO to find out about their arrangements for waste
disposal, in order to formulate a new public relations strategy. Listen and note the key issues.
Storage and reprocessing
Long-term disposal
7 Match the two parts to make expressions from the discussion in exercise 6. Listen
again if necessary.
i public a measures
2 government b storage
3 disposal c plants
4 spent d fuel
5 safety e facility
6 reprocessing f resistance
7 interim g disposal
8 waste h legislation
Now complete these sentences using the correct expression.
9 Companies which operate nuclear power plants must have a programme for
s o that unwanted products can be dealt with safely.
io There are facilities for a t nuclear power stations to store waste

for a limited time until a permanent location can be found.
11 is the uranium which has been used up.
12 T h e two most well-known i n Europe are Sellafield in the UK and

La Hague in France.
13 Wa s t e can be stored in a
14 T h e r e is a lot of t o nuclear power; some people just don't

like it.
15 O t h e r members of the public are not
convinced of the
a t nuclear power
stations, and think radiation will leak into
the atmosphere.
i6 M a n y people have no trust in the
politicians who draft new
r e g a r d i n g nuclear
power.
UNIT 4 T h e nuclear issue 135
8 E L E C and JEPCO have approached a firm of PR consultants, Finley Consultants, to advise them on a
coherent PR strategy for their joint venture. Read this excerpt from the consultants' report.
This is a time of great opportunities for the nuclear energy industry. With the price of fossil fuels
reaching an all-time high, the debate about peak oil, and the environmental concerns around fossil
fuels, nuclear has a real chance of becoming the leading global power source. This really could
be the end for fossil fuels. However, the nuclear industry, for historical reasons, has been viewed
with suspicion by the general public. The Chernobyl disaster, as well as more minor incidents such
as the recent uranium spillage in BoIlene, France, contribute to the fact that people are still to be
convinced that nuclear is the clean, safe power of the future.
The value of the JEPCO/ELEC alliance is based on being able to demonstrate that the combined
experience of both companies, in Japan and Europe, will translate into secure nuclear power
stations and safe, long-term waste management. The PR strategy should focus on the advances
made to the construction of nuclear power, provisions for reprocessing waste in Japan, and the
impact of new research on waste storage. This positive PR message, by showing voters that nuclear
power is an energy that can be trusted, will help governments put forward the argument for the
construction of new nuclear power stations.
JEPCOs Hiro Takayashi has requested a response from ELEC's Jane Hall to Finley Consultants'
report from managers. Write him an email and include the following points.
I A g r e e that nuclear power has a real opportunity to grow.

2 Disagree about this being the end for fossil fuels. There is plenty of coal. Political factors affect the
price of oil, not just availability.
3 Stress that the PR strategy should highlight that the next generation of nuclear power stations will
be built to resist terrorist attacks and powerful earthquakes.
4 P o i n t out that it is important to admit that, so far, there is no totally safe way of storing nuclear
waste for thousands of years, so that it remains a danger.
5 Suggest a meeting with lobbyists to discuss the next steps for the PR strategy.
9 M a r y Brown, Jane Hall's secretary, phones Jacques Royale of the strategy unit to set up a time for
a meeting to discuss the proposals. Put the dialogue into the right order.
a Jacques H e l l o . Jacques Royale speaking.

b M a r y O K , how about Tuesday, March 6th at three p.m?
c Jacques I could make four. Could you change it to four p.m?
d M a r y H e l l o , Jacques. Mary Brown here.
e Jacques L e t me check my diary. I'm afraid that's not so good as I've got a meeting with some
members of the supervisory board most of Monday morning.
f M a r y Y e s , that's fine, four is also OK. I'll send everybody a quick email to confirm everything.
g Jacques H i Mary. What can I do for you?
LI h M a r y Y e s . Bye, Jacques.
i Jacques G r e a t . Well, I'll probably see you next week.
j M a r y I ' m phoning to set up a meeting between Jane and Mr Takayashi and the strategy unit
to discuss the proposals made by Finley Consultants. Would next Monday at nine a.m.
suit you?
1 0 T h e strategy unit has prepared a list of arguments for maintaining nuclear power.
Work with a partner and rate them on a scale of 1-3 (i = very important, 2 = important,
3 = not important). Then discuss results in the class.
Nuclear power should be maintained because R a t i n g

it safeguards jobs in the power industry.
2 i t preserves expertise in nuclear technology.
3 i t is difficult to replace the high proportion of power generated from nuclear fuel.
4 i t reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
5 t h e targets of the Kyoto Protocol will not be met if nuclear power is phased out.
6 t h e phasing out of nuclear power is pointless as the waste produced from the past still
has to be disposed of.
7 i t can be used as a 'bridge' until new technologies are developed in the future.
8 t h e economy would go into recession without it because the kWh price would increase.
9 t h e world market price of uranium is not as volatile as other fuels.
io t h e cost of decommissioning and dismantling plants is far too high even if energy
companies have provisions for this purpose.
Look at two or three websites of the main energy companies in your country.
What PR information on nuclear power do they offer? What could you add to the list above?
How does your company communicate with opponents to nuclear power?
1 1 W o r k with a partner. What counter arguments can you think of to each of those in exercise io?
The first one is given as an example. Compare and discuss your counter arguments with the rest
of the class.
1 O t h e r jobs could be created if more money were invested in renewables.
10
T
UNIT 4 T h e nuclear issue 1 3 7
1 2 W o r k in groups of three. Use the information in the Partner Files to do this role-play.
One outcome of the strategy meeting was a decision to set up training seminars aimed at helping
employees respond to opponents of nuclear power. At one of the seminars, employees role-play a
meeting between a chairperson (Partner A), an environmentalist (Partner B), and a representative of
the energy industry (Partner C). Prepare your roles and act out the role-play.
CHAIRING A MEETING
Opening the meeting Keeping to the agenda

First of all, I think we should establish the overall OK, could we please come back to the agenda?
procedure. I'm afraid that's not part of the discussion.
Can we now agree on the overall procedure?
Asking for clarification
The main objectives of the meeting are ...
I don't quite follow. What do you mean by ...?
Does that seem acceptable to you?
I don't really get what you mean.
Asking somebody to start
Would you like to start, John?
John, would you like to kick off?
1 3 C o m p l e t e this puzzle with words from the unit and find the word in column a.
1 A short-term, temporary, not permanent

solution is an ... solution. a
2 When you take a fossil fuel or ore from a 1
mine, you ... it.
2
3 Getting rid of waste or putting it in
storage is waste .... 3
4 The primary fuel used in nuclear power.
4
5 When you stop something gradually over
a period, you ... it .... (2 words—5, 3) 5
6 This is the place in the plant where 6
nuclear fission takes place.
7 A n expression which means to comply 7
with, for example, a law or regulation 8

(2 words—6, 2)
9
8 We use this word to describe nuclear fuel
which has been used up.
9 To decommission a plant and take it
apart carefully piece by piece.
DID YOU KNOW?
The International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) was established

in 1957 and around 140 states are members of this organization.
Its main function is to promote safe, secure, and peaceful use of
nuclear technologies throughout the world.
How do you see the future of nuclear power? Read this newspaper article about nuclear fusion
and discuss the questions.
NuclearFusion—the Way Forward?

T h e challenge for the nuclear power industry and tritium - have to be heated up to over
I is to make the technology as safe and secure 100 million °C. The atoms are thereby fused
as possible. After all, most people have heard together thus releasing enormous amounts of
of the catastrophic effects of the accident at thermal energy, which could then be harnessed
Chernobyl in 1986 - the repercussions of which to produce electricity. There are a number of
can still be seen today, with radioactive fallout benefits. No greenhouse gases are released,
very little radioactive waste is produced - as is
Tritium H3
Helium the case with nuclear fission - and furthermore
the primary fuel is abundantly available on
earth.
This technology, however, is still in its infancy.
The EU, USA, China, India, Russia, Japan, and
Neutron South Korea have set up a project called ITER
(the International Thermonuclear Experimental
Deuterium H2
Reactor), which includes a n experimental
reactor in Cadarache, France. The goal of the
contaminating large areas of Ukraine, Russia, project is to make fusion commercially viable.
and Belarus. There is also the contentious issue But experts say it will take at least 30 years to
ofdealing with the waste from the nuclear fission achieve the target and there is also no guarantee
AUDIO
process, which has still not been adequately of any success.
dealt with in most countries. ITER has other critics too. Some environmental
The question arises: can such waste be avoided groups claim that the money invested in the
in the first place? Not it would seem with nuclear project - around €10 billion - should be used
fission, but nuclear fusion could be the answer to develop renewable energy, firstly because it
if it is ever successfully developed. is available today and secondly because it has
In this process isotopes of hydrogen - deuterium a proven track record. ■
OVER TO YOU
• Do you think nuclear fusion can be developed successfully? State your reasons.
• Should countries co-operate to develop new technologies concerning energy production?
Give your reasons why, or why not.
• Do you think the money invested in the ITER project should be spent elsewhere?
• Do you agree that renewables have a proven track record?
39
Investment plans
What factors do managers of energy companies take into account when considering a takeover?
STARTER
Complete the diagram, then compare and discuss your diagram with other members of your class.
synergies
TAKEOVER
competitors CANDIDATE
What mergers or acquisitions do you know about?

How successful were they and what were the consequences?
AUDIO
4 1 3
ELEC is making a takeover bid for the Scottish company, Strathclyde Energy. ELEC's PR
10
department is monitoring the media coverage. Listen to this radio report and take notes on
reactions to the bid from the following.
i Consumers
2 Staff
3 T h e British Trade and
Industry minister
4 Financial analysts
40 I UNIT 5 I n v e s t m e n t plans
2 C o m p l e t e the sentences below from the radio report. Listen again to check your answers.
1 A lot of people will be to other companies if a price increase occurs.
2 S t a f f in the company are deeply concerned about
3 T h e r e have beenm a d e by ELEC that staff have nothing to fear.
4 T h e Trade and Industry Minister, Hilary Alexander, is also making sure that everything is
5 S h e fears the move mayE u r o p e a n competition laws.
6 I t ' s just not t h a t large firms from abroad buy British firms.
7 S o m e analysts claim that the potential for within a new corporate structure would
be minimal.
8 T h e y doubt whether the takeover would be a viable
9 T h e company is already having dificulties its interests in Spain with its

operations in the rest of Europe.
3 A SWOT analysis helps a company to identify its internal strengths and weaknesses, and its
external opportunities and threats. Before the takeover bid, managers at Strathclyde listed
these 13 points about their firm. Sort them into the SWOT matrix.
SWOT Analysis Items for SWOT analysis

Strengths Weaknesses 1 P r o f i t levels currently healthy
2 S t a ff morale satisfactory
3 Management structure hierarchical:
means decision-making process slow
4 G o o d customer service, but high prices
Opportunities T h r e a t s 5 Legislation from Brussels could impair
operations
6 O t h e r companies are penetrating
traditional markets
7 P l a n s to take over one competitor;
synergy effects possible
8 N u m b e r of employees relatively high for
Now work with a partner and decide how you business; could be reduced
see your company's strengths, weaknesses, 9 C o r e business electricity and gas
opportunities, and threats. Present your 10 Gas distribution grid in need of repair
findings to the rest of the class. 11 G o o d chances of further penetrating UK
market
12 Regulator is monitoring company's
presence in local geographical area
13 Due to profit levels, the company could
become a takeover candidate
UNIT 5 Investment plans I 41
3 N e w s of the takeover bid produced familiar reactions. Read these statements and decide who
is in favour, who is against, and who is neutral.
If you look at takeovers and mergers in the energy business, it's always the
same old story. Managers talk about shareholder value with little concern
for employees who will be laid off or encouraged to take early retirement.
2
Takeovers and mergers in any industry are necessary for
consolidation and investment. They enhance efficiency in the
market, and uncompetitive utilities will go out of business anyway.
3
At the end of the day what do we see?Top managers get bonuses
and other benefits while the consumer just gets higher prices.
I think it's all bad for competition within the energy market.
4
The real problem is collusion and uncompetitive pricing. It's essential that
there is the right legislation in place to stop such things. It doesn't really
matter whether companies are owned and run privately or by the state.
5
To be honest, I'd like Europe to return to the old set-up. Each country
had one or two monopolistic utilities that really looked after all
stakeholders—especially the employees and the customers.
6
Every country has an authority to prevent the bigger electricity and gas
companies from abusing their position. And anyway, an energy company from
one European country is free to merge with or takeover a firm in another.
Now say which statements you agree with and why.

42 1 UNIT 5 I n v e s t m e n t plans
5 Before ELEC took over Strathclyde Energy, financial statements were analysed. •
11
Match these documents to their definitions.
1 Balance sheet
2 P r o f i t and loss account (income statement)
3 C a s h flow statement
a T h i s statement shows the expenditures and sales of a company over a period of time. These are
balanced to give a final positive or negative figure.
b Basically a statement which shows incoming and outgoing cash of a company during a particular
period.
c T h i s document gives details about the financial position of a company at a particular time. It is
divided into assets, equity, and liabilities.
A balance sheet lists fixed assets, current assets, equity, and liabilities.
Work with a partner and sort the following terms into these four categories.
accounts payable (money the company owes to its suppliers) • accounts

receivable (money owed to the company by its customers) • buildings •
cash at the bank • company capital (owned by shareholders) • inventory •
long-term financial assets • power plants • provisions •
Fixed assets:
Current assets:
Equity:
Liabilities:
Look at a copy of the most recently issued balance sheet of the company you work for
(from the last annual report or the Internet). Answer these questions.
1 W h a t fixed assets does your company have? What does the company use them for?
2 H a s the value of these fixed assets gone down compared with the previous year? If so, explain
why. Is it due to depreciation or to other reasons?
3 W h a t are your company's current assets?
4 W h a t do the inventories of the company consist of? What are they used for?
5 W h a t is the value of your company's equity? Who owns the shares?
6 W h a t are the provisions in your company used for?
7 W h y is it important to have the provisions?
DID YOU KNOW?
ROI stands for return on investment. It is a ratio that measures the profit gained relative
to the amount of money invested. It is usually expressed as a percentage and gives an
indication whether a particular investment is meeting expectations.
UNIT 5 I n v e s t m e n t plans 4 3
7 A f t e r the takeover has gone through, Richard Mellor receives a phone call from his ELEC
11
colleague, Anna. Listen to the phone call. What does Richard have to note down in his calendar?
Now listen again for the details. Answer these questions.
What concrete plan has Anna been given the task of implementing?
2 W h a t will be the consequences for staff in Scotland?
3 H o w urgent is it to take action?
4 W h a t ' s on her agenda?
5 W h y does she want the meeting in Germany rather than in Scotland?
8 Work in a group of three. Use the information in the Partner Files and the language below to
do this role-play.
Anna (Partner A), Richard (Partner B), and James Sinclair (Partner C) meet in Berlin. Prepare your roles
and act out the role-play. Your task is to agree on a strategy.
Partner A F i l e 5, p . 5 6
Partner B
Partner(
DISCUSSION IN A MEETING
Proposing Showing concern

Couldn't we just ...? I have some reservations/concerns about ...
What if we ...? Actually, I don't think that's a good idea.
Why don't we ...?
Emphasizing
Asking for agreement/disagreement I'd again like to point out that ...
Do we all agree on that? I know I keep going on about this, but ...
Does anybody object to this?
Who's in favour of this proposal?
4 4 I U N I T 5 I n v e s t m e n t plans
9 Y o u r company is following developments at ELEC closely. You find this information.

Write a memo summarizing ELEC's plans.
Mixed reactions to Yorkshire plans

L I U : , t h e Luropean energy group, has just withdrew from the area in 1990 saying that mining
announced plans to develop new coal fields in was no longer viable. ELEC, however, is confident
Yorkshire, England, together with the construction that the project is a viable investment. It has forecast
of a new coal-fired plant. This move has puzzled that the present situation will change and also
industrial analysts as it is well known that coal stressed the fact that personnel costs in the UK are
production is more expensive in industrialized among the lowest in western Europe. The company
countries than other parts of the world, mainly also maintains that it can mine coal more efficiently
because of higher labour costs. because of advances in extraction technology. In
It is even more surprising given the present glut addition, current high prices of oil and gas mean
of coal on the world market and that British Coal that coal is more economically viable.
What do you think of the plan? Could it be a viable investment? Why, or why not?
10 ELEC opened a visitor centre in Yorkshire. The centre had this diagram of a coal-fired plant.
Complete the gaps using words from the box, then describe the processes at the plant in your
own words. Use phrases for describing a process in Unit 4, page 32.
coal crusher • c o a l storage area • c o n d e n s e r • s t a c k • t r a n s f o r m e r • t u r b i n e •
Functional diagram of power plant process
6 Clean air fan 4 5
generator
Flue gas fan Steam generator
High voltage
Steam
transmission
line
Flue gas P r e c i p i t a t o r
desulphurization
plant
Heat
exchanger
Furnace e i
Coal ( ) C) Boiler
feed Cooling
Storage Ash Cooling water
pump water
bunker removal
pump
system
UNIT 5 I n v e s t m e n t plans I 4 5
1 1 T h e s e headlines are taken from energy journals. Write down the first paragraph of each article
and then compare and discuss your texts with other members of the class.
New State-of-the-Art Plant Energy Firms Swallow Up

Creates 50 New Jobs Municipal Utilities
Coal M a k e s T o o Much Red Tape Stifles

a Comeback I n v e s t m e n t
Now work with a partner and find out about one of your company's investment projects trom the
firm's website, annual report, or other sources. Present your results to the rest of the class.
Why do energy companies disinvest and/or sell off operations? Read this newspaper article
OUTPUT
about disinvestment and discuss the questions below.
Disinvestment in Europe
In a due diligence process a company wishing to take This aspect of disinvestment is not to be underestimated.
over another firm would carefully investigate all the facts European energy companies may have to take on the
and aspects of the deal before making a final decision. In mighty European Commission when drawing up their
the energy business, one important issue is whether the investment plans as there are moves to force companies
operations of a takeover candidate actually correspond to unbundle their divisions completely. For those involved
to the core business of the buying company. This is not in generation, transport, and supply, it would mean selling
as straightforward as it may seem. Some candidates off transmission and distribution networks to new owners
may have operations covering public transport or water and operators. All for the sake of market liberalization and
supply. Subsequent investment must be contemplated transparency, it is said. Others claim it is tantamount to
as sometimes the infrastructures, such as the water- expropriation.
pipe systems or vehicles, may need replacing or repair. But who would invest in these grids? Some in Brussels say
Unwanted activities could be sold off or disinvested after the taxpayer. But this would be nationalization through
the takeover, but this may not always be possible or the the backdoor, which would make a mockery of free-
procedures may prove to be too cumbersome. market policies in Europe.
OVER TO YOU
• Do you think the European Commission is right to force energy companies to sell off their grids?
State your reasons.
• How does the government in your country view this?
• Do you agree with the concept of nationalization? Is it good for stakeholders (shareholders,
employees, and customers)?
46
The future of energy
How do you see the future? Look at the points given below and note down how you see
STARTER
developments over the next five years. Compare and discuss your ideas with other members
of the class.
The future: What the next five years will bring

The present The future
Year i Year 2 Y e a r 3 Year 4 Year 5
i y o u r own job responsibilities 6 t h e core business of your firm

2 t h e functions of the department you work in 7 y o u r company's image
3 t h e projections for your company's market(s) 8 innovations created or used by your
4 t h e communication flow within your company company
5 p a y and conditions of the staff at your company 9 t h e structure of your company
I W h a t are the functions of the departments listed below? Match the targets to the departments.
Departments Targets
AUDIO
i auditing a t o acquire more industrial customers
:71,4
2 h u m a n resources (HR) b t o be more proactive about negative media 12
3 IT coverage
4 l e g a l services c t o bundle purchase volume
5 p u b l i c relations (PR) d t o develop a sustainable sponsorship
6 procurement strategy for sport and cultural events
7 research and development (R&D) e t o establish a computer helpline for staff
8 s a l e s and marketing f t o establish benchmarks or yardsticks for
an interdepartmental costing system
g t o harmonize pension schemes throughout
the group
h t o identify inefficiencies in financial
processes
i t o implement new payroll processes
j t o make tests in fuel-cell technology
k t o reduce the number of suppliers
l t o set up a loyalty-card system for retail
customers
m t o standardize contracts
n t o upgrade software
--"-----
UNIT 6 T h e future of energy I 4 7
2 R e a d the following email from a manager. Does John work in the procurement, trading, or
auditing department?
I am going to meet the CEO shortly as she has expressed

concerns that we are still having some problems regarding
accurate load planning. The accuracy of our forecasts for
last year was disappointing. I would appreciate it if you could
inform me of the reasons as you see them.
Regards,
John Baker
Now answer the email. Include the following points and use the expressions from the box.
Each expression should be used once only.
attributable to • I am afraid • i n addition • over and above this • t o begin with •
i A g r e e that forecasting was disappointing.

2 T h e r e was a sharp rise in consumption due to an unexpected economic upswing.
3 O n e power plant went out of action because of technical problems.
4 T h e Dutch/German interconnector was damaged at the beginning of the year.
5 Communication between departments must also be improved.
11,t
•
• 3 A t an interdepartmental meeting, ELEC employees are discussing the future of energy supply.
1_
Listen and take notes for the minutes using the headings below.
Issues discussed
Do you agree with the points made?
1 Long-distance electricity transmission Give your reasons.
2 R&D department project
3 Geothermal heating
4 Hydrogen
48 I UNIT 6 T h e future of energy
4 O n e of the participants at the meeting attends a conference on the future of energy supply.
There is a workshop on the fuel cell. Not all conference participants work on the technical side,
so an information sheet has been provided. Read this sheet and complete the flow chart on
page 49.
The Fuel Cell

The fuel cell is actually quite an old technology having been invented
by the British scientist William Grove i n 1843. I n this apparatus,
electrical power is produced in a simple yet intriguing way. As can be
seen from the diagram, there are two electrodes, the anode and the
cathode, and in the middle of both
Electricity
there is a membrane ion conductor
or electrolyte. Hydrogen gas is fed
02 continuously over the anode while
oxygen from the air passes over the
H2 % cathode. The electrolyte is a partition
which ensures that the two gases do
not come into direct contact with
H 2 O e a c h other. Through the chemical
Proton ex hange membrane
process in the fuel cell, hydrogen splits
i n t o hydrogen ions and electrons.The
The elements 0 electrons then pass through an external circuit to the cathode depicted by
rise fuel ,ell this glowing bulb. Electrical current is produced in this way.
The hydrogen ions meanwhile pass through the membrane.They and
the electrons then react with oxygen at the cathode to produce water or
steam. Thus heat is also produced, and this too can be utilized.
The electricity produced is direct current, which can be converted
into alternating current if required. In order to create large volumes of
power, fuel cells are connected in series to form a stack.
The beauty of the fuel cell is that the only waste product is water,
although it should be stressed that the waste depends on how hydrogen
is obtained to begin with. If it is derived from sources such as natural gas,
CO2 will also be produced.
Fuel cells can primarily be used in remote areas where there is no
connection to the grid. But developments in this technology could mean
that heat and electrical power from fuel cells will also be harnessed in the
future in cities, in decentralized energy-supply systems for homes, offices,
and factories. We could even have them in our cellars.
So is this the key to a vision of clean, cheap, plentiful energy supply?
Does it spell the end for the power plant as we know it? This is unlikely as
the volumes of power needed cannot be generated by the fuel cell alone.
But there will be changes, and in twenty to thirty years' time fuel cells
could be common in energy supply as well as in vehicles.
UNIT 6 T h e future of energy I 49
An uninterrupted stream ofp a s s e s

over the anode while thec o m e s into
contact with oxygen from the air.
Hydrogen is divided intoa n d

as a result of the chemical process.
Ant h e n conducts the

electrons to the cathode.
p a s s through the membrane.
There is ab e t w e e n the hydrogen

ions, electrons, and oxygen at the cathode and
o r i s produced.
The type of electricity produced is DC (direct current), which

can be turned into
5 H o w would you answer these questions in a discussion forum? Use information from the text
and flow chart above, and phrases from Unit 4 page 32.
Is this the answer

I still don't really understand to all our needs?Con you
how it works. Can you explain in produce large volumes
simple language? So what exactly are of energy like this?
the advantages, and are there
any disadvantages?
Summarize the fuel cell's advantages and disadvantages in a table.
Advantages Disadvantages
waste mostly water or steam depending on ...
Now summarize the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels, tidal power, fusion power, or
energy-producing systems of your choice.
AUDIO
13
6 Delegates at the conference break for lunch. Complete this conversation using words and
phrases from the box. Then listen to the dialogue and compare your version with the one on
the MultiROM.
actually • anyway • aren't they •

by the way • getting on • really • sure •
things • think of • t o be honest •
John H e l l o Steve. Good to see you again.
Steve H i John. How are

2
John J u s t fine. So, what did you
t h e talk on the fuel cell?
Steve A l l right, but the speaker didn't really tell me anything new,
although it was interesting.
John ? I thought it was quite informative. , how
are you w i t h your paper on hydrogen?
Steve , I'm having a few problems. It's not easy to get all the necessary
information. Some people aren't very cooperative.
John ? That must be quite frustrating.
Steve Y e s it is, but . When I come to think about it, maybe you could help
me with it. I mean, you have some good contacts.
John . How can I help?
DID YOU KNOW?
Small talk or conversation is essential in business for creating good rapport between
people. It is used to build relationships, further networking, and establish a personal
setting before a meeting takes place. Topics can be smaller business issues, sports,
weather, etc. But subjects which are too personal should be avoided.
7 Work with a partner. Use the information in the Partner Files to do this role-play.
You are at a conference and, during the break, you meet a business colleague whom you have not
seen for some time. Find out from your counterpart what he or she has been doing recently (work,
holidays, etc.). Use small-talk expressions like those in exercise 6.
Partner A F i l e 6. p 56
Partner B F i l e 12, p.57
UNIT 6 T h e future of energy 1 5 1
• The conference programme contains a talk on the hydrogen-based economy. Look at these
114
sentences. Do you think they are true or false?
True F a l s e
1 Production of hydrogen is comparatively
cheap.
2 Greenhouse gases are avoided when

hydrogen is produced via electrolysis.
3 T h e use of photovoltaic cells has no real

advantage.
4 Storage of large quantities of the gas

presents a major problem.
5 Hydrogen research projects are being

well-funded by oil companies.
Now listen to the talk and check your answers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, accounting for 75% of the mass of
stars and galaxies. On earth, it is found in many substances such as water or hydrocarbons,
from which it can be isolated.
9 Your boss is expecting a report on the conference, and in particular the talk on the hydrogen
economy. Write your report using the headings 1-4 and phrases from the 'writing reports' box
below. Note that you should also include your recommendations about future research at your
company regarding this technology.
i Introduction
2 Pros
3 Cons
4 Conclusions and recommendations
WRITING REPORTS
Introduction L i n k i n g words R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s
The aim of this report is to ... M o r e o v e r , ... I t is suggested that ...
This report aims to ... F u r t h e r m o r e , ... I t is recommended that ...
The objective of this report is to ... H o w e v e r , ... I t is advised that ...
Reporting C o n c l u s i o n s
It was pointed out that ... I t was concluded that ...
It was stated that ... I t was agreed that ...
It was established that ... I t was decided that ...
1
1 0 T h e conference is over, and the delegates are leaving. With a partner make up a dialogue in
a conversational style using these prompts. Then listen to the MultiROM and compare versions.
i J o h n indicates that the conference was interesting.
2 S t e v e agrees.
3 J o h n suggests a drink at the bar.
4 S t e v e declines - he has to catch a plane.
5 J o h n indicates disappointment; asks about Steve's arrival time at home.
6 S t e v e gives the time; indicates he must leave now.
7 J o h n says goodbye; asks Steve to give regards to his colleague, Sonia.
8 S t e v e responds and says goodbye.
1 1 F i n d out what research and development projects

your company or a company you work with is doing.
INSTANT
Get information from its website, annual report, or NUCLEAR
other material. Present and discuss the main ones. POWER
1 2 C o m p l e t e this puzzle. What is the word in column a?
1 H i ! How are ...?- Great, thanks. a

2 T h e hydrogen economy within twenty...?! don't believe it.
3 H o w ... does the water-pipe system have to be 2
in the ground?
4 A cable which can conduct electricity 3
with little energy loss. 4
5 A place which is far away, perhaps in
the middle of nowhere, is .... 5
6 The type of energy that you get 6
from under the ground.
7 A n apparatus invented by William
Grove which produces electricity. 8
(2 words - 4, 4)
8 A n idea or picture of the future.
UNIT 6 T h e future of energy I 5 3
OUTPUT Do you know if there are international projects concerning energy? Read this newspaper article
and discuss the questions.
Lack of Vision
We are all aware of the crisis concerning off lights and DVD recorders, or doing
energy. Climate change, constantly without a winter holiday. If we take a sober
increasing demand, depleting reserves of look at what is going on, there is a sense
of something lacking. Where is the vision?
This is not just a question to be put to
energy companies and politicians, but to
everyone. When are we going to get to grips
with solving this most urgent of problems?
What is needed is a change in people's long-
term thinking.
Around 50 years ago, John F. Kennedy
announced that the USA would be able
to put a man on the moon by the end
of the decade. Similarly, there is now
international willingness to cancel third-
world debt. Why can we not create the
same worldwide momentum to find new
energy solutions? The hydrogen economy,
primary fuels — the issues have become fuel cells, even nuclear fusion: these are
so familiar that we have become bored technologies which we can develop now for
with the whole question. We are no longer ourselves and for future generations.
prepared to listen. But the problem is not Let's not leave the decision to the
going to go away. whims of the market. It is time to act now.
There seems to be a mass of short-term With political will, vision, and by making a
solutions to this long-term problem. But it concerted effort, we can make a difference,
is not just a question of getting on a bus and safeguard the livelihoods of future
and leaving the car at home, switching generations.
OVER TO YOU
• Do you agree there is a lack of vision in the energy industry? If so, what vision could be created?
• Is there a need to have international co-operation on the issue of the hydrogen-based economy?
Give your reasons.
54 1
Test yourself!
See how much energy vocabulary you have learned.
Use the clues to complete the crossword puzzle.
Across
2 Another word for repository, e.g. for nuclear waste.
4 A ... gas like CO2 which causes climate change.
7 The development of a price or consumption.
8 You would probably find this in your cellar; it measures energy consumption.
10 The opposite of stable.
i i Some energy companies plan to ... out nuclear power and then stop production.
13 To release harmful substances into water or the atmosphere.
14 Money used to finance future business risks, e.g. company pensions or dismantling power stations.
15 This is the 'marriage' of two or more companies.
16 The opposite of weakness.
19 Another word for benchmark.
22 When you have an unpaid bill or owe money to somebody, this is a ....
23 You will find these in the balance sheet—buildings, plants, cash, etc.
26 This word describes when something is good for you.
27 A supplier of gas and electricity to customers.
28 The network of lines or pipelines.
29 This kind of plant produces both heat and electricity.
3o Everything around you, particularly the countryside, water, forests, air, etc.
Down
1 To put a power plant into operation.
3 This is the decrease in value over time of an object (e.g. network, building etc.); the word is used
in accounting.
5 To modernize a power station by equipping it with new parts.
6 This is what you do to uranium so that it can be used to generate electricity.
9 This is where nuclear reactions occur.
12 A kind of brown coal.
17 In the middle of nowhere.
18 A gas which could replace fossil fuels in the future.
20 An energy company must have this attribute to be able to supply gas and electricity all the time.
21 A kind of barrier in cables and lines which is not good for the flow of electricity.
24 This is what you do to nuclear waste before it is stored long term.
25 Not voluntary, compulsory.
IP"
Test yourself! I 5 5
1 3 4 5 6
7 9
10 1 2
11
13 1 4
15
16 1 7 1 8
19 2 0
21 2 2
23 2 4 2 5
26
27 2 8
29 3 0
1
56 I
Partner A Partner files

UNIT 1, EXERCISE 4 F I L E 01
You work for ELEC in Spain. Phone your colleague in Britain and obtain the missing information.
Help him/her with information that he/she needs.
Name of plant Type Load Commissioned Capacity Location

Haymarket 45 km east of
Birmingham, England
Glengarry km south of
Inverness, Scotland
Steinburg lignite base and 1965, retrofitted 3 units: Units A and B 8o km north of
intermediate in 1984 each producing 152 MW Berlin, Germany
loads p.a.*; Unit C 284 MW p.a.
Brenes natural gas intermediate (You don't know.) 2 units each producing 24 km east of Seville,
and peak load 410 MW p.a. Spain
*p.a. = per annum = per year
UNIT 2, EXERCISE 12 F I L E 02 UNIT 4 EXERCISE 1 2 F I L E 04

You are Paul. During your conversation with Anna you You are going to chair this meeting. The two sides come
should discuss the agenda and make the following from an environmentalist group and the energy
points. You should make some notes about what Anna industry. Your position during the discussion should be
says. neutral although you are free to ask questions.
• Summarize the problem, and point out that a third • Before the discussion begins, the parties will need
plant in Venlo in the Netherlands is now no longer time to prepare their arguments. During this time
being supplied due to the collapse of the grid. you could prepare a short agenda.
• ELEC's progress in repairing equipment: Find out the • After this welcome the participants to the meeting
present status. and ask them to present their points. Each should be
• Make AECP's position quite clear: If the problem is given some time to present his or her arguments.
not remedied soon, members will be forced to look • Then allow time for an open discussion.
for a new supplier. Talks about this are due to start • A t the end, summarize the main points and give your
next week. judgement on who was more convincing.
• Loss of production: You want compensation for this.
• Future contracts: You want a cheaper price and Anna UNIT 5 EXERCISE 8 F I L E 05
and her team should prepare some proposals for the
meeting. You are Anna and should chair the meeting.
• First remind the other participants that Strathclyde
UNIT 3, EXERCISE 8 F I L E 03 Energy's IT and procurement departments are to be
You should direct the meeting with your two integrated into ELEC's Shared Services Division.
colleagues. You would like to make the following Stress the urgency of the project and the need to
proposals. Discuss these and the suggestions made by move fast.
your colleagues, and decide with them on the best five. • Ask Richard (Partner B) to outline the key issues.
• Ask James (Partner C) for his views.
• ELEC should focus more on renewables by building • Encourage discussion, make sure the three of you
more wind generators and solar plants. They could reach an agreement at the end.
be more economic in the long term. • Summarize the agreement.
• A series of seminars should be organized for ELEC
staff so that they become familiar with the issues UNIT 6, EXERCISE 7 F I L E 06
involved. They could thus become spokespersons for
the company in the world outside. Make some notes in bullet-point format about what you
• The company should start an image campaign in the have done recently. This could be from your job, a
media outlining positive aspects of the company. special project, maybe a recent holiday, etc. You should
use this information to make small talk with your
partner. Find out what he or she has been doing
recently. Use expressions like those in exercise 6.
Remember that your objective is to make conversation.
I 57
Partner B Partner files

You work for ELEC in Britain. Your colleague phones from Spain. Answer his/her questions,
and then ask for the information that you are missing.
Name of plant Type Load Commissioned Capacity Location

Steinburg 8o km north of
Berlin, Germany
Brenes
Haymarket nuclear base load 1982 2 units each producing 45 km east of
2,300 MW p.a.* Birmingham,
England
Glengarry hydro peak load 1975 2 units each producing zo km south of
52,000 kw p.a. Inverness,
Scotland
*p.a. = per annum = per year
UNIT 2, EXERCISE 12 F I L E 08 UNIT 4, EXERCISE 1 2 F I L E 10

You are Anna. During your conversation with Paul you You represent an environmentalist group and are going
should discuss the proposed agenda and make the to take part in this meeting. You will now have to
following points. You should make some notes about prepare your arguments to convince the chairperson
what Paul says. (Partner A) that nuclear power should be phased out.
Your arguments should cover aspects such as
• Summarize the problem as you see it and point out
radioactivity, storage, security, etc. Your counterpart
that other power firms are suffering from the same
(Partner C) comes from the energy industry. Be
problems, not just ELEC.
prepared for a heated discussion.
• ELEC's progress in repairing equipment: Reaffirm
that you're doing your utmost to normalize supply,
but this will take at least another four weeks.
• I f AECP claims compensation for loss of production, You are Richard. Anna will ask you to outline the main
inform Paul that an emergency fund has been set up issues. These are as follows.
for this purpose, primarily for residential customers. • Staff will be transferred from Glasgow to Nijmegen in
You can't say more at this stage.
the Netherlands where the Shared Services Division
• Future contracts: Point out that prices cannot change
is based.
as they are very competitive and the present
• There will be job losses.
situation is due to force majeure.
• Pay levels at ELEC and Strathclyde differ.
• Employees from ELEC and Strathclyde have different
pension rights.
You are an ELEC manager. You would like to make the
Be prepared to discuss the issues raised by James
following proposals at the meeting with your
(Partner C). You have to reach a consensus.
colleagues. Discuss these and the other suggestions
made and decide with the others on the best five. UNIT 6, EXERCISE 7 F I L E 12
• The company should organize open days in power
Make some notes in bullet-point format about what you
plants for the public.
have done recently. This could be from your job, a
• ELEC should join forces with its main competitors to
special project, maybe a recent holiday, etc. You should
create a common strategy on how to enhance the
use this information to make small talk with your
industry's image, particularly on environmental
partner. Find out what he or she has been doing
issues. recently. Use expressions like those in exercise 6.
• ELEC should sponsor "green" events, for example
Remember that your objective is to make conversation.
gardening shows, and initiate local projects in the
community to clean up rivers, establish nature trails
in woods, etc.
58
Partner C Partner files

UNIT 3 EXERCISE 8 F I L E 13
You are an ELEC manager. You would like to make the
following proposals at the meeting with your
colleagues. Discuss these and the other suggestions
made, and decide with the others on the best five. You
think the last suggestion below is the best.
• The company should offer a green tariff to
customers. They could buy electricity generated only
from renewable sources. It would be more
expensive, however.
• The company should pay customers Elo.00 towards
the purchase of any electrical equipment which
saves power.
• ELEC could just keep quiet and not attract attention
to itself. That way the company could keep a low
profile and keep out of harm's way.
You represent the energy industry and are going to take
part in this meeting. You will now have to prepare your
arguments to convince the chairperson (Partner A) that
nuclear power should be maintained and developed.
These arguments should cover aspects of emission
control, safe storage, etc. Your counterpart (Partner B)
comes from an environmentalist group. Be prepared for
a heated discussion.
UNIT 5 EXERCISE 8 F I L E 15
You are James Sinclair from Strathclyde Energy in
Scotland. In the discussion make sure that the
following points are adequately taken into account.
• You have to have a workable proposal when you
announce the plan to the staff representatives in
Scotland.
• Employees are nervous because they do not know
what is going to happen. They fear job losses.
• Having this meeting in Berlin has raised anxiety
levels. Maybe it was not such a good idea.
• Discuss the issues and reach a consensus. Make
sure you agree on a signal that will help restore staff
confidence.
I 59
Answer key
UNIT 1 Page il
9 i transmission 4 to monitor
cages tower 5 to ensure
Starter 2 subsidiary 6 network
fossil fuels r e n e w a b l e s n u c l e a r fuel 3 state 7 to charge
(hard) coal w i n d u r a n i u m
oil s u n a o a t o generate
gas b i o m a s s 2 t o transmit, transmission operator
lignite ( w o o d ) 3 t o sell, seller
(waves) 4 distribution, distributor
5 regulation, regulator
1 lc 2 h 3 e 4 1 5 i 6 d 7 a 6 liberalization
8g 9 b 7 t o supply, supplier
Page 6 8 liberalization
2 1 lignite 9 generation
io transmission
2 gas
11 regulation
3 base
12 supply
4 intermediate/medium
13 sales
5 district heating systems
6 state-of-the-art Page 12
7 1979 n a ELEC Holding
8 retrofitted
2 ELEC Power
9 planning permission
3 ELEC Trading
to spoil
4 ELEC Shared Services
5 ELEC Transmission and Distribution
3 l h 2 e 3f 4 d 5 b 6 g 7 c 8 a
6 ELEC Trading
Pagel 7 ELEC Power
9 electricity production 8 all the divisions
9 ELEC Power
to fossil fuels
to ELEC Regional Supply
11 base load
II ELEC Transmission and Distribution
12 state-of-the-art equipment
13 energy mix
12 I coal 5 grid operator
14 company policy
2 distributor 6 transmission
15 power station
3 base 7 generator
16 district heating
4 utility 8 trading
Page 8 a customer
5 1d 2 b 3C 4 a
UNIT 2
Page 9
7 a 5 connection Page 15
b a transmission network 2 a True 4 True
c 4 facility, distribution network 2 False 5 False
d 3 municipal utility 3 True
e 2 overhead lines, supplier
Suggested answer
Page 10 1 Members of AECP
8 2 (is) fed Medium-sized chemical producers with 5o
3 i s transported production locations in Europe, mostly in France, the
4 i s owned Czech Republic and Benelux countries.
5 are organized 2 Development of wholesale prices
6 i s delivered AECP is concerned that kilowatt hour prices have
7 b e chosen been volatile over the last two years. Over the last
8 have been/are liberalized five years average procurement costs have doubled.
9 are also controlled 3 AECP's objectives
to are increased The chief objective is to reduce energy costs by
11 i s also monitored reaching an agreement with one supplier who will
60 I Answer key
supply all the members. Security of supply is the at present. Our technical staff are working to resolve
other chief objective. the situation, but AECP has brought up the issue of
4 Forecasts on AECP's future energy consumption security of supply and is talking about changing
AECP expects energy consumption to increase supplier—even though it's clearly a question of force
particularly when other companies join the majeure.
organization.
9 1c 2 e 3 d 4 b 5 a
5 Next step
We analyse AECP's consumption patterns over the page 19
last five years and make accurate forecasts.
1431 Dear Anna
2 May I remind you
3 Graph i kilowatt hour price over the past two years
3 Before writing this letter
Graph 2 wholesale price over last two months
4 I might add
Graph 3 AECP's average procurement costs over the
5 H e assured me
last five years
6 We are extremely concerned
Graph 4 AECP's expected energy consumption over
7 I therefore suggest
the next five years
8 I look forward to hearing from you
9 Yours sincerely
4 i c Graph 4 3 d Graph 3
2 a Graph 2 4 b Graph page 20
11 Suggested answer
5 i fluctuate
Dear Paul
2 h i t a low and then recover
Thank you for your letter dated io April 20--. It is
3 increase steeply; rocket, soar
indeed most unfortunate that this situation has
4 level off
arisen. I fully understand your concern but I would
5 fall sharply; decrease dramatically, plummet, plunge
like to stress that this is a case of force majeure as
6 peak and then fall back
the weather conditions are not typical for this time of
7 fall back and then pick up again; recover
year. These are circumstances beyond our control.
8 remain stable; hold steady
Nevertheless, we are taking this matter very
9 rise steadily; grow
seriously, and I would like to assure you that our
10 decline; dip
engineers are making every effort to repair the grid
page 17 and other equipment as fast as possible, so that we
can again supply our customers with power.
6 Suggested answer
I agree that it is important to discuss the situation
The price started at the beginning of the year at
face to face, and I look forward to meeting you at
E N per megawatt hour, but rose steeply to over
your headquarters in Rotterdam on Tuesday, April
€40 by March. It then fell back until the beginning of
17th 20-- at io.00 a.m.
May, when it increased again, levelling off at under
E5o during June. In July it fell back, but rose again in I'm sure our meeting will be more than satisfactory.
August, levelling off once again in September. In
With kind regards,
October it increased steeply, peaking at E7o, but fell
Anna Smith
back again through November and into December.
UNIT 3
7 Suggested answers
1There was a surge in the gas price. This happened Page 23
because of the harsh winter.
1 1 I t is with great pleasure
2 The economy picked up. This was due to an
2 please see attachment
increase in high-street spending.
3 b y invitation only
3 There was a reduction in turnover. This led to the
4 t o get to know
cost-cutting programme.
5 Could you please let me know
4 There was a power cut. This happened as a result
6 I would also be grateful
of the collapse of the grid.
7 I t would be beneficial
5 Consumers can now choose their supplier. This
8 Kind regards
happened as a result of liberalization.
6 There is a volatile political situation. This has led Suggested answer
to uncertainty in the market. Dear Mr Al-Naimi,
7 More wind farms have been built. This happened Thank you very much for your kind invitation to take
as a result of financial support from the state. part in the International Forum for Energy. I would
very much like to attend.
Page a I would be grateful if you could send me the
8 1, 3, 6, 7 attachment about this seminar again as
unfortunately it did not reach me.
Suggested answer
During the open forum on the Thursday evening, I
AECP crisis in Netherlands
Bad weather has disrupted supply to two AECP would like to raise the issue of biofuels and would
plants in the Netherlands. They are completely cut appreciate it if you could include this on the agenda.
I look forward to hearing from you.
off, and operating on back-up emergency generators
Kind regards,
Anna Smith
Answer key I 6 1
Page 24 Page 31
2 i False. The public sees the industry as one of 2 ib 2 a 3 h 4 d 5 c 6 f 7 g 8 e
the main culprits with regard to all the major
page 32
environmental problems.
2 False. Gas is the second most important source 3 I control elements 4 transformers
standing at 25%. 2 steam generator 5 cooling towers
3 False. It accounts for 20%. 3 generator 6 condenser
4 True.
page 33
5 False. It is not well known.
6 True. 5 a Firstly / First of all—d Then / After that—c the next
step/stage is—b Finally
page 25
3 i greenhouse gases 6 Suggested answers
2 acid rain Storage and reprocessing:
3 hole (in the) ozone layer Present storage arrangements are only a short-term
4 Carbon dioxide solution.
5 climate change The waste has to be transported long distances.
6 emissions trading
Long-term disposal
7 air pollution
The site has to be away from any natural threats.
8 sea level(s)
Public resistance: people don't want a long-term
9 desulphurization plant
facility in their backyard.
page 26 People worry about security.
4 ei b2 a3 c4 d5 Page 34
Jane's key point was the need to lobby at a national 7 if 2 h 3 e 4 d 5 a 6 c 7 b 8 g
level on the issues of emissions trading and
9 waste disposal
subsidies, so that all companies can do business on
io interim storage
the same basis.
t l Spent fuel
12 reprocessing plants
5 I'm going to be covering...
13 disposal facility
14 public resistance
I'd like you to look at this pie chart.
15 safety measures
First of all ...
i6 government legislation
That completes my overview.
Please don't hesitate to interrupt me if you have any page 35
questions.
8 Suggested answer.
page 28 Dear Hiro,
You asked me to give you my thoughts on the
so i carbon dioxide—emissions
consultants' report. First of all I'd like to say how
2 sulphur dioxide—emissions
much I agree with their point about this being a time
3 combined heat and power—generation
for nuclear to grow. However, I do not agree with
4 volts, voltage—generation, transmission,
them about this being the end for fossil fuels. There
distribution
is plenty of coal and new technology will make this a
5 Union for the Co-ordination of Transmission of
cleaner energy source than it is now. We should also
Electricity—transmission
remember that 'peak oil' really is a debate that
6 transmission systems operator—transmission
experts do not agree on. While some say that the
7 distribution systems operator—distribution
world's oil production has peaked and will decline
8 megawatt —generation
from now on, others believe that new technology will
9 kilowatt hour—consumption
mean that new oil fields will be found and exploited,
and oil extracted from other substances such as tar
is I capture 5 graph
sands, like they are doing in Canada.
2 greenhouse 6 carbon
I think that the consultants are right to mention
3 subsidy 7 acid
the safety of the new generation of power plants. I
4 renewables 8 change
think that we should really highlight this, as it is an
a research area where the joint venture will benefit from our
combined expertise and research from both Japan
UNIT 4 and Europe. ELEC and JEPCO have both done
extensive work on protecting nuclear power stations
page 3o
from terrorist attack, which we will be able to pool,
Starter and I look forward to learning new ideas from you on
Suggested answers how to make power stations safe from earthquake
waste, health, safety, radiation, disposal, security, damage.
uranium, CO2-free I think that it will be important to show how
waste management has improved but at the same
1 is 2 a 3 a 4 c 5 b 6 b (Calder Hall in time, I feel that we should be completely honest in
the northwest of England)
62 I Answer key
admitting that a totally safe long-term solution has from abroad buying up British utilities while there
not yet been found. are obstacles for British companies to do the same in
I propose setting up a meeting with lobbyists to other countries.
discuss how we can pursue a uniform strategy for Financial analysts: surprised, see potential for
approaching governments. synergies within new corporate structure as
'minimal'. They see us as already having difficulties
With kind regards, trying to cement our interests in Spain. They claim
Jane shareholders are 'worried'.
9 al b 6 c 7 d 2 e 5 f 8 g 3 h i o Page 40
i9 j 4 2 i shifting 6 on
Page 36 2 redundancies 7 synergies
3 assurances 8 investment
i i Suggested answers 4 done by the book 9 cementing
2 Know-how could be developed on the basis of 5 infringe
other generation technologies.
3 A s technological standards improve in generation 3 Strengths i, 2, 4 (first part), 9
from renewables this should not be a problem. Weaknesses 3, 4 (second part), 8, 10
4 Most fossil fuels are imported from countries such Opportunities 7, ii
as Russia and Kuwait. They are politically stable. Threats 5, 6, 12, 13
5 Maybe this is correct, but the effects of nuclear
waste and fallout are far worse. Page 41
6 The quantities of future nuclear waste are the 4 In favour: 2, 4 A g a i n s t : 1, 3, 5 N e u t r a l : 6
problem, not what has been already produced.
7 So can other sources such as wave power. All we Page 42
need is the investment in such technologies. 5 1c 2 a 3 b
8 Maybe the kWh price would increase but this
would not necessarily lead to a recession. It Fixed assets: buildings, long-term financial assets,
would force industrial customers to be more power plants
efficient. Current assets: accounts receivable, cash at the
9 I t would become more volatile if more nuclear bank, inventory
plants were built around the world. Equity: company capital
io Energy companies have been forced to set up Liabilities: accounts payable, provisions
such contingencies. There is enough money
Page 43
saved.
7 A n all-day meeting next Thursday, starting at ten,
Page 37 with James Sinclair from Strathclyde.
13 i interim 6 reactor i t h e plan to integrate Strathclyde Energy's IT and
2 extract 7 adhere to procurement departments into ELEC's Shared
3 disposal 8 spent Services Division
4 uranium 9 dismantle 2 Staff will be transferred, and some jobs will be
5 phase out lost.
a reprocess 3 It's very urgent because there's a lot of pressure
from above.
UNIT 5 4 how to proceed with the integration and the job
losses, how to harmonize pay, conditions, and
Page 39 pensions
Starter 5 t o show that the decision-making process rests at
Suggested answers ELEC's headquarters in Germany
profits, synergies, number of employees, sales page 44
forecasts, assets, customer structure, competitors,
equity 9 Suggested answer
I found the following information on ELEC's plans.
I Suggested answer They want to develop new coal fields and construct a
Consumers: worried about another price rise if the new coal-fired power plant in Yorkshire. With oil and
takeover goes through. Risk that people will shift to gas prices on the increase, they expect the present
other companies. coal glut situation will change, and that a
Staff: deeply concerned about redundancies combination of lower UK personnel costs and
particularly at the firm's headquarters in Glasgow. advances in extraction technology will make the
Employees afraid functions will head south to head project viable.
office in Birmingham.
Trade and Industry Minister, Hilary Alexander: thinks 10 1 coal storage area 4 turbine
the move may infringe European competition laws. 2 coal crusher 5 transformer
Plans to consult Brussels to check that bid conforms 3 condenser 6 stack
to European directives. Opposition to large firms
Answer key 1 6 3
UNIT 6 page 51
Page 46 8 1 False 3 False 5 False
2 True 4 True
1 1 f, h 4 m 7 j
2 g , i, 5 b, d 8 a,1
9 Suggested answer
3 e, n 6 c, k
Report on the talk about the hydrogen economy
Page 47 Introduction
The aim of this report is to sum up the main points of
2 John works in the trading department.
the talk given on the subject of the hydrogen
Suggested answer for the email economy at the ... conference on ... (date), and to
John make recommendations for future action.
I am afraid I have to agree with you that our
Pros
forecasting was disappointing. This was attributable
It was stated that there are a number of advantages.
to a number of reasons. To begin with there was a
If hydrogen is produced via the electrolysis of water
sharp rise in consumption due to an unexpected
with photovoltaic cells then the production of green-
economic upswing. Then one of ELEC's power plants
house gases can be avoided. It was also pointed out
went out of action. In addition we had problems with
that hydrogen could be used instead of hydrocarbons
the Dutch/German interconnector, which was
in modified vehicle and aircraft engines. Moreover,
damaged at the beginning of the year. But over and
the gas could be used together with fuel cells in cars,
above these external reasons there was a more
trucks, etc. In addition, fuel cells could be used in
general problem of poor communication between
decentralized energy systems for electricity production.
departments. In my view this must be improved if we
are to make accurate forecasts. Cons
It was established that the biggest drawback is the
Regards (Name)
storage of gas as very large pressurized containers
would be necessary both in vehicles and elsewhere.
3 Suggested answer
There would also be a weight problem. The speaker
1Long-distance electricity transmission: need could
pointed out that in his view governments and oil
decrease because of trend away from centralized
companies are reluctant to invest in the hydrogen
energy systems and towards smaller power
economy.
stations nearer consumption centres
2 R&D department project: superconductors as Conclusions and recommendations
means of reducing resistance and energy losses in It was concluded by our team that the commercial
the grid. Biggest problem is cooling lines. viability of hydrogen as a future energy source is at
3 Geothermal heating: Water pipes under ground in present unclear. However, it is recommended that
back garden to harness heat! Small-scale our company should invest more into R&D in this
development, and how does the company come in? area. The technology could offer considerable
4 Hydrogen: Could be really major new opportunities for company growth in the future.
development in generating electricity and fuelling
transport. But are scientists' claims that hydrogen Page 52
can replace fossil fuels in the foreseeable future 12 1 things 5 remote
realistic? 2 years 6 geothermal
3 deep 7 fuel cell
Page 49
4 superconductor 8 vision
4 1 hydrogen gas, cathode
a hydrogen
2 ions, electrons
3 external circuit I TEST YOURSELF!
4 Hydrogen ions
5 reaction, water, steam Page 54
6 AC (alternating current) Across Down
2 storage I commission
5 Suggested answer 4 greenhouse 3 depreciation
Advantages
7 pattern 5 retrofit
waste mostly water or steam 8 meter 6 enrich
can be used in remote areas and vehicles io volatile 9 reactor
suitable for decentralized energy-supply systems 11 phase 12 lignite
Heat can also be harnessed 13 pollute 17 remote
Disadvantages 14 provisions 18 hydrogen
depending on how hydrogen is obtained, e.g. from 15 merger 20 reliability
natural gas, CO2 also produced 16 strength 21 resistance
cannot produce large volumes of power such as can 19 yardstick 24 reprocess
be generated by a power plant 22 liability 25 mandatory
Page 50 23 assets
26 beneficial
6 1 things 6 getting on
27 utility
2 think of 7 Actually
28 grid
3 t o be honest 8 Aren't they 29 chp
4 Really? 9 anyway 3o environment
5 B y the way a o Sure
64
Transcripts
UNIT 1 EXERCISE 2 Maria W e ' r e building more wind power stations
although they are still quite controversial. It can
Maria ELEC Public Relations, Maria Berger speaking.
be difficult to get planning permission in some
How can I help you?
countries. Not everyone is in favour of them as
Colin O h hello, this is Colin Maitland. If you
they say they spoil the countryside and create
remember we spoke a few days ago...
too much noise if you live near them.
Maria Ye s , yes of course. Hello, Colin. How are you?
Colin A n d what's your view on this?
Colin F i n e , thanks. And you?
Mario W e believe these claims to be exaggerated.
Maria F i n e , thanks. So what can I do for you today?
Colin W e l l , as I explained last time, I'm writing this
UNIT 1, EXERCISE 11
series of articles on European utilities and I'd
like to include ELEC in my reports. V• Maria S o you got the information about our power
Maria Ye s , as I said, I'm happy to give you all the 3 plants all right, did you?
support I can. Where would you like to start? Colin Y e s , thank you. Your two colleagues were very
Colin W e l l , first I'd like some general information, and helpful.
I was wondering if you could outline ELEC's Maria G o o d . But now you'd like to know more about
energy mix first of all. the structure of the company.
Maria S u r e . Well, we have a number of fossil fuels Colin T h a t ' s right.
which we use for electricity production—we Maria O K . Well, this chart shows the overall set-up,
mostly burn lignite and gas. and as you can see, ELEC has an unbundled
Colin R i g h t . structure. There's a holding company, ELEC
Maria Ye s , and our lignite-fired plants are used for Holding, with five divisions which are all active
base load while the gas-fired ones cater for the on the pan-European electricity and gas
intermediate, or medium, and peak load ranges. markets.
Colin M m , OK I've got that. Colin D o e s that mean the divisions are companies in
Mario T h e n we have a number of gas plants which are their own right?
combined heat and power plants; we use them Maria Ye s , that's right, they are. On the far left here
to generate electricity and also to supply we have ELEC Power, which is our mining and
district heating systems. generation division. Because, you see, in
Colin S o r r y, I didn't quite catch that, what sort of addition to our power plants we also have a
systems? number of opencast mines.
Maria D i s t r i c t heating systems. Colin O K , I didn't realize that.
Colin A h , yes. Maria Ye s , they produce lignite and coal, mostly in
Mario S o those are the fossil fuel plants. Then we also central Europe. ELEC Power also procures gas
have some nuclear plants which are also for the purposes of electricity generation from
needed for base load. our partners in Russia and other countries.
Colin I see. Now what about the issue of emissions? I Colin R u s s i a , I see.
mean, the burning of fossil fuels produces Maria M m . But the next division is more focused on
these harmful emissions and environmental western Europe. That's ELEC Transmission and
problems that people of course are very much Distribution, which has a large number of
aware of these days. Could you outline your networks in Germany, Denmark, the UK, the
company policy on this? Benelux countries, the Czech Republic,
Maria W e take this issue very seriously indeed. All our Slovakia, and Spain, yes they're the main ones.
plants are fitted with state-of-the-art Colin B u t not all.
equipment to reduce harmful effects on the Maria N o , by no means all. We are in fact in the
environment. process of consolidating this division under one
Colin C a n you give me some exact figures? management structure.
Maria I ' m afraid I can't help you there, but why don't I Colin R i g h t .
take you round one of our plants? You could Maria T h e n next is ELEC Trading, which is the
then see exactly what we do. youngest member of the ELEC family. This
Colin Y e s , that would be great. Um, you have a division procures large volumes of gas and
number of power stations in your portfolio. electricity for our regional supply company—as
What's the largest one? well as for industrial companies and other
Maria W e l l , in terms of installed capacity that would utilities.
be Altrath near Berlin. It has four 600-megawatt Colin S o this is basically a buying operation.
units and can produce enough electricity to Maria Ye s , ELEC Trading's objective is to purchase
meet the needs of some two million people. these commodities at the cheapest price.
Colin I read up on that. It's relatively old, isn't it? Colin O K . And the next division is ELEC Regional
Maria W e l l , it was commissioned in 1979, but it's been Supply, I see.
retrofitted since then. Most of our other plants Maria Ye s , it's called 'Regional', but in fact this is a
came on line in the 198os and 1990s. Europe-wide operation. ELEC Regional Supply
Colin W h a t about wind? has a lot of subsidiaries each responsible for a
Transcripts I 6 5
confined geographical area. In this way we UNIT 2 EXERCISE 8

ensure customer proximity. Marten We've got a real crisis on our hands, Anna.
Colin A sound principle. Anna O h , what's up?
Maria Mm. Then finally, here on the far right, you can Marten It's about that new international contract we
see the ELEC Shared Services division. This have with the Association of European Chemical
provides IT, human resources, and legal
Producers. Our transmission grid's gone down
services for the whole group. in the Netherlands. It's due to the weather; the
system has been affected by snow and ice and
UNIT 2, EXERCISE 2 some of the transmission towers have
Paul A s I said on the phone, our association AECP collapsed. We've got teams out there working
4 represents a number of medium-sized chemical on repairs but it's going to take a while.
producers in Europe. We've recently pooled Anna O K , who's affected?
our requirements and set up an energy Marten There are two AECP production sites affected.
procurement unit to look into ways of reducing They're totally cut off.
energy costs. I'm sure you know our industry Anna O K , but surely we can compensate by feeding
depends on large inexpensive volumes of more power in from Germany through the
power to remain competitive. I mean kilowatt interconnector for the time-being. I mean, we
hour prices were very volatile over the last two can use third-party access using another
years. network.
Anna Y e s , but the wholesale price has remained Marten Well, it's not as simple as that, I'm afraid.
stable over the last two months. Anna W h y not?
Paul T h a t ' s true but we'd like to ensure that prices Marten The Dutch-German interconnector is also out of
don't fluctuate again—at least for our action. This means we can't supply the plants at
members. all at the moment.
Anna Y e s , I understand. Flow big is your organization? Anna S o , how are they getting power?
Paul A t the moment there are fifty medium-sized Marten They've switched on back-up generators but it's
production locations in Europe, mostly in only a temporary solution.
France, the Czech Republic, and the Benelux Anna M m , I see. There are bound to be questions of
countries, and we're looking for one supplier liability and insurance. But it's obviously a case
that can provide power for all of them. of force majeure.
Anna W e l l , that shouldn't pose any problems. What's Marten Yes, well I've been in touch with our contact at
the present situation for your members? I AECP, Paul Robben. He's very concerned about
imagine they have contracts with local the situation to say the least and is worried
suppliers. about security of supply to all of the other
Paul T h a t ' s right. But there's a big difference in the production facilities in other countries, not only
conditions that each one offers. And the in the Netherlands. He says all AECP members
average procurement costs have doubled over see this development as very worrying and are
the last five years, standing at around eighteen thinking about looking for a new agreement
cents per kilowatt hour now. with another supplier.
Anna W h a t ' s your price target? Anna O K . I'll get in touch with him as soon as
Paul B e f o r e I mention that I'd also like to emphasize possible to reassure him. I'm sure we'll sort it
that security of supply must be of a very high out somehow.
standard. We just can't afford breaks in
transmission. We'd also insist on good UNIT 3, EXERCISE 4
customer service with one ELEC key account 4",, lane Let me once more welcome you to the tenth
manager responsible for the whole contract in 6 International Forum for Energy. I'm going to be
Europe. That person would be our contact for
covering a number of issues in my talk, but
all countries in which we operate. That covers please don't hesitate to interrupt me if you
our main objectives.
have any questions.
Anna W i t h one contact at AECP? Let's start with the problem of the environment.
Paul T h a t ' s right.
There is room for improvement here,
Anna I ' m sure we could offer something that would particularly if we consider that coal and gas
go along those lines but prices would depend
account for most of our generating capacity, as
on amounts supplied and the contract period. is outlined in the forum brochure, which I'm
Paul W e l l , energy consumption is sure to grow over
sure you've all read. I'd like you to look at this
the next few years, particularly when our
pie chart which illustrates the point.
organization expands. Other medium-sized
companies are waiting to join. So, what about our company strategy regarding
Anna O K , I suggest then that ELEC looks into your the future? As you know, our intention is to
overall consumption patterns over the last five build more wind, hydro, and clean coal plants.
years. That way we could make some accurate But in my view such programmes are not the
forecasts. main issue, and so let me move on to the more
Paul S o u n d s good. We should start this process as crucial questions. We need to undertake a
soon as possible. number of measures. First of all, we need to
lobby governments at a national level on the
key issues of emissions trading and subsidies.
The aim must be that all energy companies are
able to do business within the same framework,
A l
66 I Transcripts
and that the industry becomes more fission. This occurs in a reactor core where the
transparent as a whole. I'm convinced that we fuel assemblies are situated—they contain the
should be more proactive in influencing actual uranium. Above these assemblies you
legislation made by national governments. If can see the control elements. When these are
this is done then we can develop a clearer and fully lowered, nuclear fission is completely
more cohesive future strategy and vision. interrupted, the plant therefore operates at
That completes my overview, and I'd now like to maximum output when they're withdrawn. All
go into the various questions in more detail. this is monitored and controlled by our expert
First let's take a look at ... teams in the central control rooms.
Now, it's important to realize that pressurized
UNIT 3 EXERCISE 6 water reactors have two water circuits—the
primary and secondary circuit, which are
Man My name is Frank Rice and I'm in ELEC's
7 completely separated from each other. This
generating division. In this talk I want to give
prevents radiation from escaping, and so that's
you an outline of what we're doing in the areas
why they are relatively safe. In the first circuit,
of emissions trading and research. I'll start by
water transports the heat produced by nuclear
summarizing how emissions trading works.
fission in a closed circuit to the steam
Many of you will be well aware of the processes
generator, where the heat is then transferred to
involved, but for those managers and staff
the secondary circuit. So in the steam
working in the non-related divisions this is how
generator, heat from the primary circuit turns
it works.
water of the secondary circuit into steam. This
First of all, the general target is to reduce
steam, I'd like to stress again, is totally non-
pollution, and to do this there are certain limits
radioactive due to the separation of the circuits.
that we as power companies must stick to when
Any questions so far?
it comes to the volume of greenhouse gases we
Mr Takayashi Yes, erm, how many fuel assemblies are
can emit. We are allocated certain credits or
there in the reactor?
allowances by governments; these allowances
Guide T h e r e are 193. Any more questions? No? OK, so
mean emissions must not exceed certain levels.
the steam produced in the steam generator
Emissions trading is used when a power
passes to and drives the turbine. This is
company gets into the situation that it exceeds
connected to the generator which actually
the limits just outlined. The company must then
produces the electricity. From there the
buy credits from a company that pollutes less.
electricity is fed into the transformers, which
If there's more demand, the price for these
raise voltage levels to the required 38o kV.
allowances increases of course, so it becomes a
Now, if you look below the box with the turbine
market in itself. ELEC has been at the forefront
and the generator, you can see the condenser.
of this process for a number of years now.
In this part of the plant, cooling water is used to
If I could now turn to research, I'd like to outline
transform the steam of the secondary circuit
some of the ways in which our company intends
back to a liquid state. In a sense the cooling
to reduce emissions. The first is carbon capture.
water forms a third circuit, but we don't in fact
Here, carbon dioxide is collected and then
call it that. Anyway, this cooling water in the
pumped deep underground, thus preventing it
condenser transforms the steam of the
from reaching the atmosphere. But we are also
secondary circuit back to water, which is then
working with specialist engineering firms to
pumped back to the steam generator. The
design power plant equipment that will cut CO2
cooling water on the other hand can be
emissions to almost zero. This technology's still
discharged back into the river which you saw
at the research stage but it's hoped to have
nearby the plant, or it's fed into the cooling
such a plant in operation in the next five to
towers. This depends on the level of the water's
seven years.
temperature.
Now, if you have any questions at this point
Mr Takayashi Excuse me, what's the output of the plant?
I'll ...
Guide T h e net output amounts to some 1,330 MW.
Now, if you'll follow me ...
UNIT 4, EXERCISE 3
Guide Firstly I'd like to welcome you all on behalf of UNIT 4, EXERCISE 6
8 E L E C . Today I'll be showing you round one of our
Fiona OK, well before we can start formulating our
pressurized water reactors. This is the technology
9 o w n strategy on waste disposal, we would like
you use in your JEPCO 5 plant, isn't it?
to hear how JEPCO is dealing with this issue
Mr Takayashi Yes, that's right, though the majority of our
and see what we can learn. Mr Takayashi has
plants use boiling water reactors. As the next
kindly agreed to talk us through their plans for
generation of power stations will be based on
the future. To start with, could you, Mr
pressurized water technology, we felt that we
Takayashi, give us a rundown of what the key
could learn a lot by visiting an older version,
issues are?
such as this one, so that we can study where
Mr Takayashi Sure. Well, the first issue is the initial and
improvements can be made.
interim storage of the high-level radioactive
Guide O K , I'll talk you through the basics using this
waste, and then we have reprocessing. For our
diagram on the screen and then we can decide
purposes we can take these together. What
which features you would like to look at more
happens at the moment, after the fuel is
closely. If you look first at the left-hand side of
extracted from the reactor, is that the waste is
the diagram, you can see the reactor pressure
initially stored next to power plants. There are a
vessel which produces heat from nuclear
Transcripts I 6 7
number of sites where interim storage of the Journalist Staff in the company are also deeply
spent fuel is possible, but this is of course no concerned about redundancies, particularly at
long-term solution, and eventually the fuel has the firm's headquarters in Glasgow. ELEC's UK
to be treated at a reprocessing plant, such as head office is based in Birmingham, and
Sellafield or La Hague. This has been a major employees fear that functions will head south
problem for the public relations of our industry, although there have been assurances made by
especially from the Japanese point of view. ELEC that staff have nothing to fear. The Trade
Transporting our waste over long distances to and Industry minister, Hilary Alexander, is also
these plants does not look good. Fortunately, making sure that everything is done by the
we have now built a reprocessing plant here in book. She fears the move may infringe
Japan, in Rokkasho in Aomori prefecture. This European competition laws.
should go some way towards improving our Hilary Ye s , I'll be consulting Brussels to seek
image worldwide. But after reprocessing, waste assurances that this move is above board and
still has to be transported again to where it is conforms to European directives. It's just not on
stored long term. that large firms from abroad start buying up
Morita S o if I can summarize that, we have two British utilities while there are obstacles for our
problems: First the fact that the way we store companies to do the same in other countries.
waste at the moment is only a short-term Journalist ELEC's move to take over Strathclyde has
measure, and then the problem of transport. surprised financial analysts: some claim that
Mr Takayashi Right. But of course the really major the potential for synergies within a new
challenge is what happens to the reprocessed corporate structure would be minimal and they
fuel long term. We really do require a disposal doubt whether a takeover would be a viable
facility for final storage. investment. The company is already having
Marita W h a t would that entail? difficulties cementing its interests in Spain with
Mr Takayashi Well, safety measures would require the its operations in the rest of Europe, a fact which
waste to be buried deep underground away worries a lot of shareholders.
from any natural threats such as earthquakes —
a big problem in Japan—and the like. I mean, UNIT 5, EXERCISE 7
the waste would be vitrified, but that wouldn't Anna N o w , as you know, Richard, there have been a
make it any less radioactive of course, but it number of takeovers recently, and the board is
would be more confined and compressed so pushing for consolidation throughout the
that the danger of leakages would diminish. group. One of the plans is to integrate
And it would then be buried under clay or Strathclyde Energy's IT and procurement
granite. departments into our Shared Services Division
Fiona A n d it's this question of final storage where in Nijmegen.
there's most public resistance. Richard Right. That'll entail transferring staff away from
Mr Takayashi Yes, absolutely. Nobody wants anything the Glasgow offices then. Has the relevant trade
like that in their backyard. In Japan we are union in the UK been notified yet?
currently working hard to identify suitable sites Anna N o , and that's where we expect some problems.
for burial. You see, the move will also involve some job
Morita Security of course is also an issue for a lot of losses. But the point is we've got to start work
people. I mean they hear stories of uranium on this straightaway; there's a lot of pressure
being stolen and are afraid this could happen from above. I've arranged a meeting here for
anywhere. next Thursday with the responsible manager at
Mr Takayashi Well, we of course have security teams at Strathclyde, James Sinclair, to discuss rolling
all our nuclear stations and storages to guard out the project. It'll be all day, starting at ten.
against any terrorist attack, as specified by Richard OK, so what's on your agenda?
government legislation. These security Anna W e l l , firstly of course how we go about this
measures are very thorough and are strictly integration and the job losses, but then there
adhered to. are questions about the staff that will be
Fiona Ye s , sure. And the next generation of nuclear retained. One issue, you see, is that ELEC's pay
reactors are being built to even stricter security levels are, on the whole, more generous than
regulations. Mr Takayashi, I would like to those at Strathclyde, and overall working
thank ... conditions of the staff better. We have to decide
what to do about those people that move to the
UNIT 5, EXERCISE 1 Shared Services Division. Do we have to make
tf; Journalist Strathclyde Energy was in the headlines last changes? There's also the aspect of company
10 month for putting up its bills. Today it's back in pension rights.
the limelight as the multi-national energy Richard OK, I'm with you.
company, ELEC, makes a takeover bid for the Anna T h a t ' s why we need to have this meeting with
Scottish firm. Consumers are worried about James. I'm hoping he'll help us find solutions
another hike in prices if the takeover goes that are good for the company and acceptable
through. Here's Gareth Macleod of the to the staff. It's clear we're going to have to
Consumers' Association. tread carefully; Strathclyde has a long history as
Gareth Well, a lot of people will be shifting to other an independent company. Its employees won't
companies if a price increase occurs because of like these new and sudden developments,
a takeover. We saw it happen in the past in particularly if they feel their job is jeopardized.
other parts of the UK and so it would be no Richard Yes, I know. But why are you planning to have
surprise if it happened here. the meeting here? Wouldn't it offer a positive
68 I Transcripts
signal if we met James in Glasgow? easy to get all the necessary information. Some
Anna I ' v e thought hard about that, but it's more people aren't very cooperative.
important to set a signal that the decision- John A r e n ' t they? That must be quite frustrating.
making process rests here at our headquarters Steve Y e s it is, but anyway. Come to think of it, maybe
in Germany. you could help me with it. I mean you have
Richard Ah, OK. some good contacts.
John S u r e . How can I help?
UNIT 6, EXERCISE 3
UNIT 6, EXERCISE 8
f . Anna Y e s , that's right but there are also other very
12
interesting new developments in that area. tr, Speaker So welcome back. I hope you had a good lunch
We've been monitoring for some time what 14 a n d are ready for an exciting new topic,
seems to be the beginning of a local energy because now I'd like to move onto the issue of
approach, with cities across Europe wanting to the hydrogen economy.
break away from centralized energy systems. As I'm sure you know, some universities are
There are already some concrete plans to build undertaking R&D into finding a substitute for
smaller power stations in the vicinity of fossil fuel. Hydrogen seems to be the best
consumption, which would reduce the need for candidate although at present production is
long-distance electricity transmission. quite expensive. The gas can be obtained from
Mark Transmission issues are certainly something fossil fuels such as natural gas, but in this
that should be on the agenda. One process CO2 is released, which is not beneficial.
development that R&D is looking at is how to Research is therefore focused on producing
reduce resistance and energy losses in the grid hydrogen from water via electrolysis because the
system through the use of superconductors. At production of greenhouse gases can be avoided
the moment, the biggest problem is cooling the in this way. The only products are oxygen and
lines and cables to very low temperatures, hydrogen. One of the most interesting ways of
which is expensive. doing this is to use photovoltaic cells. The
John A n d calls into question whether it'll ever be current generated from these cells could be used
commercially viable. for the purpose of electrolysis.
Mark S u r e . But it's something we mustn't lose sight of. If we move on now to the possible applications,
John N o , no, of course. But going back for a moment hydrogen could be used in a number of ways
to the movement towards local energy that instead of hydrocarbons. Aircraft engines could
Anna was talking about, there's also this trend be modified to burn the fuel. Road vehicles
towards harnessing geothermal energy by could also burn hydrogen in internal
putting water-pipe systems a few metres below combustion engines with certain technical
the surface of the ground. changes. The big advantage, again, would be
Mork D i g a hole in your back garden and that's the that the combustion process produces no
end of your energy problems! greenhouse gases. Hydrogen could also be
John W e l l , underground ambient temperatures are utilized to power vehicles with electric motors in
pretty stable at around eight to ten degrees conjunction with fuel cells. And, again in
centigrade, and the idea that you can install combination with fuel cells, hydrogen could be
your own system and save on heating costs is harnessed for electricity production in
very attractive to home owners. I mean, as a decentralized energy systems.
consumer I'd certainly think of doing it. Storage of the gas, however, is one of the
Robin Ye s , but where do we as a company come in? biggest challenges. It can be stored in
And besides, that's more a small-scale thing. pressurized containers, but the problem is that
What we really need to be looking at is the big the quantities needed for practical application
scale, and I'm surprised nobody's mentioned are very large when compared with the fuels we
hydrogen yet. I mean we've been talking for a use today. This is particularly true for vehicles
long time about hydrogen replacing fossil fuels, and aircraft. Weight would also pose a problem.
but there are now scientists out there claiming But perhaps the biggest obstacle for this
that this really is just round the corner and that technology is the reluctance of governments and
we'll be filling up our cars with hydrogen oil companies to support research. So it would
instead of gas, or petrol as you guys say, within seem that whether the hydrogen economy ever
the next ten to twenty years, I mean in addition becomes a reality will depend on the market.
to using it to generate electricity.
Anna Ye s , I know, but I mean, isn't that ... UNIT 6 EXERCISE 1 0
John W e l l , that was an interesting conference, wasn't
UNIT 6 EXERCISE 6 15 it?
John H e l l o Steve. Good to see you again. Steve Ye s , it was.
13 Steve H i John. How are things? John S o , how about a drink at the bar?
John J u s t fine. So, what did you think of the talk on Steve W e l l , I'm afraid I have to catch my plane. I'm
the fuel cell? pressed for time.
Steve A l l right, but to be honest the speaker didn't John T h a t ' s a shame. What time do you think you'll
really tell me anything new, although it was be getting back home?
interesting. Steve A r o u n d midnight if all goes well. So, look, I've
John R e a l l y ? I thought it was quite informative. got to go. It was good to see you again.
By the way, how are you getting on with your John L i k e w i s e . Well, see you around. Oh, by the way,
paper on hydrogen? give my regards to Sonia.
Steve Actually, I'm having a few problems. It's not Steve I ' l l do that. OK, see you.
69
A- Z word list
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abundant 13'13Andanti
abundantly lebAndantli I
Translation
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balance sheet ['Nelms Ji:tl
base load ['be is laud I
Translation
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access rteksesI behalf: on - of
to account for lalaunt fal Inn a v l
accurate I':ekjaratI benchmark l'hentrinu:ki
acid rain Ltesid 'rein I beneficial 1,henefill
to acquire la'kwaial benefit I'hentfttI
acquisition 1,:ekweilln I beyond one's control
acronym rzekramml Ibi fond wAnz kan'traul I
action: out of - bid ' W I
Laut av 'tekf n I binding l'hamdinl
to address sth [Aires' bound: to be - to be
to adhere to sth I ad'hia cal Ihi 'bound to hi I
to adopt Ia'doptI to brainstorm 'bre instxml
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to affect laTekti breakdown i'breikdatm]
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agenda Ia'd3endal to bundle rbAndl I
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to alter l'a:Ital carbon I'ku:han I
alternating l'altaneitigl carbon dioxide
alternatively Ia:l't3:nauvliI I,ku:ban daenksaidl
aluminium 1,xlja'mi niam carbon footprint
ambassador item'bxsadal I,ku:han Totprintl
ambient rtembiant I catastrophic I,ka:ta'stroftkI
amendment la'mendmant I to catch 'Lein
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assurance Ia'luaransI circumstance l's3:kamstansl
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attachment la't:etImantI to clarify Miter:611
attention IStenfn I clay !Heil
attributable: to be - to sth client I'klaiontl
Ibi alribjatabl tal co-ordination Ikatka:di'netin
auditing l'a:ditiol coal: hard - Ihu:d 'kaol
automotive 1,3:ta'mautivi coal-fired Litaullatad I
availability la,vella'bilatil cohesive Ikao'hi:si v I
aware: to be - Ibi a'weal collapse Ikalteps
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70 I A -Z word list
Translation Translation
collusion 1011:3ii I culprit l'k dpritl

combustion Ikom'h."tJnI cumbersome I'kAmb;),;m11
to come into effect current ' k \root I
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commercial II:Ain:III I,k \root 'Icsets I
to commission I ko'nufn I
to commit IkSmitI D t o deal with I'di:1 w iOI
commodity Ika'nuxlmi I debt Idol
comparatively decision-making
Oin't):erm ivli I ILICsiin med. mil
competition 1,kompaliful to decline Idrkia III
competitiveness to decommission
Ikm'petz)tivnas1
competitor I k3m'pet Hal to decrease Id1'kri:s1
complaint I kmo'pleint I delighted: to be -
to comply with I hi dilaitidl
Ikant'pl:u %%101 demand Idl'mo:ndl
compressed I kam'prest I denox I (Minks I
to comprise Ilom'praii1 to depend on Idi'pend DUI
concern On's3:ti I to deplete Idt'pli:t I
concerned: to be - deposit I d Cpuzit I
Ihi kmt's3:nd I depreciation Idi,pri: fi'el10 I
concerted I kan's3:t id I to derive Idi'rarvl
condenser IkmfdensM desulphurization
condition I kon'difol lforai't eifni
conditions I kon'difni I diligence I'd I dposl
to conduct lkon'dAktl to diminish Idi'minifl
conductor IkmfdAkt;)1 direct debit Id:).rekt 'debit]
confined kmillund I direct current
connection I ko'nekIn1 Idairekt 'Lkront I
consequence I k '..Onsikv, ;Ins I director I d;)'rekt31
to conserve kmi'.3:‘ I to discharge Idis'Ijoal31
to consider I km'sidol to disinvest I,disin'vest I
to consolidate 11.1,11..olideii1 to dismantle Idis'm:entlI
construction Ik. ii'str 1.1.111 dismayed I t d I
consultant I km ‘Itmil I disposal; disposal facility
to consume Ilsmi'sjumil di'v;)0/11
consumer I On'sju:n1;)1 disposal: at sb's
consumption lOit's‘inpfn I I:4 I
contact rkontzelo I to dispose of sth
to contaminate Idc,pzu), ;)% j
10iftiemi ne II I to disrupt Idis'rAptl
to contemplate to distribute Idi'strilljtct I
'k ont.-imple t I distribution; distribution
contentious I kan'tenf OS I network I.distri'bju:Sol
continuously Ikan'tinju3sli] district heating
contract I'kontrektI rdistrikt
controversial 1,kontra'v3:11I division I
conversational to draft I drodl I
1,konv:ise ifonl I to draw up j,dr:): 'Apj
convinced of I k zin'v inst ov I drawback I'dr:blek I
core 10:1 due: to be - to sth
corporate I 'kxprol I Ihi'dju:tal
to correspond to sth due diligence
,kori'spond tr)I Idju: 'di I id3ansi
cost-cutting ilnstkAtio I
costing I 'Isi,,t101 E e a r l y retirement
counter I 'Isliontol I,3:1i n'taimn;mt I
counterpart I'kauntapo:tI economist I i'knoomi st I
to cover rkAval economy I nonami I
credit r kredil I to educate red3uke11 I
criticism rkrittsizooll educational 1,edlu'keilon11
crucial I 'kru:fll effect: to come into -
to crush IkrAf I 1,kmii i T e k t
A-Z word list I 7 1
Translation T r a n s l a t i o n
efficiency I [lift's' I flow I flaii I

electrolysis 1,1ek'irnio.is1 to fluctuate I ti kt r
electrolyte I I to force
emission I rimfill force majeure I
emissions trading forecast l'fxku:st I
forefront
to emit the former l'ixim)1
emitter I fossil fuel ['fpsl fiti:;11
to encourage I in'Is %rich] framework l'Ire1111W3:k I
energy-saving fuel I'fIti::)1 I
.etvttll fuel cell I 'fju:A sel
enforcement 110.1:m11ml I furthermore I,f3:0;)'im:I
to enhance in'hums1 to fuse together
to enrich Wr i t ] ] to'geOal
to ensure I 11170M
to entail I in'ted I G g a s -fired I,gics'faiad I
entitledItn'tattldl to gather I'we();+1
entrant rentrznit I to gear: to be -ed towards
environment I in'vairmin3nt I sth Ihi'yt:xltawrdzl
environmentalist to generate I'd3enareit I
nyttirmi'mental ist I generation 1,d3ena'relf n
to envisage I in'vizid31 generator I 'd3en3reit'31
equipment i'kwipm;mt I geothermal I,d3i:ao'03:mII
equity rekwatil to get in touch Igo in 'tiuf I
essential giant I'dlaont I
to establish li'suchlifl glance I glu:ns I
eventually I i'venifuMil global warming
evidence I 'evidans I 1,gbobl '‘k xin in I
exaggerated iq'nedpreitidl glut Isilm I
to exceed I ik'si:d to go down I moo
exchange I iks'tleind3I grateful l'gre till
executive board green tax Igri:n 'tzeksI
I ig./ekjoti% h.1:(11 greenhouse gas
to expand I ik'splendl l,gri:nhaos 'gies I
expenditure I k'spendil,131 grid [grid]
expense I k'spensl
expense: at sb's - H ( h a r d ) coal 1 hod 'kaol I
Im ik'spensl harmful I liumitl I
expertise I ,ekspliii I to harness l'ha:nisl
to explore I ik'sphi harsh I liu:i I
expropriation to head [tied'
I eks,praopri'elf n I to head for l'hed fal
extract I 'ekstricki I headquarters 1,11ell'kw3:tul
to extract I ik'sirzeki I heat Ihi:tl
extraction ik'stnekin I
to hestitate l'he, id i I
F fabrication n l high-street spending
to face I leisl Lhaistril 'spendnll
facility I la'silatil high-voltage
failure I'letikal 'vaoltid31
to fall back 1,1"1:1 to highlight ['hail:lit I
fallout I indatit I hike lhaikl
far-fetched Ifu: 'fetid to hit lhttl
fault I t1:11 I to hold 111.101(11
fault: to be at - [hi I human resources
to favour I 'teivol 1,11,i11:111M1 z I
favourable I Tei varabl I hydro ['ha Rirao I
fee 111:1 hydrocarbon
to feed in I,fi:d l
fissile hydrogen I'haidr;x13onl
fission M i n i
to fit with Ifitvvit)1 I t o illuminate i'ltianineitl
fixed assets I fikst 'Icseis I to illustrate k)streit
flawed Itb:dl impact l'intixekt I
72 I A -Z word list
to impair 1111'K:11 load 1100(11

impartial I im'po:11 I to lobby l'Inhil
to implement l'implimant I location I 130'keifol
to imply I int'plat I long-distance 1,190
incentive I in'sentiv I loss I Ins I
to indicate roulikeit loyalty card l'Intalti ku:dl
indication Lindeketin I
induction I in'dnkfnl M management I Intentd3tnant 1
inefficiency I,int'filnsil mandatory l'Imendatari
inevitably I in'evitabli 1 measure I Ine3a1
to infringe I in'trind31 to mention I'menfn I
innovation I ,m3'veifn merger I 'ori:(1331
to insist on in'sist nn 1 meter reading
to install I m'st:):I I
installed capacity mine [mato I
in,stald ka'plcsatil minutes l'notots1
insurance inloaransl to mislead 1,mislial I
intelligence I in'teltd3ans I missing roosiql
intention oneolnI mockery; to make a
interconnected mockery of sth
kintaka'nektidl [mei k a 'Inokari: ay]
interconnector momentum I ma'mentaml
l'intakanektal to monitor I'monttal
interdepartmental morale Ima'ra:l)
inta,di:pn:ementl I moreover Ima:eanval
interim l'intartm I municipal I inju:'ntstpl I
intermediate Linta'rni:diat 1 municipality
to interrupt 1,inta'rAp1 1 I in ju:,insi'pielati I
intervention 1,inta'venni I
intriguing I in'tri:gin1 N t o name and shame
inventory I ' it% antri I I,ne int and 'fe11111
investigation I ni,vestegeirnI nationalization
investment m'vestmantI knzufnala Cie If I
ion I'atanI network l'netw3:k I
IT (information technology) nevertheless 1,neva0ales I
'ti: / intalneiln nightmare I'moone;)1
tek'nolad3i nitrogen oxide
Lila trad3an 'nksa id I
J t o jeopardize I'd3epadatil non-discriminatory
to justify I'd3Astilio I Imond] k r i nu natori
non-related ',non i idl
K k e y account manager notably rnaotabli I
I,ki: ;,'kziont micmd33I to notify rnaottral I
to kick off I,kik 'nfl nuclear l'oju:Lliol
L l a b o u r ['lethal 0 objection 3b.d3ekfn I

to lack Ilzekl objective I ab'd3ekt v I
latter 'llet;)1 obliged: to be -
to lay off [,let Ihi I
to lead to l'Ii:d tal to observe I ab'z3:v1
to leak 111:k I obstacle I 'obstAII
legislation 1,1ed3islei in I to obtain 13titeml
level I '10 II to occur ISk3:1
to level off Llevl of) offending Ia'fendtg1
liabilities Llaia'hilmit I opencast l'aopanku:s1 I
liability 1,1ala'bilati I to operate 'npare t I
lignite I'lignait I operation kopo'reifn I
lignite-fired 1.1igna Wilt I l I operator l'opare nal
limelight I'laimlatt I opponent I a'paonant I
limit ore
to link 11111k I out of action I,aot av
liquefied l'Ilkwitaidl outage 1%1011(131
livelihood l'kuvlihnd I to outline l'antlain I
LNG kel en 'd3i: I overall ka0var'1:1
A-Z word list I 7 3
overhead line public relations officer

1'00 \ 3hed kpAhlik p l i s 3 I
overview l'3ovavju: I pulp Ip.'1pI
oxygen I 'oks (Ilan I pump-storage
ozone layer 1.3oz3on lelz+1 I pomp
purchase I I
P participant p e t isi p3nt I to purify ['Rio:it-if:id
particularly I pit t kjalal i I ptoyipounzzIl.epal'i11:,),T\it III
payable; accounts payable
I 'pei3b1 I
payroll I 'peiraol Q quantity I'k,vnntati1
to peak I pi:k I to question l'k estf 311 I
peak-load I 'plik 'awl I questionable 1.1,\e,ipliAl I
pellets ['petits I
to penetrate l'penitreit I R radiation I,reidi'eijnl
pension ['poi-Ifni to raise [reit'
perception I pzi'seplo range I reinc131
performance p31.3:mans to rank I ramk I
period r p i mix( I rapidly l'rzepidli I
personnel l,p3:sallel I rapport Irafp3: I
to phase out I p i t to rate (reit'
photovoltaic to ratify ['net fa] I
t ' ( i ) o v n l ' t e l I kkI rating l'reit 11)1
to pick up 1,pik 'Apj ratio l'reifi3o1
pie chart I'pat to reassure 1,ri:31i):11
player I 'pleiol receivable; accounts
plentiful ['pit:milli receivable I ri'si:v3111 I
point of contact recommendation
:w 'knritlekt I I,rekamen'de f n I
to point out l,p3int 'anti to recover I n'k,‘ vo
pointless [ ' p i n t los I to rectify l'rektilai
pollution I p3.1tufn red tape ',red 'tell)]
to pool I ptrII redundancy I redAncimsi I
to pose [ p o t I regulator I 'regjule it:11
potential ['wilt:n.1.11 relevant I 'relav3nt I
powder l'paodal reliability I rt,lairibi 13tt I
power I 'pacial reliable I relaizibl
power cut ['paw km I to remain I m e i ninI
power plant I'pat)3 plo:nt I to remedy l'rentodi I
practical 11)ml:ilk!' remote 1111113ot I
precisely I pri'saisli renewable I run .(wobl I
predicament pri'dikanant I renewables I IA'n.ju::iblz I
pressure I 'prePI repercussion ,ri:
pressurized l'pr313ra lid I repetition I ,rep31 ifn I
to prevent I pri'vent to replace I repleis1
proactive I ,pr3diekt v to reprocess kri:'pr3oses1
process I 'proosesI reputation krepjule if n I
to procure pr3'kjo31 request In'kwestI
procurement I proljoommt I requirement I ri'kw ai3m3nt I
profit I 'profit I research and development
profitable l'prolitabl I ri,s3:t a n di' el:1)1113m I
projection pr3'd3ekcn I reservation kreio'vc. 'In I
to promote I prSinaut reserve IrC/3:‘ I
prompt IprnmptI reservoir I u : I
proportion Ipra'pxfnI residential l,re/C(lenfl I
proposal I przipaoil I resistance Irr/isimis I
to propose p r 3 ' p o t I to resolve r i ' m l I
pros and cons responsible: to be - for
I,p1-.10/311(.1 'kuni I I hi IA 'sppris3b1 tail
to protect I pr3lekt I restriction I ri'strikin I
protocol l'pr3otokol I to result in rrtAlt m1
to provide I prSvaid I retail rri:te
provision I pra'y to retain I rilein I
proximity I pmk's tn3tt I to retrofit I 'ret mail I
74 I A -Z word list
return on investment subsidy I'sAbsaszli I

Iri,t3:n nn in'vestinant I substance l'sAbstansl
to reverse Irev3:sl substation l'sAbsterfn I
rod trod' sufficient I saliint I
room for improvement sulphur dioxide
I ,rtuin far_ im'pru:vmant I LsAlfa daeoksaidl
rules and regulations sunlight l'sAnla it I
1,rudi and regjulei Jim I superconductor
run-of-river 1,rrin av 'rival l'su:pakandAkta I
rundown l'rAndaon I supervisory 1,su:pa'vaizari I
supplier sa'plaial
S t o safeguard l'seifgoidl to supply I sa'pla I
to satisfy ['sa:usfaul surrounding Isa'raundiql
scale [sketll sustainable Isa'steinabl
scheme Iski:ml to swallow up I .SWI).30
sea level l'sii [evil synchronous i'siqkranas I
to seal
to sell off ',set 'of] T t o tackle rtzekll
seriously I'siariasli I to take apart
set-up l'setnpl 1,teik a'pn:l I
severe(ly) I seviali] takeover rteikaoval
shareholder ['Raba()!dal tantamount: to be - to sth
to shift ['Dui Ihi'nentamaont tai
to ship [DM target l'tu:gitl
shortage rfa:t task Ito:%1( I
signatory l'signatri] temporary rtemprari I
site [salt] terms it3:mzl
slide I slaidl thermal [1303:m11
to soar Is third-party; third-party
sober l'saobal access 1,03:d 'po:ti I
solar ['s30131 thought-provoking
solid ['solid] pravaok in I
to solve [spiv' threat [Orel'
somewhat rsAmwot I through the backdoor
source I S3:ti I Ieru:Oa ,birk'da: I
to speak for ['spi:k fal tidal l'ta nil I
specific [spa'sifik I time: for the - being
spending ['spendi I IfaOa ,taim
spent [spent' track record rtnek reka:cll
sponsorship l'sponsafipl trade union ',trod ju:nianl
spot price ['spot prai s I transformer Itnenslaimal
stable l'ste bl I transmission [trzens'milo I
stack [ sta:k I to transmit Itriens'mit I
stakeholder l'steikhaoldal transparency Itnens'pwransi I
to standardize l'stwndadolz1 to tread carefully
state of affairs I,tred 'keafali I
',sten z)v treaty ['trial]
state-of-the-art to trigger ['trip'
I.steit av Oi 'al I turnover I 't3:naoval
statement I'steitmant I
steadily I 'sled li I U unaffected LAnalekt id I
steam Isti:ml to unbundle Inn'imodi I
steeply l'sii:oli I uncertainty Inn 3:Inti I
to stick to sth l'stik !al to underestimate
to stifle ['slain' LAndar'estimeitl
stock IsinkI unit rju:nit I
storage I 'sta:rid31 universe rjuiniv3isl
straightaway I,streua'weu I unlike I,An'laik I
straightforward unstable [An'steibl I
I.streitia:wad I to upgrade [,Ap'greidl
to stress IstresI uphill 1,Ap'hi I]
to stretch Istretf I upsurge l'Aps3:d3I
subsequent rsAbsikwant I upswing
subsidiary I sab'sidiari I uranium lju'reiniann I
A-Z word list I 7 5
Translation
urgent l'i:d3antl
utility Iju:'tilatil
to utilize nu:talaizi
utmost l'Atmoust I
✓ v a l u e I'vieljud
vehicle I'vi:akil
to verify I'verifai I
versatile I'v3:sataill
vertical I'v3:tiki I
vessel ['vest'
viable rya All I
vicinity: in the -
lin no va'sinatil
to view Ivju:l
vitrify I'vitrifai I
volatile I'volatail I
voltage I'vooltid31
volume I'voljumll
voluntary I'volantri I
W w a s t e I weistl
watchdog l'wotfdogl
water pipe rwala paipi
whereby I weo'hai
whim w i m )
wholesale l'haulseill
wind farm w i n d fu:ml
worrying rwAriinI
• y a r d s t i c k nu:dstik I
76 I
Glossary
balance sheet due diligence

A financial statement listing the value of assets, A careful investigation of the financial and business
equity, and liabilities of a company at a particular situation of a company which may be taken over.
date. efficiency
base load A ratio between the output of a power station and
The minimum amount of electricity delivered and the energy input, usually expressed as a percentage.
required over a specific period. emissions trading
capacity A system of buying and selling credits or allowances
The maximum amount of electricity that can be regarding CO2 quotas in order to reduce the overall
generated from a power station or set of power amount of pollution.
stations. energy mix
collusion The combination and proportions of primary fuels
Secret and improper talks between two or more and sources used for electricity production.
companies, usually to fix prices. expropriation
commodity The taking of property from a private owner by the
Any product such as gas or electricity which can be state or government, usually through compulsory
bought or sold. purchase.
condenser fixed asset
An apparatus which turns steam into water. An object such as a building or power plant owned
connection and utilized by a company for long-term use; it is not
Equipment which links a building with the local expected to be turned into cash.
electricity or gas network. flue gas
cooling tower Exhaust gases such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen
A large circular structure at a power plant through oxides, and carbon dioxide which are produced in
which water is circulated to reduce its temperature. the combustion process at a power plant.
core business force majeure
The main field of activities or operations of a An unavoidable event over which the parties who
company. have signed a contract have no influence, e.g. bad
weather conditions or a strike.
current assets
Things of value to a company which it uses in its fossil fuel
normal day-to-day operations such as cash and Hydrocarbons such as gas, oil, or coal used for
materials. producing electricity.
decentralized energy system fuel cell
Equipment which produces power for a nearby An apparatus which produces electrical current from
house, building, or small community without the a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
need for long-distance transportation of electricity. generation
denox plant The production of electrical power.
An apparatus at a power station which breaks down global warming
nitrogen oxides. An increase in the average temperatures of the
desulphurization plant earth's atmosphere.
An apparatus at a power plant which removes greenhouse gas
sulphur oxides. A gas such as CO2 which causes the warming of the
disinvestment earth's atmosphere through its absorption of solar
The withdrawal or reduction of capital investment. radiation.
distribution grid
The local transportation of electricity or gas from the A network of pipelines, cables, or overhead lines.
main network to the final user. hydrogen economy
district heating A concept for the future in which fossil fuels are
A system for distributing heat, produced in a replaced by hydrogen gas for energy production and
centralized plant, to homes and offices. industrial activities.
Glossary I 7 7
industrial customer reprocessing plant

A company that buys and uses electricity or gas for A facility in which nuclear waste is treated and
manufacturing. processed.
interim storage residential/retail customer
A facility for holding (nuclear) waste for a limited A consumer who procures gas or electricity for home
period before it is moved to a final location. use.
Intermediate/medium load retail price
The amount of electricity delivered and required over The amount of money charged to the final user by
a specific period between base and peak loads. energy companies for gas or electricity.
key account manager return on investment
A member of sales staff who looks after a specific The income that can be expected from an
group of customers. investment, usually expressed as a percentage.
legislation spent fuel
Laws, or the act of making them. Uranium that has been used up.
lobbyist stack
A person who acts for an organization and tries to A tall chimney at a power plant.
influence politicians or other national decision- subsidiary
makers. A company which belongs to a parent or holding
municipal utility company.
A company owned by a city or town which transmits, subsidy
distributes and delivers electricity and/or gas. Financial support for companies in an industry given
nationalization by the government or state.
The act of bringing a company under state ownership supply
and control. The provision of gas or electricity to the final
nuclear fission customer.
A reaction in which nuclei of atoms split to release synergy
massive amounts of energy; uranium is the fuel used Combined advantages arising from the interaction of
in this process. the companies involved in a merger or takeover.
nuclear fusion transformer
A reaction in which nuclei of atoms fuse together to Equipment which changes voltage levels of
release massive amounts of energy. electricity.
peak load transmission
The maximum amount of electricity delivered and The transport of electricity over long distances at
required over a specific period. high voltage.
power plant/station transmission tower
A complex of buildings, machinery, and equipment A tall metal structure which carries overhead lines.
used for generating electricity.
turbine
profit and loss account Equipment with a rotor which is driven by a jet of
A financial statement of a company which shows its steam.
expenditures and income over a period; these are
utility
balanced to show a final profit or loss.
A company which transmits, distributes, and delivers
provisions electricity and/or gas.
The money a company sets aside for future risk
waste disposal
or use such as company pensions or the
The transporting, processing, and recycling of
decommissioning of power plants.
unwanted substances.
pylon
watchdog
A tall metal structure which carries an overhead line.
An organization working in the interests of
red tape customers which monitors the activities of energy
Another term for bureaucracy. companies, particularly regarding price.
regulator wholesale price
Organization or person who monitors and, if The amount of money charged to companies which
necessary, sanctions energy companies. buy large volumes of gas or electricity; these
renewables companies then sell these commodities to the final
Primary energy sources such as wind, sun, and customer.
water.
Useful phrases and vocabulary
EXPRESSING OPINIONS AND D I S AGREEMENT GIVING A PRESENTATION
Giving your opinion A g r e e i n g Opening
I think/feel (that) ... Q u i t e right. Let me first introduce myself.
In my opinion ... T h a t ' s true. I'm/My name is ...
In my view ... I quite agree. In this talk I want/would like to ...
I'll begin by (+ -ing form of verb).
Clarifying D i s a g r e e i n g I'm going to be covering ...
So you're saying ... A c t u a l l y , I think ... Let's start with (+ noun).
You mean ... T o be honest ...
What do you mean by ...? I don't quite agree. Introducing other factors or points
If I could now turn to ...
DISCUSSING IN A MEETING Now, turning to ...
Proposing
Couldn't we just ...? Introducing graphs and diagrams
What if we ...? I'd like you to look at this graph/diagram/(pie) chart/
Why don't we ...? transparency/slide.
This graph shows ...
Asking for agreement/disagreement You can see here that ...
Do we all agree on that?
Does anybody object to this? Comparing factors
Who's in favour of this proposal? First of all ...
Firstly ..., secondly ..., thirdly ...
Showing concern On the one hand ... , on the other hand ...
I have some reservations/concerns about ...
Actually, I don't think that's a good idea. Questions
Please don't hesitate to interrupt me if you have any
Emphasizing questions.
I'd again like to point out that ... If you have any questions, I'll be pleased to answer
I know I keep going on about this, but ... them at the end.
CHAIRING A MEETING Finishing

Opening the meeting That completes my overview (of ...).
Can we now agree on the overall procedure? So, to summarize/sum up ...
First of all, I think we should establish the overall Thank you for your attention.
procedure.
The main objectives of the meeting are ... DESCRIBING TRENDS
Does that seem acceptable to you? It grew/rose/increased/picked up/recovered/peaked.
It fell/declined/hit a low.
Asking somebody to start It fluctuated/was volatile.
Would you like to start, John? It remained stable.
John, would you like to kick off? This happened/occurred because ...
We expected this change, but ...
Keeping to the agenda Although there was a fall/rise ...
OK, could we please come back to the agenda? This was due to ...
I'm afraid that's not part of the discussion. This was because of ...
Asking for clarification DESCRIBING A PROCESS

I don't quite follow. What do you mean by ...?
I don't really get what you mean. Firstly/First of all ... Following that ...
After that ... Finally ...
The next step/stage is ... The final step ...
Then ...
Useful phrases and vocabulary I 7 9
TELEPHONING FOR INFORMATION REPLYING TO INVITATIONS

Introductions Accepting
Hello .... This is ... speaking. I was delighted to receive your kind invitation ...
Hi ..., it's ... here. Thank you very much for your kind invitation to take
part in ...
Asking for information I would very much like to attend.
I need some information about ...
I'd like to have some (more) information about ... Making requests
Can/Could you give me more information about ...? Would/Could you please ...?
Can/Could you please tell me (about) ...? I would be grateful if you could ...
Who/What/When/Where/Why/How ...? I would appreciate it if you could ...
What about ...?
DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS
Asking for repetition
Reassuring
Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.
We are taking this matter very seriously.
Would you mind repeating that?
I can/would also like to assure you that ...
We are making every effort to ...
Positive response
We are doing our utmost/all we can to ...
Sure.
No problem.
Not accepting responsibility
I'd be happy to.
I fully understand your concern but ...
I would like to stress that ...
Negative response
These are circumstances beyond our control.
I'm afraid I can't help you there.
Nevertheless, ...
I'm afraid not.
That's quite impossible.
USEFUL VERBS I N CONTEXT

Your language
to commission This power plant was commissioned last year.
to comply with Energy companies have to comply with all rules and regulations.
to condense Steam condenses into water at the power station.
to convert DC is converted into AC if necessary.
to decommission Some plants were decommissioned as they were not economic.
to deplete Coal stocks have been depleted due to a rise in consumption.
to disinvest Unwanted activities will be disinvested.
to dismantle A nuclear plant has to be dismantled at the end of its life.
to dispose of Some companies dispose of waste by burning it.
to distribute Gas is distributed throughout Europe from fields in the North Sea.
to emit Many harmful gases are emitted from power stations.
to exceed Emissions must not exceed certain levels.
to fluctuate Wholesale prices have been fluctuating over the past year.
to generate Electricity is generated at our power stations.
to lay off Many employees were laid off after the takeover.
to liberalize Customers can choose their supplier as the market is liberalized.
to merge Two utilities have merged to form a new company.
to monitor Our image in the media is being monitored by management.
to operate The TS0 operates the transmission grid.
to phase out Some countries wish to phase out nuclear power.
to pollute Generators that pollute too much must buy credits or allowances.
to procure Our company procures large quantities of gas.
to regulate Some countries regulate the energy market through price controls.
to reprocess Nuclear waste is reprocessed before final storage.
to retrofit Our older plants have been retrofitted to bring them up to standard.
to subsidize The coal industry is subsidized through state support.
to supply We supply gas to a number of different companies.
to switch Many residential customers switched suppliers because of high prices.
to transmit Electricity is transmitted through the grid.
80 I
Abbreviations, acronyms, and numbers

Abbreviations and acronyms Units and measurement
AC a l t e r n a t i n g current A amperes
ACER A g e n c y for the Co-ordination of Energy bbl barrel
Regulators bn billion (1000 000 000)
AEP A s s o c i a t i o n of Energy Producers °C degrees Celsius (centigrade)
CCGT c o m b i n e d cycle gas turbine GW gigawatt
CCPP c o m b i n e d cycle power plant Ha hectare
CCT c l e a n coal technology Hz hertz
CEO c h i e f executive officer joule
CFO c h i e f financial officer kW kilowatt
CHP c o m b i n e d heat and power kWh kilowatt-hour
CO c a r b o n monoxide litre
CO2 c a r b o n dioxide m million (1000 000)
DC d i r e c t current m metre
dept d e p a r t m e n t m3 cubic metres
DSO d i s t r i b u t i o n systems operator m2 square metres
EASEE European Association for the Streamlining of MW megawatt
Energy Exchange ton
EC E u r o p e a n Commission TCE tons of coal equivalent
EEX E u r o p e a n Energy Exchange TW terawatt
EU E u r o p e a n Union V volt, voltage
GHG g r e e n h o u s e gas W watt
GPA G a s Producers Association 0 ohm
Hhydrogen
IAEA I n t e r n a t i o n a l Atomic Energy Authority Numbers
IAHE I n t e r n a t i o n a l Association for Hydrogen Energy 356 three hundred (and) fifty-six
!EA I n t e r n a t i o n a l Energy Agency 1,356 one thousand three hundred (and) fifty-six
IGCC i n t e g r a t e d gasification combined cycle 1,256,349 one million two hundred (and) fifty-six
Inc i n c o r p o r a t e d thousand three hundred (and) forty-nine
IPP i n d e p e n d e n t power producer 1.356 one point three five six
ISO i n d e p e n d e n t systems operator, International 1.035 one point zero/nought three five
Standards Organization
ITER I n t e r n a t i o n a l Thermonuclear Experimental mega 1 000 000 106 ten to the power
Reactor of six
LNG l i q u e f i e d natural gas giga 1 000 000 000 109 ten to the power
Ltd l i m i t e d of nine
misc m i s c e l l a n e o u s tera 1 000 000 000 000 10" ten to the power
NGO n o n -governmental organization of twelve
NOx n i t r o g e n oxides
02 o x y g e n Money
OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and E1,356.59 one thousand three hundred (and) fifty-six
Development euros fifty-nine
p.a. p e r annum $10 m ten million dollars
PLC p u b l i c limited company Vio bn ten billion yen
PV p h o t o v o l t a i c
Q quarterly Years
RAPS r e m o t e area power supply 2000 two thousand
REEF R e n e w a b l e Energy Equity Fund 2009 two thousand and nine
SO2 s u l p h u r dioxide 2010 twenty ten
ISO t r a n s m i s s i o n systems operator 2015 twenty fifteen
UCTE U n i o n for the Co-ordination of Transmission of 2020 twenty twenty
Electricity
UNEP U n i t e d Nations Environment Programme
WCI W o r l d Coal Institute
WTO W o r l d Trade Organization
English for the
Energy Industry
EXPRESS S E R I E S
English for the Energy Industry is part of the EXPRESS SERIES. It is the
ideal quick course for anyone who needs English to communicate with
colleagues and business contacts in the energy industry sector. It can
be used to supplement a regular coursebook, on its own — as a stand-
alone intensive specialist course, or for self-study. English for the Energy
Industry will give you the edge in this most international of sectors.
Key Features of the Book

• A broad range of input material covering key areas of the energy sector
• Realistic listening extracts presenting typical situations from
professional life
• Stimulating role-plays
• Authentic documents covering issues important to the energy sector
• STARTER section at the beginning of each unit with warm-up and
awareness-raising activities
• OUTPUT section at the end of each unit with topics for discussion and
reflection
• Appendix including an answer key, transcript, A—Z wordlist, and a
glossary of useful phrases and vocabulary
Key Features of the MultiROM

• Realistic listening extracts
• Interactive exercises to practise the language of the energy sector
OXFORD
1
CEF OXFORD ENGLISH
ISBN 978-0-19-457921-6
U N I V E R S I T Y PRESS q ' for all your
testing needs
online go to
II 1 1 I 011
oxturdenghshtesting.com 9 80 1 9 4 7 921 6
www.oup.com

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OXFORDBusiness English

JEPIC English for the

English for the Energy Industry is accompanied by a

Interactive exercises to practise useful phrases, vocabulary,

Listening extracts These are in enhanced audio format that

If you have any problems, please check the technical

5 Introduction Fuels and energy sources Telephoning for information

14 M a r k e t s and R e s i d e n t i a l , business, and industrial Describing trends, developments,

22 Protecting the Energy saving Replying to invitations

30 The n u c l e a r Developments in nuclear power Describing a process

39 Investment Mergers and takeovers Discussion in a meeting

46 The f u t u r e o f Future production, demand, and supply Writing reports

About the book

fossil fuel(s) renewables n u c l e a r fuel(s)

Now answer these questions.

1 W h a t fuels and sources are used at your

Match these different power plants to their

• E L E C S fossil fuel use

Power plants anal loads

Technology to protect environment

ELEC soy tkey leave6 equipment installed in, their plants.

Altrotk plant, near Berlin.

What other questions would you expect the journalist to ask?

9 = the generation of electrical power

10 = energy sources such as gas, oil, and coal but not

13 = the different primary fuels and sources used for

15 = a plant in which electricity is produced

i6 = a system of distributing heat in one centralized

Introductions Asking for repetition

II 1 public perception of energy and the energy industry

EXPRESSING OPINIONS AND AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT

Giving your opinion Agreeing Asking for opinions

UNIT 1 Introduction to the energy business I 9

Power Plant Type R a t i n g

connection • distribution network • facility • municipal utility •

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gas from a % % I n c h it owns and operates to the final

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'111.4)11g-1i N‘hicli I l i cicclricil� wit% t o the

From generator to supplier to customer

Customer choice and the role of the regulator

0 Site map 0 Legal 0 Access 0 Disclaimer / 1009 ELEC - A l l r i g h t s reserved

DID YOU KNOW?

The first practical generator was built by Thomas

please watch this graph

i pylon 5 t o make certain

Isthe regulator the answer?

market has been liberalized, many energy t h e i r networks. Many see I I

this p r o c e s s . They claim t o consider their prices. This will probably

there are no real benefits. They see energy m a k e it less profitable to

companies m a k i n g large profits, f i r s t l y t h e final customer with electricity and gas.

through the " o f power E a c h company's overall

outside companies high grid fees f o r the t h e market.

DID YOU KNOW?

5 I t has networks in many European countries.

i a fossil fuel used for generating electricity