Question

Read the following excerpt carefully.
In the future, hydrogen may form a significant part of our energy systems. Today it is mostly used in oil refineries and fertiliser but in the future hydrogen could power our cars, heat our homes, and fuel industry. A recent McKinsey study suggested that in less than 25 years, hydrogen could account for 18% of global energy consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from current levels by some 6 gigatons….
Which of the following sentences will MOST logically complete the above excerpt?

• A. Germany unsuccessfully experimented with trains fuelled by hydrogen.
• B. The impact of such a change in the energy system would be huge, potentially generating $2,500 billion in revenue globally and creating more than 30 million jobs.
• C. Earlier, experts thought that hydrogen fuel would be too expensive.
• D. Hydrogen can be made through reformation, electrolysis, or pyrolysis, comes labelled in different colours from simple green to more complicated turquoise, can be stored as a gas, cryogenic liquid, converted to ammonia or even borane and then finally made useful through a fuel cell, engine, or burner.
• E. Despite the potential, 90% of the general population knew nothing about hydrogen technology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The given excerpt discusses the potential future role of hydrogen in energy systems, highlighting its current use and projected impact. The passage suggests that hydrogen could become a significant part of global energy consumption, contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. We are tasked with selecting a sentence that logically completes the excerpt, based on the information provided.

Let's analyze the options:

Germany unsuccessfully experimented with trains fuelled by hydrogen.

1. 
   This sentence, while related to hydrogen, introduces a specific and somewhat negative example that does not align with the optimistic tone focusing on the widespread, future potential of hydrogen.

The impact of such a change in the energy system would be huge, potentially generating $2,500 billion in revenue globally and creating more than 30 million jobs.

1. 
   This sentence logically follows from the excerpt, detailing the significant economic impact of hydrogen as part of the energy system, aligning with the speculative and future-oriented discussion about hydrogen. Therefore, this is the most logical choice to complete the excerpt.

Earlier, experts thought that hydrogen fuel would be too expensive.

1. 
   This sentence introduces a past perspective about hydrogen costs and contrasts with the forward-looking predictions in the passage, thus doesn’t effectively complete the optimistic outlook.

Hydrogen can be made through reformation, electrolysis, or pyrolysis, comes labelled in different colours from simple green to more complicated turquoise, can be stored as a gas, cryogenic liquid, converted to ammonia or even borane and then finally made useful through a fuel cell, engine, or burner.

1. 
   This sentence delves into technical details about hydrogen's production and use, which diverges from the economic impact focus of the passage.

Despite the potential, 90% of the general population knew nothing about hydrogen technology.

1. 
   While relevant, this introduces a note of ignorance that doesn’t align with the economic and optimistic perspective depicted in the passage.

Thus, based on the analysis, the most suitable sentence to complete the excerpt is: "The impact of such a change in the energy system would be huge, potentially generating $2,500 billion in revenue globally and creating more than 30 million jobs."

Answer 2

In the given excerpt, the focus is on the future potential of hydrogen as a major part of global energy systems and its impact on reducing carbon emissions. The sentence that most logically completes the excerpt should align with the forward-looking and impactful nature of hydrogen energy. Let's evaluate the options:

• Germany unsuccessfully experimented with trains fuelled by hydrogen.
• The impact of such a change in the energy system would be huge, potentially generating $2,500 billion in revenue globally and creating more than 30 million jobs.
• Earlier, experts thought that hydrogen fuel would be too expensive.
• Hydrogen can be made through reformation, electrolysis, or pyrolysis, comes labelled in different colours from simple green to more complicated turquoise, can be stored as a gas, cryogenic liquid, converted to ammonia or even borane and then finally made useful through a fuel cell, engine, or burner.
• Despite the potential, 90% of the general population knew nothing about hydrogen technology.

Analyzing each option:

1. The first option is about past experiments in Germany, which does not logically follow in the context of potential future impacts.
2. The second option complements the excerpt by highlighting the substantial economic and employment benefits of adopting hydrogen as a major energy source, aligning perfectly with the theme of transformation and impact.
3. The third option references past perceptions of cost, which detracts from the focus on future possibilities.
4. The fourth option details methods of hydrogen production and storage, shifting focus from societal impact to technical details.
5. The fifth option introduces a new angle about public awareness that does not directly extend the initial theme of global energy transformation.

Thus, the sentence that most suitably concludes the excerpt is: The impact of such a change in the energy system would be huge, potentially generating $2,500 billion in revenue globally and creating more than 30 million jobs.