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

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.