Explanation
Text 1
It is often believed that the transition to renewable energy sources will lead to a reduction in energy prices due to the abundant supply of resources like wind or sunlight. Energy analyst Mark Gallagher studied this concept in the UK power market. He constructed a theoretical model of a total shift to renewables in the UK and found that energy prices would initially increase due to the high cost of installing and implementing these new systems.
Text 2
Energy economists Fiona Rosen and Howard Sugarman conducted a comprehensive study of Germany's ambitious transition to renewable energy sources. Their findings revealed that despite initial inflation, the sustainable energy market impressively matured over the decade covered in their detailed study. Ultimately, energy prices decreased, reaching a level lower than they were before the transition.
Choice C is the best answer. The model in Text 1 observes only an initial increase in energy prices after the transition to renewable energy sources. The study in Text 2, however, is a long-term study that finds an eventual decrease in energy prices. Therefore, it follows that the researchers in Text 2 would respond to the researcher in Text 1 by recommending a longer observation of the initial increase in energy prices.
Choice A: Neither text contains any studies nor findings about the maintenance costs of renewable energy sources.
Choice B: The researchers in Text 2 do not indicate in any way that comparing the energy price increase in two different countries would be relevant.
Choice D: Neither text discusses how the UK would be affected differently from other countries by transitioning to renewable energy.
✨ Expert's Tip ✨
Identify the difference between the finding in Text 1 and the one in Text 2: the finding in Text 1 only observes the initial impact of the transition, while the one in Text 2 examines the impact over an extended period.