romikgosai/squad_modified huggingface dataset:
Total investment in renewable energy (including small hydro-electric projects) was $244 billion in 2012, down 12% from 2011 mainly due to dramatically lower solar prices and weakened US and EU markets. As a share of total investment in power plants, wind and solar PV grew from 14% in 2000 to over 60% in 2012. The top countries for investment in recent years were China, Germany, Spain, the United States, Italy, and Brazil. Renewable energy companies include BrightSource Energy, First Solar, Gamesa, GE Energy, Goldwind, Sinovel, Trina Solar, Vestas and Yingli.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: How much was the total investment in renewable energy in 2012?
A: $244 billion', '
Q: Why did the total investment in renewable energy go down in 2012?
A: dramatically lower solar prices', '
Q: What  six were the top countries for investment in recent years?
A: China, Germany, Spain, the United States, Italy, and Brazil']
EU member countries have shown support for ambitious renewable energy goals. In 2010, Eurobarometer polled the twenty-seven EU member states about the target "to increase the share of renewable energy in the EU by 20 percent by 2020". Most people in all twenty-seven countries either approved of the target or called for it to go further. Across the EU, 57 percent thought the proposed goal was "about right" and 16 percent thought it was "too modest." In comparison, 19 percent said it was "too ambitious".

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Who has shown support for ambitious renewable energy goals?
A: EU member countries', '
Q: What group polled the 27 EU member states in 2010?
A: Eurobarometer', '
Q: The goal was to increase the share of renewable energy in the EU by 20 percent in what year?
A: 2020']
By the end of 2011, total renewable power capacity worldwide exceeded 1,360 GW, up 8%. Renewables producing electricity accounted for almost half of the 208 GW of capacity added globally during 2011. Wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) accounted for almost 40% and 30% . Based on REN21's 2014 report, renewables contributed 19 percent to our energy consumption and 22 percent to our electricity generation in 2012 and 2013, respectively. This energy consumption is divided as 9% coming from traditional biomass, 4.2% as heat energy (non-biomass), 3.8% hydro electricity and 2% electricity from wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: By the end of 2011, total renewable power capacity worldwide exceeded what number?
A: 1,360 GW', '
Q: Renewables contributed what percentage to our energy consumption?
A: 19 percent', '
Q: Renewables contributed what percentage to our electricity generation?
A: 22 percent']
During the five-years from the end of 2004 through 2009, worldwide renewable energy capacity grew at rates of 10–60 percent annually for many technologies. In 2011, UN under-secretary general Achim Steiner said: "The continuing growth in this core segment of the green economy is not happening by chance. The combination of government target-setting, policy support and stimulus funds is underpinning the renewable industry's rise and bringing the much needed transformation of our global energy system within reach." He added: "Renewable energies are expanding both in terms of investment, projects and geographical spread. In doing so, they are making an increasing contribution to combating climate change, countering energy poverty and energy insecurity".

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Who was the UN under-secretary in 2011?
A: Achim Steiner', '
Q: Between what years did worldwide renewable energy capacity grow at rates of 10 to 60 percent annually?
A: 2004 through 2009', '
Q: Who is Achim Steiner?
A: UN under-secretary general']
According to a 2011 projection by the International Energy Agency, solar power plants may produce most of the world's electricity within 50 years, significantly reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases that harm the environment. The IEA has said: "Photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet most of the world's demand for electricity by 2060 – and half of all energy needs – with wind, hydropower and biomass plants supplying much of the remaining generation". "Photovoltaic and concentrated solar power together can become the major source of electricity".

Questions and answers:
["
Q: Which group projected that solar plant may produce most of the world's electricity within 50 years?
A: International Energy Agency", "
Q: Photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet most of the world's demand for electricity by what year?
A: 2060", "
Q: Photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet how much of the world's energy needs by 2060?
A: half"]
In 2013, China led the world in renewable energy production, with a total capacity of 378 GW, mainly from hydroelectric and wind power. As of 2014, China leads the world in the production and use of wind power, solar photovoltaic power and smart grid technologies, generating almost as much water, wind and solar energy as all of France and Germany's power plants combined. China's renewable energy sector is growing faster than its fossil fuels and nuclear power capacity. Since 2005, production of solar cells in China has expanded 100-fold. As Chinese renewable manufacturing has grown, the costs of renewable energy technologies have dropped. Innovation has helped, but the main driver of reduced costs has been market expansion.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Who led the world in renewable energy production in 2013?
A: China', '
Q: Since what year has production of solar cells in China expanded 100-fold?
A: 2005', '
Q: What is the main driver of reduced costs?
A: market expansion']
Renewable energy technologies are getting cheaper, through technological change and through the benefits of mass production and market competition. A 2011 IEA report said: "A portfolio of renewable energy technologies is becoming cost-competitive in an increasingly broad range of circumstances, in some cases providing investment opportunities without the need for specific economic support," and added that "cost reductions in critical technologies, such as wind and solar, are set to continue." As of 2011[update], there have been substantial reductions in the cost of solar and wind technologies:

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What is getting cheaper as a result of technilogical change?
A: Renewable energy technologies', '
Q: As of what year have there been substantial reductions in the cost of solar and wind technologies?
A: 2011', '
Q: What group stated that "cost reductions in critical technologies, such as wind and solar, are set to continue?"
A: IEA']
Renewable energy is also the most economic solution for new grid-connected capacity in areas with good resources. As the cost of renewable power falls, the scope of economically viable applications increases. Renewable technologies are now often the most economic solution for new generating capacity. Where "oil-fired generation is the predominant power generation source (e.g. on islands, off-grid and in some countries) a lower-cost renewable solution almost always exists today". As of 2012, renewable power generation technologies accounted for around half of all new power generation capacity additions globally. In 2011, additions included 41 gigawatt (GW) of new wind power capacity, 30 GW of PV, 25 GW of hydro-electricity, 6 GW of biomass, 0.5 GW of CSP, and 0.1 GW of geothermal power.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What is the most economic solution for new grid-connected capacity in areas with good resources?
A: Renewable energy', '
Q: What happens as the scope of economically viable applications increases?
A: the cost of renewable power falls', '
Q: What are now often the most economic solution for new generating capacity?
A: Renewable technologies']
Biomass for heat and power is a fully mature technology which offers a ready disposal mechanism for municipal, agricultural, and industrial organic wastes. However, the industry has remained relatively stagnant over the decade to 2007, even though demand for biomass (mostly wood) continues to grow in many developing countries. One of the problems of biomass is that material directly combusted in cook stoves produces pollutants, leading to severe health and environmental consequences, although improved cook stove programmes are alleviating some of these effects. First-generation biomass technologies can be economically competitive, but may still require deployment support to overcome public acceptance and small-scale issues.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What is one problem with biomass?
A: material directly combusted in cook stoves produces pollutants', '
Q: What can be economically competetive but may still require deployment support?
A: First-generation biomass technologies', '
Q: What is a fully maturing technology which offer a ready disposal mechanismm?
A: Biomass for heat and power']
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for 16 percent of global electricity generation – 3,427 terawatt-hours of electricity production in 2010, and is expected to increase about 3.1% each year for the next 25 years. Hydroelectric plants have the advantage of being long-lived and many existing plants have operated for more than 100 years.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower?
A: Hydroelectricity', '
Q: What is the most widely used form of renewable energy?
A: Hydroelectricity', '
Q: Hydroelectricity accounts for what percentage of global electricity generation?
A: Hydroelectricity', '
Q: Electricity production is expected to increase by what percentage each year for the next 25 years?
A: 3.1%']
Hydropower is produced in 150 countries, with the Asia-Pacific region generating 32 percent of global hydropower in 2010. China is the largest hydroelectricity producer, with 721 terawatt-hours of production in 2010, representing around 17 percent of domestic electricity use. There are now three hydroelectricity plants larger than 10 GW: the Three Gorges Dam in China, Itaipu Dam across the Brazil/Paraguay border, and Guri Dam in Venezuela. The cost of hydroelectricity is low, making it a competitive source of renewable electricity. The average cost of electricity from a hydro plant larger than 10 megawatts is 3 to 5 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Hydropower is produced in how many countries?
A: 150', '
Q: Which country is the largest hydroelectricity producer?
A: China', '
Q: What is the average cost of electricity from a hydro plant larger than 10 megawatts?
A: 3 to 5 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour', '
Q: How many hydroelectricity plants are larger than 10 GW?
A: three']
Geothermal power capacity grew from around 1 GW in 1975 to almost 10 GW in 2008. The United States is the world leader in terms of installed capacity, representing 3.1 GW. Other countries with significant installed capacity include the Philippines (1.9 GW), Indonesia (1.2 GW), Mexico (1.0 GW), Italy (0.8 GW), Iceland (0.6 GW), Japan (0.5 GW), and New Zealand (0.5 GW). In some countries, geothermal power accounts for a significant share of the total electricity supply, such as in the Philippines, where geothermal represented 17 percent of the total power mix at the end of 2008.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What was the geothermal capacity in 1975?
A: 1 GW', '
Q: What was the geothermal capacity in 2008?
A: 10 GW', '
Q: In the Phillipines, geothermal represented what percentage of the total power mix at the end of 2008?
A: 17 percent']
Many solar photovoltaic power stations have been built, mainly in Europe. As of July 2012, the largest photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the world are the Agua Caliente Solar Project (USA, 247 MW), Charanka Solar Park (India, 214 MW), Golmud Solar Park (China, 200 MW), Perovo Solar Park (Russia 100 MW), Sarnia Photovoltaic Power Plant (Canada, 97 MW), Brandenburg-Briest Solarpark (Germany 91 MW), Solarpark Finow Tower (Germany 84.7 MW), Montalto di Castro Photovoltaic Power Station (Italy, 84.2 MW), Eggebek Solar Park (Germany 83.6 MW), Senftenberg Solarpark (Germany 82 MW), Finsterwalde Solar Park (Germany, 80.7 MW), Okhotnykovo Solar Park (Russia, 80 MW), Lopburi Solar Farm (Thailand 73.16 MW), Rovigo Photovoltaic Power Plant (Italy, 72 MW), and the Lieberose Photovoltaic Park (Germany, 71.8 MW).

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Where have the majority of photovoltaic power stations been built?
A: Europe', '
Q: Where is Charanka Solar Park?
A: India', '
Q: Where is the Agua Caliente Solar Project located?
A: USA']
There are also many large plants under construction. The Desert Sunlight Solar Farm under construction in Riverside County, California and Topaz Solar Farm being built in San Luis Obispo County, California are both 550 MW solar parks that will use thin-film solar photovoltaic modules made by First Solar. The Blythe Solar Power Project is a 500 MW photovoltaic station under construction in Riverside County, California. The California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) is a 250 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant, which is being built by SunPower in the Carrizo Plain, northeast of California Valley. The 230 MW Antelope Valley Solar Ranch is a First Solar photovoltaic project which is under construction in the Antelope Valley area of the Western Mojave Desert, and due to be completed in 2013. The Mesquite Solar project is a photovoltaic solar power plant being built in Arlington, Maricopa County, Arizona, owned by Sempra Generation. Phase 1 will have a nameplate capacity of 150 megawatts.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Where is Desert Sunlight Solar Farm currently under construction?
A: Riverside County, California', '
Q: Where is Desert Sunlight Solar Farm?
A: San Luis Obispo County, California', '
Q: Who is building The Califoria Valley Solar Ranch?
A: SunPower']
Some of the second-generation renewables, such as wind power, have high potential and have already realised relatively low production costs. Global wind power installations increased by 35,800 MW in 2010, bringing total installed capacity up to 194,400 MW, a 22.5% increase on the 158,700 MW installed at the end of 2009. The increase for 2010 represents investments totalling €47.3 billion (US$65 billion) and for the first time more than half of all new wind power was added outside of the traditional markets of Europe and North America, mainly driven, by the continuing boom in China which accounted for nearly half of all of the installations at 16,500 MW. China now has 42,300 MW of wind power installed. Wind power accounts for approximately 19% of electricity generated in Denmark, 9% in Spain and Portugal, and 6% in Germany and the Republic of Ireland. In Australian state of South Australia wind power, championed by Premier Mike Rann (2002–2011), now comprises 26% of the state's electricity generation, edging out coal fired power. At the end of 2011 South Australia, with 7.2% of Australia's population, had 54%of the nation's installed wind power capacity. Wind power's share of worldwide electricity usage at the end of 2014 was 3.1%. These are some of the largest wind farms in the world:

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Global wind power installations increased by how much in 2010?
A: 35,800 MW', '
Q: China has how much wind power installed?
A: 42,300 MW', '
Q: In Denmark, wind power accounts for what percentage of electricity generated?
A: 19%', '
Q: In Spain, wind power accounts for what percentage of electricity generated?
A: 9%', '
Q: In Germany, wind power accounts for what percentage of electricity generated?
A: 6%']
As of 2014, the wind industry in the USA is able to produce more power at lower cost by using taller wind turbines with longer blades, capturing the faster winds at higher elevations. This has opened up new opportunities and in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, the price of power from wind turbines built 300 feet to 400 feet above the ground can now compete with conventional fossil fuels like coal. Prices have fallen to about 4 cents per kilowatt-hour in some cases and utilities have been increasing the amount of wind energy in their portfolio, saying it is their cheapest option.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: How is the wind industry in the USA able to produce more power at lower cost?
A: by using taller wind turbines with longer blades', '
Q: How tall are new wind turbines that are being built in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio?
A: 300 feet to 400 feet above the ground', '
Q: Wind turbines in the USA can now compete with what type of fuel?
A: conventional fossil fuels like coal', '
Q: Prices have fallen as low as what price?
A: 4 cents per kilowatt-hour']
Solar thermal power stations include the 354 megawatt (MW) Solar Energy Generating Systems power plant in the USA, Solnova Solar Power Station (Spain, 150 MW), Andasol solar power station (Spain, 100 MW), Nevada Solar One (USA, 64 MW), PS20 solar power tower (Spain, 20 MW), and the PS10 solar power tower (Spain, 11 MW). The 370 MW Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, located in California's Mojave Desert, is the world's largest solar-thermal power plant project currently under construction. Many other plants are under construction or planned, mainly in Spain and the USA. In developing countries, three World Bank projects for integrated solar thermal/combined-cycle gas-turbine power plants in Egypt, Mexico, and Morocco have been approved.

Questions and answers:
["
Q: Where is the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility located?
A: California's Mojave Desert", "
Q: What is the world's largest solar-thermal power plant project currently under construction?
A: Ivanpah Solar Power Facility", '
Q: Where is the PS20 solar power tower located?
A: Spain']
Nearly all the gasoline sold in the United States today is mixed with 10 percent ethanol, a mix known as E10, and motor vehicle manufacturers already produce vehicles designed to run on much higher ethanol blends. Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and GM are among the automobile companies that sell flexible-fuel cars, trucks, and minivans that can use gasoline and ethanol blends ranging from pure gasoline up to 85% ethanol (E85). The challenge is to expand the market for biofuels beyond the farm states where they have been most popular to date. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, which calls for 7.5 billion US gallons (28,000,000 m3) of biofuels to be used annually by 2012, will also help to expand the market.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Nearly all gasoline sold in the U.S. is mixed with what percentage of ethanol?
A: 10 percent', '
Q: What act calls for 7.5 billion US gallons of biofuels to be used annually by 2012?
A: The Energy Policy Act of 2005', '
Q: Name one company that sells flexible-fuel cars?
A: GM']
According to the International Energy Agency, cellulosic ethanol biorefineries could allow biofuels to play a much bigger role in the future than organizations such as the IEA previously thought. Cellulosic ethanol can be made from plant matter composed primarily of inedible cellulose fibers that form the stems and branches of most plants. Crop residues (such as corn stalks, wheat straw and rice straw), wood waste, and municipal solid waste are potential sources of cellulosic biomass. Dedicated energy crops, such as switchgrass, are also promising cellulose sources that can be sustainably produced in many regions.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What can be made from plant matter composed primarily of inedible celllose fibers thta form the stems and branches of most plants?
A: Cellulosic ethanol', '
Q: What are potential sources of cellulosic biomass?
A: Crop residues', '
Q: What is a promising cellulose source that can be sustainably produced in many regions?
A: Dedicated energy crops']
As of 2008[update], geothermal power development was under way in more than 40 countries, partially attributable to the development of new technologies, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems. The development of binary cycle power plants and improvements in drilling and extraction technology may enable enhanced geothermal systems over a much greater geographical range than "traditional" Geothermal systems. Demonstration EGS projects are operational in the USA, Australia, Germany, France, and The United Kingdom.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: As of 2008, geothermal power development was underway in more than how many countries?
A: 40', '
Q: What is one new technology attributed to the growth of geothermal power?
A: Enhanced Geothermal Systems', '
Q: What is operational in the USA, Australia, Germany, France and The United Kingdom?
A: Demonstration EGS projects']
The PV industry has seen drops in module prices since 2008. In late 2011, factory-gate prices for crystalline-silicon photovoltaic modules dropped below the $1.00/W mark. The $1.00/W installed cost, is often regarded in the PV industry as marking the achievement of grid parity for PV. These reductions have taken many stakeholders, including industry analysts, by surprise, and perceptions of current solar power economics often lags behind reality. Some stakeholders still have the perspective that solar PV remains too costly on an unsubsidized basis to compete with conventional generation options. Yet technological advancements, manufacturing process improvements, and industry re-structuring, mean that further price reductions are likely in coming years.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: The PV industry has seen drops in module prices since what year?
A: 2008', '
Q: What is a sign that further price reductions are likely in coming years?
A: technological advancements', '
Q: What cost is often regarded as marking the achievment of grid parity for PV?
A: $1.00/W installed cost']
Many energy markets, institutions, and policies have been developed to support the production and use of fossil fuels. Newer and cleaner technologies may offer social and environmental benefits, but utility operators often reject renewable resources because they are trained to think only in terms of big, conventional power plants. Consumers often ignore renewable power systems because they are not given accurate price signals about electricity consumption. Intentional market distortions (such as subsidies), and unintentional market distortions (such as split incentives) may work against renewables. Benjamin K. Sovacool has argued that "some of the most surreptitious, yet powerful, impediments facing renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States are more about culture and institutions than engineering and science".

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Why do utility operators often reject renewable resources?
A: because they are trained to think only in terms of big, conventional power plants', '
Q: Why do consumers often ignore renewable power systems?
A: because they are not given accurate price signals about electricity consumption', '
Q: Who argued that some of the problems facing renewable energy are more about culture and institutions than engineering and science?
A: Benjamin K. Sovacool']
Lester Brown states that the market "does not incorporate the indirect costs of providing goods or services into prices, it does not value nature's services adequately, and it does not respect the sustainable-yield thresholds of natural systems". It also favors the near term over the long term, thereby showing limited concern for future generations. Tax and subsidy shifting can help overcome these problems, though is also problematic to combine different international normative regimes regulating this issue.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Lester Brown states that the market does not incorporate what?
A: the indirect costs of providing goods or services into prices', "
Q: Who believes that the market does not value nature's service adequately?
A: Lester Brown", '
Q: What can help over come the problems with the market?
A: Tax and subsidy shifting']