UPSC – CSE Prelims 2024
EASY
S&T – ENERGY
1. Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following ?
(a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields
(b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops
(c) Long duration energy storage
(d) Rainwater harvesting system
Ans. (c)
Pumped storage hydropower (PSH)
- It is a type of hydroelectric energy storage.
- It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from one to the other (discharge), passing through a turbine.
- The system also requires power as it pumps water back into the upper reservoir (recharge).
- PSH acts similarly to a giant battery, because it can store power and then release it when needed.
Current Affairs January 2024
MEDIUM
S&T – ENERGY
2. Consider the following:
- Battery storage
- Biomass generators
- Fuel cells
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic units
How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources” ?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans. (d)
Distributed energy resources (DER)
- It refers to often smaller generation units that are located on the consumer’s side of the meter.
- Examples of distributed energy resources that can be installed include:
- roof top solar photovoltaic units
- wind generating units
- battery storage
- batteries in electric vehicles used to export power back to the grid
- combined heat and power units, or tri-generation units that also utilise waste heat to provide cooling
- biomass generators, which are fuelled with waste gas or industrial and agricultural by-products.
- open and closed cycle gas turbines
- reciprocating engines (diesel, oil)
- hydro and mini-hydro schemes
- fuel cells.
UPSC – CSE Prelims 2023
S&T – ENERGY
1. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
- It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
- It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
- It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Green hydrogen can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion: This statement is correct. Green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources, can be utilized as a fuel for internal combustion engines. It can be used as a direct replacement for fossil fuels in vehicles and other applications.
Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation: This statement is correct. Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas in certain proportions and used as a fuel for heat or power generation. This blend, often referred to as “hydrogen-enriched natural gas,” can help reduce the carbon emissions associated with natural gas combustion.
Green hydrogen can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles: This statement is correct. Green hydrogen can be utilized in fuel cells to produce electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells can power vehicles, providing an alternative to conventional internal combustion engines and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.