Consider the following:Battery storageBiomass generatorsFuel cellsRooftop solar photovoltaic unitsHo

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2024 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2024 question covers Renewable Energy – Solar, Wind, Hydrogen & Green Fuels topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2024 Environment & Ecology question has a medium difficulty level.

Q: Where can I find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions?

You can find more UPSC Prelims previous year questions on AspirantMitraa. Browse by subject, topic, year, and difficulty level to practice effectively.

Question

Consider the following:Battery storageBiomass generatorsFuel cellsRooftop solar photovoltaic unitsHow many of the above are considered 'Distributed Energy Resources'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: D  All fourStep-by-step Solution:Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small-scale power generation or storage technologies located close to the point of consumption  typically on the consumer's side of the electricity meter, as opposed to large centralised power plants. DERs can generate, store, or manage energy and can be connected to the grid or operate off-grid.Item 1  Battery storage: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are classic DERs. They store electricity during periods of low demand or high renewable generation and release it during peak demand. Examples include lithium-ion batteries in homes and commercial buildings (e.g., Tesla Powerwall). ✓Item 2  Biomass generators: Small-scale biomass generators (using agricultural waste, wood chips, biogas from livestock waste, etc.) qualify as DERs  they generate electricity locally from organic materials. ✓Item 3  Fuel cells: Hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction (hydrogen + oxygen → electricity + water) are DERs when deployed at the consumer level (homes, commercial buildings, data centres). ✓Item 4  Rooftop solar photovoltaic units: Rooftop solar PV systems are one of the most common and rapidly growing forms of DERs globally. They generate electricity at or near the point of use. ✓All four qualify as Distributed Energy Resources.Why other options are incorrect:Options A, B, C: All undercount  every item in the list (battery storage, biomass generators, fuel cells, rooftop solar) is a recognised category of Distributed Energy Resources.Key Concept: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)  comprehensive list: Generation: Rooftop solar PV; Small wind turbines; Biomass/biogas generators; Micro-hydropower; Diesel/gas gensets; Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems; Hydrogen fuel cells. Storage: Battery storage (Li-ion, flow batteries); Thermal storage (hot water tanks, ice storage); Pumped hydro (small-scale). Management: Smart inverters; Demand response systems; EV charging stations (Vehicle-to-Grid, V2G). DER advantages: Reduce transmission losses; Increase resilience (decentralised grid); Integrate renewable energy; Enable peer-to-peer energy trading. India's DER landscape: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (1 crore rooftop solar targets); Grid-connected rooftop solar capacity (~13 GW as of 2024); BESS projects under National Electricity Plan; Green Hydrogen Mission. Virtual Power Plant (VPP): Aggregation of multiple DERs into a single controllable entity that can participate in electricity markets  emerging concept in India's energy sector.

Consider the following:Battery storageBiomass generatorsFuel cellsRooftop solar photovoltaic unitsHow many of the above are considered 'Distributed Energy Resources'?

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Renewable Energy – Solar, Wind, Hydrogen & Green Fuels

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider the following:Battery storageBiomass generatorsFuel cellsRooftop solar photovoltaic unitsHow many of the above are considered 'Distributed Energy Resources'?

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Renewable Energy – Solar, Wind, Hydrogen & Green Fuels

Frequently Asked Questions