Explore comprehensive UPSC Mains Topic Wise Questions on Science & Technology, specifically delving into Energy, including Nuclear Energy. This resource provides a structured approach to understanding key concepts and issues within the domain, aiding in exam preparation. Covering a wide array of topics, it offers insightful questions aimed at fostering a deep understanding of energy dynamics, including the complexities surrounding nuclear energy. Dive into this resource to enhance your grasp of critical subjects, preparing you effectively for the UPSC Mains examination.
Q1. Write about Radiation & its effects. (2003, 2 marks)
Answer: Radiation, energy in form of waves or particles, can be natural (sunlight) or man-made (X-rays). High doses damage cells, causing sickness or mutations. UPSC concerns include nuclear safety, medical applications, and radiological threats.
Q2. Discuss in detail ‘Alternative Energy Sources’. (2004, 30 Marks)
Answer: India faces a daunting challenge in meeting its growing energy demands while ensuring environmental sustainability. Fossil fuels, the mainstay of our current energy mix, are finite and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure energy security and combat climate change, India needs to aggressively pursue alternative energy sources.
Here’s a discussion on prominent alternative energy sources:
- Solar Energy:
- Abundant, clean, and reliable.
- Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity.
- Applications: Rooftop solar panels, solar power plants.
- Wind Energy:
- Harnessing wind power for electricity generation.
- Cost-effective and environment-friendly.
- Requires suitable wind speed locations.
- Hydropower:
- Utilizing flowing water to generate electricity through dams.
- Mature technology with high efficiency.
- Geographical limitations and environmental concerns exist.
- Geothermal Energy:
- Utilizing heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity.
- Clean and reliable but limited availability.
- Requires specific geological conditions.
- Biomass Energy:
- Utilizing organic matter like agricultural waste for electricity or biofuels.
- Renewable and carbon-neutral if sustainably managed.
- Challenges include feedstock availability and emissions control.
- Nuclear Energy:
- High energy density with low greenhouse gas emissions.
- Concerns regarding safety, waste disposal, and proliferation.
The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote alternative energy sources, including:
- Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
- National Wind Mission (NWM)
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for clean cooking fuel
Developing a robust energy infrastructure, promoting research and development, and providing financial incentives are crucial for accelerating the adoption of alternative energy sources.
Conclusion
A judicious mix of alternative energy sources, along with energy efficiency measures, is essential for India’s sustainable energy future. This will ensure energy security, environmental protection, and economic growth.
Q3. Why is hydrogen being acclaimed as the fuel of the future? (150 words) (2005, 15 marks)
Answer: In 2005, hydrogen emerged as a promising contender for the “fuel of the future” due to several key advantages. Firstly, when used in fuel cells, hydrogen produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a clean-burning alternative to fossil fuels and a potential solution to air pollution concerns. Secondly, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, offering a theoretically limitless resource.
For India, a nation with growing energy demands, hydrogen’s potential is particularly attractive. It could lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels and enhance energy security. Additionally, hydrogen production from renewable sources like solar or wind could create a sustainable energy ecosystem. However, significant challenges remain, including efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure development.
Q4. Bring out the prospects of development of alternative energy sources of India. (2006, 10 Marks)
Answer: India’s growing energy needs necessitate exploration of alternative energy sources. Solar, wind, biomass, and hydro power offer significant prospects:
- Sustainability: Unlike fossil fuels, these renewables are environment-friendly and contribute to mitigating climate change.
- Decentralization: Renewable energy can be harnessed locally, reducing dependence on imported fuels and enhancing energy security.
- Accessibility: Remote areas with weak grid connectivity can benefit from renewable sources like solar power.
- Employment Generation: The sector has the potential to create new jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
However, challenges remain:
- High Initial Investment: Setting up renewable energy plants requires substantial upfront costs.
- Intermittency: Solar and wind power are variable, demanding energy storage solutions.
- Transmission Infrastructure: Upgrading the grid is necessary to integrate these sources effectively.
In conclusion, India must prioritize developing alternative energy sources through:
- Policy incentives to attract investment and reduce costs.
- Technological advancements to improve efficiency and storage capabilities.
- Grid modernization to ensure seamless integration of renewables.
By addressing these challenges, India can achieve energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth through a robust alternative energy sector.
Q5. Write brief note in about 30 words on Artificial Sun. (2009, 3 Marks)
Answer: “Artificial Sun” refers to experimental nuclear fusion reactors aiming to replicate the Sun’s energy production process. These reactors hold immense promise for providing a clean and virtually limitless energy source. However, significant technological hurdles remain before achieving commercial viability.
Q6. What is ‘Deepwater Horizon’ incident and why has it been in the news recently? (Your answer should be in a sentence or two only) (2010, 3 Marks)
Answer: The Deepwater Horizon was a semi-submersible oil rig that exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, causing the worst environmental oil spill in US history. It may be in recent news due to ongoing legal repercussions or environmental effects.
Q7. Write about ‘Concentrated’ solar energy and ‘photovoltaic’ solar energy. (2011, 5 Marks)
Answer: Concentrated Solar Power (CSP):
CSP utilizes mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver, heating a transfer fluid. This heat is then used to generate electricity through a steam turbine. While CSP offers higher efficiency than photovoltaic cells, it requires substantial upfront investment and land area.
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power:
PV cells directly convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. PV systems are modular and scalable, making them suitable for rooftop installations and large solar farms. Although less efficient than CSP, their lower costs and wider applicability make them a popular choice for solar energy generation.
In essence, CSP is a thermal solar technology that concentrates sunlight to generate heat, while Photovoltaic (PV) is a direct conversion technology that converts sunlight into electricity. The choice between the two depends on factors like efficiency requirements, available land, and upfront costs.
Q8. To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? (2015, 12 Marks)
Answer: The Decline of Solar Costs and Its Impact on Thermal Power
The dramatic fall in solar equipment costs and tariffs can be attributed to several key factors:
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in solar cell materials and manufacturing processes have significantly improved efficiency, requiring less material per unit of energy produced. This directly translates to lower equipment costs.
- Economies of Scale: The surging global demand for solar energy has spurred mass production, leading to economies of scale that further reduce manufacturing costs.
- Government Support: Policy initiatives like subsidies and tax breaks have incentivized solar power generation, making it a more attractive option for investors and developers. This increased competition has driven down bidding prices for solar projects.
These developments have significant implications for thermal power producers and the related industry:
- Increased Competition: Lower solar tariffs pose a direct challenge to the competitiveness of thermal power. As solar becomes more economical, it will likely displace thermal power plants, especially those with high operating costs.
- Pressure on Coal-Based Plants: Coal power plants, a mainstay of India’s energy sector, face particular pressure. Coal prices can be volatile, and environmental regulations add additional costs. The shift towards solar could lead to underutilization or even closure of some coal plants.
- Investment Diversification: Thermal power companies may need to diversify their investments towards renewable energy sources to remain competitive. This could involve setting up solar subsidiaries or integrating solar power with their existing grid infrastructure.
- Job Market Shifts: The decline of thermal power may lead to job losses in coal mining and related industries. However, the renewable energy sector is expected to create new employment opportunities in areas like solar panel manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
Overall, the falling costs of solar energy represent a significant shift in the Indian energy landscape. While it presents challenges for thermal power producers, it also opens doors for innovation and adaptation. Embracing renewable energy will be crucial for India’s energy security and long-term sustainability.
Q9. Give an account of the current status of the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (2016, 12 Marks)
Answer: Current Status of Renewable Energy Targets (as of 2016):
India has set ambitious goals for renewable energy capacity. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims for 175 GW by 2022, with a breakdown of:
- Solar: 100 GW (utility-scale, distributed, off-grid)
- Wind: 60 GW (utility-scale)
- Small Hydro: 5 GW
- Bioenergy: 10 GW
Progress has been significant, but achieving the target requires continued focus. As of a recent date (reliable data post-2016 may be needed for your specific exam), the installed capacity might be around 90 GW, with solar and wind leading the way.
Importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs):
This initiative complements renewable energy efforts by promoting energy efficiency. LEDs offer numerous benefits:
- Reduced Energy Consumption: LEDs use significantly less energy compared to incandescent bulbs, leading to substantial power savings.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the upfront cost might be higher, LEDs have a much longer lifespan, resulting in lower long-term expenses.
- Environmental Benefits: Lower energy consumption translates to reduced dependence on fossil fuels and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improved Lighting Quality: LEDs provide better quality light with higher luminous efficacy.
By promoting widespread LED adoption, the program not only conserves energy but also reduces the overall load on power grids, making more resources available for other purposes. This synergy between renewable energy and energy efficiency is crucial for India’s sustainable development.
Q10. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor programme in India? (250 words) (2017, 15 Marks)
Answer: India’s Nuclear Journey and the Fast Breeder Advantage
India’s nuclear program, initiated in the 1950s under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has seen impressive growth:
- Self-reliance: Driven by technology denial from developed nations, India fostered indigenous research and development, leading to milestones like the Apsara reactor (1st research reactor) and Pokhran nuclear tests.
- Multifaceted Approach: India’s program encompasses nuclear power generation, radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications, and strategic deterrence.
- Three-stage Nuclear Power Program: This ambitious program aims to maximize utilization of India’s nuclear fuel resources:
- Stage 1: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium produce electricity and plutonium-239 (Pu-239) as a byproduct.
- Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) become crucial here.
Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Program and its Advantages:
FBRs offer significant benefits for India’s energy security and resource management:
- Efficient Fuel Utilization: FBRs can “breed” more fissile material than they consume, using Pu-239 from Stage 1 to convert fertile uranium-238 (U-238) into fissile plutonium. This maximizes fuel utilization and reduces dependence on limited uranium reserves.
- Thorium Potential: India possesses vast thorium reserves. FBRs can be used in Stage 3 to convert thorium into fissile uranium-233 (U-233), a highly efficient fuel, making India less reliant on imported uranium.
- Waste Reduction: FBRs can “burn” some long-lived actinides present in spent nuclear fuel, reducing the volume and radioactivity of waste requiring long-term storage.
Developing a robust FBR program is critical for India’s future energy security and sustainable nuclear power generation. However, technological advancements and addressing safety concerns remain crucial aspects for successful implementation.
Q11. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018, 15 marks)
Answer: India’s burgeoning energy demands necessitate a critical evaluation of nuclear power’s role.
Facts Supporting Expansion:
- Clean Energy Source: Nuclear power generation produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, aiding India’s climate goals.
- Baseload Power: Unlike renewables (solar, wind) which are intermittent, nuclear plants provide reliable baseload power, crucial for grid stability.
- Fuel Efficiency: Nuclear fuel produces a vast amount of energy compared to fossil fuels, reducing import dependence.
- Economic Benefits: Nuclear power offers a stable and cost-effective source of electricity, impacting industrial growth and development.
Fears and Challenges:
- Safety Concerns: Accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have instilled fear of radioactive disasters and long-term environmental damage.
- Nuclear Waste Management: The safe disposal of radioactive waste for extended periods remains a technological and logistical challenge.
- Proliferation Risks: Expansion raises concerns about potential misuse of nuclear materials for military purposes.
- Public Opposition: Safety anxieties and environmental concerns can lead to local resistance against nuclear plant construction.
The Way Forward:
India should pursue nuclear expansion cautiously:
- Prioritize safety: Invest in advanced reactor designs and robust safety protocols to minimize accident risks.
- Develop waste management: Research and implement secure, long-term radioactive waste disposal solutions.
- Ensure non-proliferation: Maintain strict adherence to international treaties and regulations governing nuclear materials.
- Transparent Communication: Actively engage with communities to address safety concerns and build trust.
Conclusion:
Nuclear power offers a viable solution for India’s energy needs. However, a balanced approach that prioritizes safety, waste management, and public trust is essential for a sustainable nuclear energy program.
Q12. Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (250 words) (2020, 15 marks)
Answer: Benefits of Solar Energy:
- Environmental Advantages: Unlike conventional sources that emit pollutants and greenhouse gasses, solar power generation is clean and sustainable. It reduces dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change.
- Energy Security: Solar energy empowers nations to become energy-independent. Abundant sunlight makes it a reliable domestic resource, reducing dependence on import fluctuations.
- Economic Benefits: Low operation and maintenance costs translate to long-term economic advantages. Additionally, government incentives like subsidies and tax breaks make solar power more affordable.
- Decentralized Power Generation: Solar panels can be installed in homes, businesses, and remote areas, promoting energy access and reducing transmission losses associated with centralized power plants.
- Scalability: Solar energy can be harnessed through small-scale rooftop installations or large-scale solar farms, catering to diverse needs.
Government Initiatives:
- National Solar Mission (NSM): Launched in 2010, the NSM aims for large-scale grid-connected solar power capacity addition through subsidies and feed-in tariffs.
- Subsidies and Tax Incentives: Financial assistance for installation and tax breaks on solar equipment encourage adoption of solar technology.
- Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): This policy mandates electricity distribution companies to purchase a specific percentage of their power from renewable sources, promoting solar energy integration into the grid.
- Rooftop Solar Schemes: Initiatives like “Surya Rooftop Yojana” incentivize installation of rooftop solar panels on residential and commercial buildings.
- Research and Development: Government support for R&D fosters innovation in solar panel efficiency and storage solutions.
By harnessing the potential of solar energy and capitalizing on these government initiatives, India can move towards a cleaner, more secure, and sustainable energy future.
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