Energy

19 UPSC Mains GS III questions on Energy, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Energy toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q6Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term ‘criticality’. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country ?10 marks · 150 words
2. 2026 Q11Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability ?15 marks · 250 words
3. 2025 Q5The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy ?10 marks · 150 words
4. 2025 Q6How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047 ? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour ?10 marks · 150 words
5. 2023 Q6Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2023 Q15The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?15 marks · 250 words
7. 2022 Q12Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective ? Explain.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2021 Q6Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) ?10 marks · 150 words
9. 2021 Q16The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings ?15 marks · 250 words
10. 2020 Q16Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?15 marks · 250 words
11. 2018 Q1“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the *sine qua non* to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.10 marks · 150 words
12. 2018 Q16With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.15 marks · 250 words
13. 2017 Q16Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India ?15 marks · 250 words
14. 2016 Q11Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2015 Q9To 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 ?12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2014 Q13Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 2014 Q15Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads.12.5 marks · 200 words
18. 2013 Q11Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.10 marks · 200 words
19. 2013 Q17(b)What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project ? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project ?5 marks · 100 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.