UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I
Question 38: Economy and Social Development
Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
In pumped-storage hydropower, surplus electricity, for example from solar and wind or off-peak hours, is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper one. When demand is high, the water is released through turbines to generate power. It stores energy for hours and is a leading form of long duration energy storage, helping grid balance as renewable power grows.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: it is not a method of irrigating terraced fields.
- (b) Wrong: it is not lift irrigation; it generates power.
- (c) Right: pumped storage is a way of storing energy for long durations.
- (d) Wrong: it is not rainwater harvesting.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.